Denver Family Photographer


Golden Fall Morning at Lair o' the Bear


playful Outdoor family photo session

 

Older brother giving younger brother a piggy back ride.
Family of four, posed family portrait, fall colors, sunbeam coming through trees.

A Perfect (albeit chilly) Fall Morning for Outdoor Family Photography


There’s something magical about a crisp fall morning in Colorado—especially when you’re tucked beside a river, surrounded by golden leaves, and accompanied by a joyful family of four. This outdoor family photography session at Lair o’ the Bear Park was the perfect combination of peaceful and playful.  If springtime is more your vibe, click here to see what a Spring morning looks like at Lair o' the Bear.

Playful portrait of young boy standing in front of river at Lair o the Bear, bridge in background.
Young boy sitting on tree limb, mother standing behind him, both smiling. Greenery in background.
Serious portrait of young boy.

Why Lair o’ the Bear is Ideal for Denver Family Photography

Located just outside the Denver metro area, Lair o’ the Bear offers everything you want in an outdoor family photo location:

  • A scenic river for skipping stones
  • Stunning fall foliage (it's equally beautiful in the spring, just greener!)
  • Bridge for texture and structure (and who doesn't love throwing sticks off a bridge?)
  • Glowing morning light filtering through the trees
  • Peaceful, uncrowded trails early in the day


It’s a favorite spot for Denver family photographers because it allows families to relax and connect in nature, without needing to travel far.

Family of four standing in middle of wooden bridge, iron railing on sides.
Candid photo of mother holding toddler son, older son hugging on mom, all three smiling widely, eyes closed.

Capturing Real Moments with Two Adventurous Boys


Boy moms should have a secondary title: chaos coordinator.   These two boys were full of energy, climbing trees, finding leaves, and tossing rocks into the river. These candid, real-life moments are exactly what I love about outdoor family photography.


My goal is always to snap some traditional portraits, and balance them with the unposed, authentic, documentary photographs that will remind you exactly how rambunctious your sweet kids are.  

Young boy climbing onto large fallen tree trunk, older brother walking on tree trunk at Lair o the Bear near Denver, CO
Documentary photo of family playing near river, bridge in background, sun beaming through fall trees.
Father and sons playing near river, all three throwing rocks in river.

Family Photography Sessions Should Be Fun


You know what looks good on everyone?  Curiosity, joy, wonder, play.  As a photographer, I joke (but it's also most serious) that the kids are the boss - they will run the show.  Your family photos will look more connected and meaningful if the kids feel like family photos are a big, fun game.  


Less "everybody-listen-and-behave-like-perfect-angels" and more "where do you want to explore?".   Less standing still, more playing.  Less fake smiles, more laughter.  


Let's capture the real.

Black and white portrait of two young brothers, close together, smiling warmly.
Young boy playfully trying to climb onto a tree branch.

 

Interested in a Denver family photography session that feels natural and fun?

 

Let’s plan a morning  (or evening!) full of golden light and curious play.

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