By Susannah Storch | Susannah Storch Photography | Serving Northern Colorado, Berthoud, Loveland, Longmont, Denver, Boulder, & really all of the Front Range!
River’s Edge Natural Area is one of my favorite spots for family photos in Loveland, Colorado. It doesn’t get talked about as much as some of the bigger parks in Loveland, but it’s become one of my favorite spots for family sessions — partly because it offers multiple backdrops, partly because it is usually uncrowded, and partly because it works no matter what the sky decides to do that day. Here’s a look at two real Loveland family photo sessions there: one in golden evening light, one under a moody overcast sky in spring.
If you’re new to family photography in Loveland or just trying to figure out where to go, this is a good place to start.
Golden Hour at River’s Edge Natural Area
In late summer, this family’s session moved through a quiet pond lined with willows, an open meadow full of rabbitbrush with the mountains behind them, a stand of wild sunflowers, and a dramatically leaning cottonwood along the main trail. The light went warm and gold in the last hour before sunset, and the rock formations near the meadow gave the kids something to climb on, which led to better, looser photos than any pose I could direct.
Not sure what to wear for a session like this? Here are some outfit ideas that work well outdoors.
An Overcast Spring Session at River’s Edge
This one’s worth paying attention to if you’re nervous about booking on a cloudy day. This session happened on an overcast spring afternoon — soft lavender sky, no harsh shadows, new leaves just budding on the willows. The light was completely different from the golden hour session above, and the same rock outcrop at the pond’s edge, the same dirt trail, and the same open meadow all still delivered. In spring, the meadow fills with yellow wildflowers instead of rabbitbrush, and the diffused light is actually easier to work with for a toddler who won’t sit still for direction — soft light forgives a lot of movement.
Why This Spot Works Across Seasons and Weather
Between these two sessions, River’s Edge Natural Area has proven itself in golden hour and under clouds, in late summer and in spring, with a family of four and with a mom and her one-year-old. The variety in one location — pond, open meadow, tree-lined trail — means there’s always a backdrop suited to whatever the day’s light is actually doing, instead of needing perfect conditions to get something worth printing.
Curious what a session like this actually includes? See pricing and collection details here.
FAQ
What if it’s cloudy or overcast the day of our session?
That’s not a reason to reschedule. Overcast light is soft and even, which is often easier on younger kids who won’t hold a pose, and River’s Edge holds up well in that kind of light, not just at golden hour.
Is River’s Edge good for younger kids and toddlers?
Yes — the trail is flat and easy, and the variety of stops along the way (rocks to climb, water to look at, flowers to pick) gives a short attention span somewhere new every few minutes.
What time of year is best for photos here?
Late summer brings golden rabbitbrush and warm evening light. Spring brings new leaves and wildflowers under softer, cooler light. Both work — it depends on the look you want.
Is there parking nearby?
Plenty! And parents can tote rugged strollers pretty easily.
Can we bring our dog?
Leashed dogs are welcome at the park.
Ready to Book Your Own Loveland Family Session?
If River’s Edge feels like the right fit — or if you’re not sure yet and want to talk through other options in the area — getting started is simple. Fill out my contact form and I’ll follow up within 48 hours with availability and next steps. From there, we’ll talk through timing, outfits, and which part of River’s Edge makes the most sense for your family before anything’s set in stone. No pressure to decide everything up front — that’s why I help plan.
Reach out here to check availability.
About the Photographer
Susannah Storch is a professional photographer based in Berthoud, Colorado, specializing in senior portraits, family, and newborn photography across the Front Range. She has photographed Colorado families and high school seniors since 2006. Her senior sessions serve students from Longmont, Boulder, Loveland, Niwot, Erie, Broomfield, Golden, Fort Collins, and the surrounding Denver metro area.
