Sneak Peeks From Two Mountain Photography Sessions

Last Friday, I headed to Nederland, Colorado and then to Rocky Mountain National Park for two mountain photography sessions. I had a great day.

First, after accidentally buying the biggest smoothie, I drove up to the mountains outside of Boulder. In Nederland, I met up with a family who was visiting from Kansas. They came to enjoy the mountains, time together, the slopes, and the holidays.

The family drove through the night on Thursday, arriving to their rental at a crazy early hour. We scheduled the session time for noon so that they could get a little rest before “modeling.” Let me tell you, I was totally blown away with how good they looked. If anyone wants to know what to wear during a family photography session, take a look at these images. The ladies looked AMAZING and the guys looked great.

After hanging with the family for an hour and a half (there were 7 people and dog who needed portraits!), I stopped by one of my fave Ned establishments (Back Country Pizza) for a quick slice. And then I headed out on the Peak to Peak Highway to Estes Park.

I haven’t driven that entire section of road for a long while now. It is stunning. And once you get past Allenspark…those meadows that seem right below Longs Peak and Mountain Meeker…holy beautiful.

I thoroughly enjoyed my drive, my tunes (Vance Joy these days), and the scenery.

In Estes, I stopped by Mary’s Lake Lodge to meet up with my next clients: a couple who was getting in eloped in the park. (Although we actually ended up just doing wedding photos of them–I did not document the actual elopement.)

It was so nice to meet the newlyweds and to spend a couple hours with them. I enjoyed learning a bit about their lives, and I especially enjoyed witnessing their sense of adventure. Not every couple I know would head into Rocky Mountain National Park in some of their finest clothes on a WINDY winter’s day for a portrait session. But these two did, while wearing not only a wedding dress and heels and other finery, but also ear-to-ear grins.

Our first stop was Bear Lake. We shuffled/ran as quickly as possible to the lake from the parking lot. It was BRISK out. So windy. I photographed for a bit there, and then we headed to our next stop. This was a meadow area in a valley surrounded by the stunning mountains. Happily, it was slightly warmer (said the photographer who was bundled up throughout the session!), and we continued to take photos.

Finally, we enjoyed the most beautiful sunset while on the way to the Stanley Hotel, where I photographed a little bit more before heading home.

Let me tell you, I had a wonderful day. To meet such kind, amazing people and hang out in such gorgeous places and do my job (and enjoy a smoothie and pizza to boot)…I leave 2017 feeling incredibly blessed. Thank you, thank you all.

And now, after that long-winded introduction, enjoy the mountain photography sessions from last Friday!

All images © Susannah Allen 2017

View another mountain photography session, or a different elopement celebration.

And, if you are interested in getting eloped in Rocky Mountain National Park, their rules have changes over the past several months. Current requirements can be viewed on the park’s website.