Garden of the Gods Family Photos | The Colgans
Some locations stop you in your tracks the moment you arrive. Garden of the Gods is one of them, and after months of wanting to photograph a session there, I finally have my first Garden of the Gods family photos to share.
If you’ve been following along for a while, you might recognize the Colgans. I photographed them when we were both stationed near DC and am so glad our paths crossed again in Colorado.
A Family Session at Garden of the Gods
I started our session in a safe and familiar spot where I knew I could get the must-have shots. Good light, beautiful rock formations, exactly what you’d hope for. But my favorite images from the day came later, when we ventured off the beaten path.
Without any serious rock scrambling, we found some incredible views that just feel unmistakably Colorado. My husband had suggested I bring my 70-200mm lens – a lens I almost never use for family sessions – and I am so glad I listened. Positioning myself further back from the family and letting that lens compression pull the dramatic landscape closer made for some of the most epic shots I’ve ever taken. The warm light bouncing off the orange rocks added to the whole thing, though I’ll be honest, editing those color casts took a little extra love. It was absolutely worth it though… and I’d do it again!
What to Know Before You Book a Garden of the Gods Session
One of the things I love most about this location is that it truly has something for everyone. With an eight year old, we were able to walk around and explore freely. But if you have younger kids or a baby who isn’t quite ready for an adventure, there are still stunning spots close to the parking areas that give you those epic Colorado views without the trek.
Speaking of parking… we were there on a Saturday morning at 8am and while we found a spot without issue, the park was already busy. I would strongly recommend a morning session here rather than an evening one. You’ll have better odds with parking, softer light, and fewer people to dodge while we explore.
If you’re looking for a photographer for Garden of the Gods family photos, I would love to make it happen. Reach out here and let’s explore together!
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I HAVE A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR YOU!
I've been navigating military life with my family since 2008. In that time, I went from a full-time classroom teacher to an online course designer to a photographer. Actually, I still teach a little math on the side because I just love it too much!
Through it all, I've discovered how passionate I am about connecting with military families. Whether it's taking photos at a retirement ceremony, coaching a fellow milspouse photographer, or just grabbing coffee with a new squadron friend, I love this community. And as a teacher at heart, I'm excited to use this space to share what I've learned about business and life with you.
I'M ERIN.
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