Celebrate Your Senior Year with Photos That Feel Like You
Senior year only happens once — and your photos should feel authentic, fun, and true to who you are. Choosing the right location makes all the difference. As a senior photographer based in Northern Colorado, I’ve spent nearly 20 years photographing seniors throughout Boulder County, Lyons, Longmont, and beyond.
The good news? Northern Colorado and the Denver Front Range have some of the most beautiful and varied backdrops anywhere in Colorado — from sandstone canyon walls to golden wildflower fields, mountain trails to charming downtown streets. Here are some of my favorite places to capture this milestone.
Ready to book your Lyons or Longmont senior session? I’d love to hear about your senior. Inquire about a senior session
Senior Photo Locations in Longmont, Colorado
Longmont surprises a lot of people with how much variety it offers for senior portraits. Within just a few miles you can go from lush parkland to urban textures to wide open golden fields — which means we can capture completely different looks in a single session..
Top Longmont spots for senior photos:
- Roosevelt Park — Mature trees and open lawns create beautiful dappled light in the late afternoon, and the flower gardens add color from late spring through fall. This is one of my most-used locations for good reason.
- Downtown Longmont — Brick alleys, painted walls, and architectural details give senior portraits an editorial edge. Great for seniors who want something a little more urban and creative.
- Golden Ponds Natural Area — Cottonwood trees, open water, and soft natural light make this a stunning option for seniors who love a more natural, relaxed feel.
See Longmont family and Longmont senior photography.
Senior Photo Locations in Lyons, Colorado
Lyons is one of my absolute favorite towns for senior portraits — and honestly one of the most underrated photography locations in all of Colorado. The combination of red sandstone canyon walls, the St. Vrain River, and the town’s artsy small-town character creates a backdrop you simply can’t find anywhere else on the Front Range.
Top Lyons spots for senior photos:
- Sandstone formations — The iconic red rock walls that frame Lyons create a dramatic, timeless backdrop that photographs beautifully in any season. The warm tones of the rock complement almost every outfit color.
- The St. Vrain River corridor — Flowing water, smooth river rocks, and lush greenery along the banks create a naturally beautiful setting. Fall sessions here are especially stunning when the cottonwoods turn gold.
- Downtown Lyons — Colorful murals, rustic storefronts, and the town’s creative character make for portraits with real personality. Perfect for seniors who want something with a little more edge and individuality.
- Meadows and open fields outside of town — Just beyond Lyons the landscape opens up into sweeping meadows with mountain views — perfect for seniors who want that classic Colorado outdoor feel.
See Lyons family + senior photography.
Other Northern Colorado and Denver Area Senior Photo Spots
Beyond Lyons and Longmont, I photograph seniors throughout the Front Range. Here are some of my other favorite locations:
- Boulder — The iconic Flatirons make an unforgettable backdrop, and Chautauqua boasts many other cool, less-known photo ops. Pearl Street’s historic architecture offers a completely different urban vibe. Boulder has many other parks and spaces that all are great senior session options.
- Berthoud — One of Northern Colorado’s hidden gems for senior portraits. The Northern Water Conservation District Gardens are a standout location — lush landscaping, beautiful flowers, and unique architectural elements create a refined, garden-inspired backdrop that’s unlike anything else in the area. Berthoud’s small-town charm and easy access from Loveland, Longmont, and Fort Collins make it a convenient and stunning choice.
- Loveland — Historic downtown Loveland has wonderful textures and character, and the Big Thompson River corridor offers gorgeous natural light and lush greenery. Loveland seniors have so many options within just a few miles.
- Broomfield and Westminster — Open space parks and trails offer beautiful prairie and mountain view backdrops, and the area has some wonderful spots that feel far more remote than they actually are. Great for families coming from the south Denver suburbs.
- Golden — Clear Creek, the historic downtown, and the foothills just above town make Golden one of the most scenic options on the Front Range. I have photographed many sessions by the history park and on Table Mountain.
- Niwot — Tree-lined streets, artsy corners, and a charming small-town feel. Niwot is perfect for seniors who want something relaxed and authentic without a lot of other people around. Plus, many of the neighborhood have great little green spaces, and Niwot is close to Coot Lake.
- Fort Collins — Old Town Fort Collins has incredible architectural variety and character, and the natural areas surrounding the city offer everything from open plains to foothills terrain.
FAQs About Senior Photos in Northern Colorado
What’s the best time of year for senior photos in Colorado?
Fall is the most popular (crisp air, golden light, colorful leaves), but can be so busy for seniors. Summer evenings are wonderful for warm light and casual vibes. See my suggested full timing guide here →
What should I wear for my senior session?
I provide all seniors access to Style & Select, an online wardrobe styling tool that helps coordinate outfits. Many seniors don’t need this, but it could be helpful if you are having a hard time planning your outfit. My best advice: bring a mix of casual, dressy, and something that feels authentically you. I encourage my clients to text me photos if they want feedback.
How much do senior photos cost in Lyons, Longmont, or Berthoud?
Senior photo sessions start at $600, which includes session planning, multiple outfits, and 15 digital images. After seeing your gallery, you’ll have the option to upgrade to include more files, print credit, or heirloom products like albums and wall art.
The Best Senior Photo Location? One That Means Something to You.
Here’s my advice: don’t choose a location just because it looks good on Pinterest. The most meaningful senior portraits I’ve taken have been at places that actually matter to the senior — a favorite hiking trail, a spot where they spent summers growing up, the coffee shop where they do homework, a family farm, or a park where they’ve played sports for years.
When a location has personal meaning, it shows in the photos. Your senior relaxes naturally, the setting feels authentic, and the images end up telling a real story about who they are at this moment in their life.
So while I’m happy to suggest any of the locations above, I always encourage seniors and their families to think about:
- A favorite hiking trail or open space they visit regularly
- A meaningful outdoor spot — a lake, river, or mountain area they love
- Their high school campus or athletic field
- A local coffee shop, bookstore, or hangout
- A family property, farm, or backyard with character
If you have a spot in mind, bring it up when we plan your session. Chances are I can make it work — and the photos will be all the more special for it.
Ready to Book Your Northern Colorado Senior Session?
Whether you have a location already in mind or no idea where to start — I can help. I’ve photographed seniors throughout Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Berthoud, Loveland, Golden, and across the Front Range, and I’m happy to make specific recommendations based on your senior’s personality and style.
Sessions start at $600 and include 15 digital images plus yearbook submission. Book by early summer — fall fills fast.
Pick a Session Slot Now — after you pick it, I’ll confirm and send the proposal with retainer payment request to make it official. Contact me if you don’t see any dates/times that work for your senior.
I can’t wait to capture this milestone for you.
