Mount Falcon West has become one of my favorite locations for family photos when someone wants that Colorado mountain look without driving all the way into the high country. This session with sisters Elysia and Gina and their families is a perfect example of why I keep coming back here. We had tall summer grass, pine trees, mountain views, beautiful evening light, and two kids who brought plenty of personality to the whole thing. For me, that’s pretty much the ideal family session. I want to get the photos where everyone is looking at the camera, of course, but I also want the laughing, walking, kids being kids, and the moments that actually feel like your family.
Getting the Kids Comfortable First
Whenever I'm photographing families with younger kids, I usually don't want to start by asking them to stand perfectly still and smile at me for 20 minutes. That's not how kids work. I'd rather talk to them, let them move around a little, get them laughing, and make the shoot feel less like a formal photoshoot. That worked really well with this family. We photographed the full group, broke everyone down into the individual families, got Mom with the kids, and mixed in plenty of candid photos along the way. By the time we headed into the open meadow, everybody was loose and having fun. And that's usually when I get my favorite family photos.
Why I Like Mount Falcon West for Family Photos
There are two sides of Mount Falcon, and they photograph very differently. The Morrison side is more open, with golden grasses and views toward Red Rocks. Mount Falcon West, up near Indian Hills, feels much more like you're actually in the mountains. You get pine trees, open meadows, rocky areas, and views across the Front Range. It's one of my go-to recommendations for families who tell me they want their photos to look unmistakably Colorado. You also don't need to hike miles into the park to get those views, which is important when you're bringing kids along. For this session, we started in a quieter area near the lower parking lot. I like doing that when the main part of the park is busy because it gives everyone a chance to settle in before we move into the bigger mountain views. The grass tends to look great there in the warmer months, there are plenty of trees, and it's an easy place to start getting everyone comfortable in front of the camera.
A Relaxed Approach to Extended Family Photos
Photographing more than one family at the same time can easily turn into an hour of everyone standing in different combinations and staring at the camera. I don't really want that either. We'll absolutely make sure we get the important combinations, but I like keeping things moving. Full group. Individual families. Parents and kids. Siblings. Mom with the kids. Dad with the kids. Then some walking, laughing, and whatever happens naturally in between. Elysia actually summed up the experience really well in the review she left after this session. She mentioned how comfortable everyone felt, including the people who weren't used to professional photos, and how much fun the kids had. That's exactly what I'm trying to create.
“Our family loved our experience with Tim! From a warm hug at first meeting, to remembering all 6 of our names, Tim was super great and easy to work with. He made all of us (even ones new to professional photography) comfortable, not to mention he was great with the kids. It felt more like having a good friend take our pictures, not someone we had just met. Our photos turned out really beautiful and the turnaround time was quick. Would absolutely recommend him!”
What They Wore for Their Family Photos
I also really liked how everyone coordinated their outfits for this session. They used a mix of rust, blue, cream, khaki, muted green and soft patterns, which worked perfectly with the summer grass and evergreen trees. Nobody matched exactly, but everything worked together. That's usually what I recommend. Pick a few colors that complement each other, use mostly solid or subtle patterns, and let each person wear something that still feels like them. Texture, dresses with a little movement, and earth tones tend to work especially well in mountain locations like Mount Falcon. If you're trying to figure out outfits for your own session, I put together a full What to Wear for Family Photos guide with color palettes and examples from real Colorado family sessions.
Is Mount Falcon a Good Location for Denver Family Photos?
Definitely. If you're looking for Denver family photos with a true mountain backdrop, Mount Falcon West is one of the first locations I'd consider.
I especially like it for:
Families who want mountains and pine trees rather than a city park.
Families with kids who can handle a little walking but don't want a major hike.
Late spring through fall when the meadows and grasses photograph especially well.
Evening sessions when we can take advantage of the mountain light.
It's also a great option for high school seniors, couples, and anyone who wants their photos to feel distinctly Colorado. I use this location enough that it's also included in my guide to the Best Denver Photoshoot Locations, where I go into more detail about parking, walking, timing, bathrooms, and what to expect.
Planning Your Own Denver Family Photos?
I've been photographing families throughout Denver, Lakewood, Boulder, the foothills, and the Colorado mountains for years, and Mount Falcon continues to be one of those locations I come back to again and again. My approach to family photos is pretty straightforward: keep things relaxed, give you enough direction that nobody feels awkward, get the important portraits, and then leave room for everyone to actually have some fun. That's usually where the best photos happen. If you're planning your own Denver family photos, you can check out my Family Photography page for pricing and session information, browse my favorite Denver-area photoshoot locations, or book a session online when you're ready.
WHERE IS MOUNT FALCON?
INTERESTED IN BOOKING YOUR FAMILY PHOTO SESSION? REACH OUT TODAY OR BOOK ONLINE!
YOUR FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER
TIM GILLIES PHOTOGRAPHY
Hey, I’m Tim. I’m a Denver-area photographer specializing in family photos, high school seniors, personal branding, events, and brand activations. I’ve been a full-time photographer since 2016 and have photographed families all over Denver, Lakewood, Evergreen, Morrison, Boulder, and the Colorado foothills.
My approach is relaxed and straightforward. I’ll give you enough direction so nobody feels awkward, but I also leave plenty of room for the candid moments that usually end up being my favorites. Mount Falcon is one of the locations I come back to often because it gives you that classic Colorado mountain look without turning the session into a major hike.
Recent Work
