If you’ve recently Googled Denver photographers and finally hit that “inquire” button, first of all, yay! That’s a big deal. Whether this is your first-ever family session or your first in a long while, I’m so glad you’re here. Maybe you’ve been meaning to do this for years, or maybe your oldest just hit that “cool kid” age, and you’re realizing the baby phase wasn’t the only season worth documenting. Whatever brought you here, you’ve made the first move, and I’m already cheering you on.

Now comes the part where you start wondering: “What should we wear?”, “What if my kids aren’t into it?” and “Is it weird that I feel nervous too?”

Take a breath. You’re not behind. You’re not supposed to know exactly how this works; that’s my job. As a longtime Denver photographer who’s worked with every kind of family (and every kind of mood), I’ve built my process around making this feel relaxed, easy, and even fun. You don’t need to know how to pose. You don’t need matching outfits. You just need to show up, and I’ll guide the rest.

This post will walk you through what to expect, how to prep (without overthinking), and why your first family session might actually be something you look forward to. I’ll also share a recent session with a Denver family and their older kids on a downtown bridge, proof that your first photo session doesn’t have to be stiff, stressful, or over-styled. It can be relaxed, real, and, yes, surprisingly fun.

You Found Denver Photographers You Love, Now What?

If you’ve been searching for Denver photographers who won’t make your kids say “Ugh, do we have to?” or worse, make you feel stiff and awkward, you’re in the right place. Whether this is your first-ever family session or your first in a few years, I know it can feel like a lot. What should we wear? How do I prep the kids? What if we’re not photogenic? (Let me tell you something: you are.)

Here’s the thing: You’re not supposed to have it all figured out. That’s my job. My style is lifestyle-focused: warm, relaxed, and gently hands-on. I’ll offer just enough direction to keep things moving, while leaving space for real connection and natural moments to unfold. So when session day rolls around, you’re not stressing about posing, you’re just showing up, being yourselves, and letting me handle the rest!

So now that you’ve found a Denver photographer who gets your vibe (hi, it’s me), let’s talk about what comes next. This isn’t about stiff poses or picture-perfect moments. It’s about capturing your family just as you are, chaos, connection, and everything in between. And yes, we’ll still talk about outfits. And locations. And what to do if someone suddenly hates every item of clothing they own (it happens, we’ve got this). I’ll walk you through all of it, starting with one of the biggest stress points for families: what the heck to wear.

What to Wear: Don’t Panic, You Don’t Need Matching Outfits

Let’s just start here, because for most families, it’s the very first “wait… what do we wear?” moment right after booking. And I get it, figuring out outfits can feel like the most stressful part. But it really, truly doesn’t have to be.

You don’t need to match. You don’t need to buy five new outfits. You definitely don’t need to put your toddler in stiff khakis if he hates them. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s connection. And the best photos come when you feel like you.

Here’s what works beautifully on camera (and won’t drive you nuts trying to coordinate):

• Start with soft, natural tones – think earthy colors like rust, sage, navy, or cream, which are always a safe bet. They play well with Colorado’s light and especially pop against downtown Denver’s unique backdrops!
• I love texture –  chunky knits, flowy dresses, well-loved denim, layered pieces that catch the light or move when you walk. That movement will bring your photos to life in the best way.
• Skip logo or bright neon colors – Your family’s energy should be the focus, not someone’s bright-orange Fortnite tee.
• For older kids and teens, let them weigh in. If they help choose their outfit (with a little gentle guidance), they’ll feel more like themselves and way more relaxed in front of the camera. And if you’re unsure whether something works? Just send me a picture! Seriously. I’m a professional hype woman and a wardrobe editor, and I will absolutely weigh in if you’re stuck.

Bottom line is you don’t need a degree in styling. You just need to show up feeling good in what you’re wearing, and I’ll take care of the rest!

Prepping the Kids (Even the Big Ones) to Work With Denver Photographers

As a mom of twin boys myself, I know kids can be unpredictable. And for lifestyle-focused Denver photographers like me, that’s never a problem! I’m not after perfectly behaved, perfectly posed photos. I’m after the good stuff: real connection, personality, and those in-between moments that actually feel like your family. That goes for toddlers in light-up sneakers and for teens who’d rather be literally anywhere else than doing family photos on a downtown bridge.

For little ones, we keep things playful and fast-paced. I’ve got games, prompts, and can move quickly to capture the fun energy! For older kids and teens, we keep it casual. I talk to them like real people (because they are!), and I give them space to show up however they’re comfortable. No fake smiles, no forced poses, just movement, connection, and a few well-timed sarcastic comments.

Here’s what helps before your session:

• Give them a heads-up. No surprises. Just let them know you’re working with a Denver photographer who keeps things relaxed and fast, bonus points if you hype me up a little.
• Let them help choose what they wear. If they feel good in it, they’ll feel better in front of the camera too.
• Keep it low pressure. We’re not aiming for a posed portrait studio vibe. Lifestyle photography is all about letting your family be your family.
• Bring lots of treats for littles. What’s better than being rewarded with yummy fruit snacks or candy for smiling at the camera? Even as adults, we love treats!

