A Colorado portrait session is truly second to none. As a Colorado photographer for more than a decade, I can honestly attest to the unique beauty this amazing state has to offer! From perfectly lit golden hours to stunning natural backdrops and a variety of cityscapes, all easily within driving distance, you really couldn’t manufacture better backdrops. So whether you’re celebrating your wedding or engagement, your senior year, your family, or just looking to update your headshots or personal website, read on for my favorite ways to create a perfect Colorado portrait session. 

Scout Your Location

The first step? You’ll need to pick your favorite scenery, which is no easy task! Colorado has rugged terrain, rocky mountains, wildflower fields, lookout points—even National Parks, forested areas and plenty of scenic trails. If you’re looking for something a little more professional or controlled, there are plenty of historic buildings, amazing studios and indoor spaces, too! 

If you need some guidance, reach out to your photographer and ask if they have any recommendations! Send links (or share pins) to your favorite portrait looks. Your photographer can take it from there to create a perfect Colorado portrait session! Not sure what look you’re going for? Check out some of your photographer’s galleries or social media pages. Maybe they’ve already scouted out the perfect place.

Create a Mood Board

No matter what kind of portraits you’re taking, you’ll need to determine your look and feel. With your location all picked out, it’s time to start picking out which colors you want to wear, items you want to incorporate, etc. If your Colorado portrait session is a family shoot, you’ll want to coordinate outfits, and looking at everything together on a mood or Pinterest board is a great way to visualize your overall aesthetic. 

Seniors, headshots, and families can also utilize plenty of props to show off every unique personality your portrait session is capturing. Think sports equipment, cherished books, a blanket to sit on, baby or toddler’s favorite toys, stethoscopes or cameras for headshots, etc. This is where your mood board can come to life! Google some inspiration and see what types of items best fit the look you’re going for. Add them to your colors and location to make sure it’s all working together toward your vision!

Make a Shot List

Your photographer can help you with this one, too, but it’s always helpful to have an idea of what you’re going for ahead of time. Want to make sure you get prop and no-prop images? Make a note of both! Want to make sure you have senior portraits that include siblings, one or both parents? Make note of those, too. Family portraits? Make sure you have each combination ready to communicate.

Shot lists can ensure efficient and effective storytelling. They maximize your time with your photographer so you walk away with all the images you need. Allow your creative vision to be a part of the process, manage everyone’s expectations, and document the moments that mean the most to you. 

Be Prepared for a Colorado Portrait Session

Colorado is a stunning place for portraits, but it also poses some unique challenges. (Dry skin and chapped lips, anyone?) These Wedding Day Essentials for Colorado Brides aren’t just for bridal portraits! Check out the list linked above and use it to plan your own Colorado portrait session. From hand cream to dryer sheets, ibuprofen and water bottles, trust me, you’ll be glad you did! When you feel good, you look good. And when both come together, your portraits are sure to make your heart swell! 

There’s a reason they say it takes 12-18 months to plan your wedding day. Big events naturally take more time to organize, and it’s only natural to want your celebration to be perfect, down to the very last detail. But some details you can’t predict or decide for yourself, no matter how long your engagement—like rain. If your big day is approaching this summer, chances are you’re obsessively checking your weather app. If that sounds familiar, read on for my favorite tips for dealing with rain on your wedding day—and how to get the best photos out of it.

What Rain on Your Wedding Day Means

I know that little cloud on the forecast can make your heart sink, especially if your wedding is outdoors, as most Colorado weddings are. But did you know that in some cultures, rain on your wedding day is actually considered a good thing? Afterall, a wet knot is more difficult to untie. So what better way to tie the knot than in the rain? Some parts of the world see rain on your wedding day as a true fresh start, celebrating a new union as you wash away the past and any bad memories. Others believe rain is a sign of future fertility and fortune. Whatever you believe, that leads me to my first tip:

1. Be Flexible

You know what they say… Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain! Since even the best planners can’t control the weather, letting go of expectations, going with the flow and not trying to force a situation will alleviate so much stress—and create some incredible memories in the process. Allow for a little more time in your schedule, and embrace the day for what it is! And be sure to add these memories to your photographer’s shot list:

• Have a friend or family member pick up some rain boots for your wedding party in plenty of fun, bright colors. Then show them off in a joy-filled photo session with your closest girls.
  
• Grab a cute umbrella, then sneak away with your photographer and your new spouse. The weather isn’t the focus of the day—your love is… The love you probably just vowed would weather the storms together! Rainy mist is so romantic. Why not make the most of it?
  
• Keep your eyes on the skies. Where there is rain, there are rainbows, and if one appears over your celebration, be prepared for your photographer to take full advantage!
  
  

2. Be Prepared

While you can’t control rain on your wedding day, you can plan for it, if it looks like a real possibility. Talk to your planner (if you’re using one) or venue coordinator, and have a plan B firmly in place for any parts of your day affected by the weather. (Think alternate ceremony spaces, or safe, secure tents for cocktail hour). Chances are they’ve dealt with the weather before, and can likely suggest vendors they’ve worked with before, if need be. Then be sure to tell your photographer! They’ll likely revise your shot list and timeline, bring the necessary items to protect their equipment and accommodate the drops and lighting, or even bring some great rainy-day props to use (like clear umbrellas). 

Once your backup plan is in place, you can be prepared with a list of items you’d need in that circumstance, or things you could provide your party and guests to make the most of the situation. These are a few of my favorites: 

• Candles/Lanterns
• Blankets
• Umbrellas
• Coffee/Hot Cocoa
• Towels

3. Protect the Glam

By all means, don’t be afraid to get wet if there’s rain on your wedding day—but be responsible for your look, too! You spent months tracking down the perfect dress, and gowns aren’t exactly machine-washable. And trust me, if there’s rain on your wedding day, you’re in for some amazing photos… shots you won’t want tainted by mascara running down your cheeks! Make sure to consider these options:

• If you head outside, try to stay covered, either under a jacket, an umbrella or tent.
• Have a member of your bridal party on train-carrying duty at all times to avoid a muddy hemline. 
• Have a change of shoes handy for walking from space to space
• Ask your hair and makeup stylist to stay longer for touch ups. Bringing some spare blow dryers and setting spray couldn’t hurt, either!

Even if you prefer clear skies, rain on your wedding day can make for memories you’ll never forget. If the forecast looks grim, your future together is bright! It will still be a beautiful day.