Photo Session Locations
Summit County
We’ve photographed family and couples sessions at dozens of different locations around Summit County. These are our top three. Each offers spectacular views and something a little different from the other.
Acorn Creek
Location: 15 minutes North of Silverthorne
Elevation: 8,600′
Crowds: Low
Environment: Trail through lush aspen grove, sage meadow w/ panoramic views of the Gore Range
Note: This location is incredible for fall color.
Windy Point Trail
Location: Swan Mountain Rd between Keystone & Breckenridge
Elevation: 9,200′
Crowds: Medium
Environment: Pine forest, sage meadow, views of Lake Dillon and the Ten Mile Range
Second option: There is a path that goes down to the lake with gorgeous shoreline views (We’ve not yet done photos in that exact spot but would love to for anyone interested in making the mile long trek)
Loveland Pass / Pass Lake
Location: US Hwy 6, 20 minutes from Keystone
Elevation: 11,900′
Crowds: varies (popular spot for other photographers)
Environment: High alpine, rugged mountain backdrop
Caveat: Due to the high elevation of this location, it can be chilly and possibly windy/stormy.
Vail
Vail Pass / Shrine Mountain Road
Location: Trail at the top of Vail Pass
Elevation: 10, 700′
Crowds: low
Environment: High alpine meadow, some pine trees, mountain views
Caveat: Due to the high elevation of this location, it can be chilly and possibly windy/stormy.
Summer 
Fall
Betty Ford Gardens
Location: A short drive from the center of Vail
Elevation: 8,200′
Crowds: Medium (high if an event is scheduled)
Environment: Beautiful manicured gardens, concrete walking paths, dirt paths to access river
Vail Village / Lionshead Village
Location: Center of Vail
Elevation: 8,200′
Crowds: Medium – High
Environment: Shops, hotels, pedestrian bridges, walking paths along river
On our Bucket List
Ute Pass + Williams Fork River
Location 1: Trailhead at the top of Ute Pass (20 minutes North of Silverthorne)
Elevation: 9,600′
Crowds: Low
Environment: Sage meadow leading to aspen grove overlooking the Gore Range (steep 1/2 mile hike)
Location 2: Williams Fork River (10 minutes from Ute Pass / 30 minutes from Silverthorne)
Elevation: 8,800′
Crowds: Low
Environment: Small, shallow river surrounded by meadow and long views of the valley
Caveat: Mosquitos are prevalent in the early summer, this would be an excellent fall location
We’ll travel up to an hour from Silverthorne and are always open to suggestions if you don’t see exactly what you were hoping for!
It’s impossible to go wrong with any of the above locations. The most important thing is timing so that we can take advantage of the most flattering light and (hopefully) avoid afternoon thunderstorms. With that, we typically begin sessions around 2 hours prior to sunset.
Check out our “What to Wear” article for more helpful tips on how to make the most of your photo session!