As a longtime Denver photographer, I know how to read the room, pivot when needed, and help everyone feel comfortable, even the kid who “isn’t really into photos.” Spoiler: those kids usually end up being the stars of the gallery.

Choosing a Denver Location That Fits Your Family’s Vibe

One of the best things about working with Denver photographers is that we’re spoiled with incredible location options. And no, it’s not all pine trees and mountain peaks (though those are gorgeous too).

Urban sessions, like the one I’m featuring here with a downtown Denver family, can be the perfect fit for older kids, teens, or families who want something a little different. That bridge gave us clean architectural lines, soft golden light, and just enough city grit to keep it feeling natural and unscripted. No props needed, just connection, movement, and the city as a backdrop.

When you book with me, we’ll find a spot that fits your style, energy, and the vibe you want for your photos. A few client favorites:

• Downtown Denver bridges and alleys – Great for families with older kids, especially if you want something modern, moody, or cool without being overly posed.
• Open space parks – Perfect for movement, running around, and glowy sunset light. Especially great for families with younger kids.
• Neighborhood nooks – Think murals, ivy-covered walls, or cozy urban corners with personality. These feel personal and unexpected in the best way.
• At-home sessions – Yes, we can shoot right in your own backyard or living room. For some families, that’s where the real stuff lives.

Working with a lifestyle Denver photographer means we’re not just picking a “pretty” spot, we’re finding a place that helps your family feel comfortable enough to be yourselves.

What to Expect During Your Session with Denver Photographers

The thing that surprises most people is that family sessions can actually feel fun. Not stressful, or posed, and definitely not the awkward, everyone-smile-on-three ordeal you might be imagining.

As a lifestyle Denver photographer, I’m not here to make every moment posed and perfect. I’m here to gently guide you into real connection, natural movement, and those candid in-between moments you’ll actually want to frame. You don’t need to know what to do with your hands. And you don’t need to tell your kids to behave perfectly. You just need to show up, and trust that I’ve got the rest!

Here’s how it usually goes:

• We meet at your chosen location, get settled, and I walk you through what to expect (no pressure, no stiff posing).
• I’ll give you prompts and direction, enough so you’re never wondering “what now?”, but with plenty of space for your personalities to come through.
• We move around, chase good light, laugh a little (okay, sometimes a lot), and keep things flexible depending on your family’s energy.
• I’m watching for the small stuff, the way your kid leans into you, the quick smile between siblings, the moment everyone forgets we’re even taking photos.

My job is to read the room and shift quickly. Some families warm up fast. Some need a few minutes. Some need to run around and be silly before we get that great group shot, and that’s all totally normal. What matters most is that you feel taken care of, not rushed or “on.” My sessions are relaxed, real, and built around the unique rhythm of your family.

FAQ: Real Questions First-Time Families Ask Denver Photographers

What should we wear for family photos in Denver?

Keep it comfortable, coordinated (not matching), and true to your style. Soft, earthy tones like rust, sage, navy, or cream always photograph beautifully, especially in Colorado’s golden hour light. For downtown Denver sessions, slightly elevated casual works great (think layers, texture, well-loved denim). If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out my Pinterest or Outfits for Family Photos: A Real Mom’s Guide to Stress-Free Style in Colorado.

What if my kids don’t cooperate during our photo session?

They probably won’t, and that’s okay. As a Denver family photographer with nearly two decades of experience, I expect wiggles, moods, and snack breaks. My job isn’t to force perfect behavior; it’s to create space for natural connection, fun, and real moments. I guide gently, keep things moving, and know when to pivot. No stress, no pressure.

Do you work with older kids or teens too?

Absolutely. In fact, sessions with older kids can be some of the most fun, especially when we shoot in downtown Denver or another location that feels a little more grown-up and relaxed. I treat teens with respect (and zero cheesiness), and they usually warm up faster than you’d expect.

How long does a family session usually take?

Most sessions last about an hour. That gives us time to ease in, explore the location, and capture a great mix of lightly posed and candid moments, without overdoing it. With younger kids, we keep it moving. With older kids, we keep it cool and collaborative.

How do I choose the right location in Denver for my family photos?

I’ve got a whole library of favorite spots, from open parks to tucked-away city corners. When we connect, I’ll help you choose a location that fits your family’s style, energy, and season of life. (The downtown bridge featured in this post is one of my go-tos for families with older kids who want a more urban, relaxed vibe.)

What’s the best way to book a family session with you?

Just head to my contact page, and I’ll send over all the info you need, session details, pricing, date availability, and planning tips. I make the booking process smooth and low-stress (because no one needs one more overwhelming thing on their plate).

Meet Your Denver Family Photographer

Here’s the truth I hope every first-time client hears: you don’t need a perfect plan, perfect outfits, or perfectly behaved kids. You just need to show up. Be yourselves. Let go of the pressure,  and trust that I’ve got the rest. As a lifestyle-focused Denver photographer, I’ve built my sessions around real connection, the laughter, the eye rolls, the way your kid reaches for your hand without thinking. That’s what we’re here to capture.

So if you’ve been searching for a family photographer in Denver who makes the process easy (and dare I say, actually enjoyable), I’d love to connect. Reach out today!

Planning your Denver family photos and looking for more tips and inspiration? Keep scrolling!

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