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Colorado Springs Couple Photography Sunrise Sessions

A sunrise photo session is for you if:

1.) You want dreamy “golden hour” photos. I strategically schedule sessions during two specific parts of the day in order to take advantage of the most flattering light: sunrise (or the first two hours of daylight) and sunset (or the last two hours of daylight) are the best times of day in terms of lighting for photos.

2.) You want an intimate experience. Colorado Springs is touristy, y’all. Expect to work around lots of people and other photographers at popular locations during sunset times — especially during weekends in peak season (summer/fall). But if you want to almost guarantee a location all to yourselves so you can better stay in the moment or maybe calm some nerves, sunrise is the way to go. Trust me, nothing compares to a quiet, still morning in nature with the company of love of your life and the wildlife waking up with the sun.

3.) You can handle it being a little chilly. Colorado mornings are sometimes brisk, even in the summer and especially in the mountains. Prepare to wear layers, or at least bring a light jacket along to throw on in between shots just in case you get cold. I normally only suggest sunrise sessions during warmer months when the temps are mild, unless the couple requests a specific location in winter and the location is only suitable during sunrise.

4.) You are flexible about locations. Because of the orientation of the mountains to the west here in COS and the sunrise to the east, some locations only work well for sunset photo times. This means that location options are slightly limited for sunrise sessions. NO WORRIES, THOUGH. Because limited locations does NOT mean less beautiful locations. It just means we will try to only shoot at locations that are going to set you up for flattering light and great views.

*IF YOU ARE DEAD SET ON A SPECIFIC LOCATION, LET ME KNOW BEFORE SCHEDULING YOUR SESSION SO THAT I CAN TELL YOU IF IT’S BEST SUITED FOR SUNRISE, SUNSET, OR BOTH.

My top favorite locations for sunrise sessions in Colorado Springs are pictured below. One is a mountain location that feels like absolute MAGIC in the morning having the whole place dead quiet and empty as the sun gradually floods the valley. The other is Garden of the Gods, and I’m not even joking when I say that most mornings I’ve shot at GOTG there hasn’t been another person in sight the whole time (which if you’ve ever been to GOTG, you know is crazy because there’s always hundreds of people there anytime else).

Here are a handful of photos from sunrise sessions I’ve shot at those locations!

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Colorado Springs Family Photography Tips

Family photos are an occasion that I know a lot of parents dread. I get it — finding the right photographer, aligning everyone’s schedules, coordinating outfits (and then keeping the kiddos’ clean and stain free on the way), making sure everyone gets their naps in, etc. can all be super overwhelming. I’m here to assure you that absolutely does not have to be the case, though. Here are some tips to make your family photo session as easy-breezy as possible.

1. Find a Photographer you TRUST.

SO much weight is lifted off of your shoulders when you can arrive to the session location knowing your photographer has everything under control. The key to finding the right photographer for you is doing your research to make sure they align with your values and priorities, chatting with them beforehand to ensure clear expectations are set, viewing a full family photo gallery to get a feel for what you’ll be receiving after all is said and done if you do decide to book with that photographer, and reading your contract thoroughly so you know you’re taken care of.

2. Pack ALLLL the Things

You can never be too prepared, especially when kiddos are involved. Pack an extra outfit for everyone just in case. And even better, don’t get the kids dressed in their outfit until you arrive to the session location to avoid spills or spit ups in the car. Also know that there’s a time and place for bribery and a family photo session is just that. Pack plenty of snacks that your kids love and take quick snack breaks if needed. Bringing one of their fave toys is also a great idea, that way they can take a little break to focus on something else if they’re not loving the camera in that moment.

3. Let Your Photographer Take the Lead

You might think you’re helping when you hold onto your toddler’s shirt and tell him to “stop squirming and smile for the camera”. But really you’re just making your photographer’s job 10x harder, not to mention taking the joy out of the experience for your whole fam. Trust me, if a pose/prompt isn’t working, I will tell you and we’ll switch things up. Keeping kiddos happy and engaged and having fun is the key to a memorable and successful photo session and I can only make that happen if you let go of the reigns and help me do my job.

4. Plan According to Your Family’s Lifestyle

This part is common sense, but so often overlooked. If you know your lil bub is crankiest around 5pm, DO NOT schedule your session for that time. If you know your husband will be stressed out because he had to rush home from work in traffic to make it to the session on time, maybe plan for a weekend date. If you know you hate hiking, DO NOT pick a hiking session just for the view. If you know your dog can’t handle himself in public, DO NOT bring him to your session. If you know your toddler is going to be hating life after 20 minutes, DO NOT book a full hour long session. Consider all the aspects of your day-to-day life that are unique to your fam, and then do what works best for YOU specifically with that in mind.

YOU GOT THIS, FAM. And if you start to feel overwhelmed, just remember that when those babies aren’t babies anymore, you’ll thank yourself for having the guts to get in front of the camera with them any chance you got.

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How to Choose an Engagement Photo Location in Colorado Springs

Choosing a photoshoot location in Colorado Springs is one of the most exciting parts of planning your session here — mostly because there’s no shortage of EPIC landscapes in every direction you look. That being said, it can be overwhelming to narrow the never-ending list of scenic spots down to your one picture-perfect photo session location. Here are some tips for choosing your Colorado Springs engagement photo location:

1. Ask your Colorado Springs photographer

If you don’t know where to begin, the first thing to do is turn to your photographer for help. I’m Erin Malcolm and I’m a Colorado Springs based photographer. All of my clients receive my exclusive Colorado Springs Photo Location Guide upon booking. It has an extensive list of my top photo locations in and around Colorado Springs, along with in-depth descriptions, and photos from actual sessions I’ve shot at each place. If you still can’t pick a spot after reviewing my ideas, I’m more than happy to set out and location scout to find a totally new location that exceeds your wildest dreams! I’ve lived in Colorado all my life and know most of the state like the back of my hand. I’m so glad to be in your corner to help you pick the perfect place!

2. Seek out the Sentimental

Sometimes it’s not all about the views a photoshoot location offers, but rather the memories. I love it when clients pick a location because of its sentimental value to them specifically. For example, the couple pictured above chose to have their Colorado Springs Photo Session at Red Rocks Canyon Open Space because it was the location of their first hike together when they moved to Colorado. Now this spot signifies more than just their “firsts” when moving to Colorado, but their “firsts” when starting their life and family together. The emotion that is evoked when looking at photos with such careful intention woven through them is like nothing else. Take a bit to brainstorm some places in Colorado that have significant meaning to you and send me a list with reasons why. It’s okay if they’re a little out of the norm — we might be able to come up with some cool concepts around them!

3. Consider the Experience

What kind of photo experience you have will be heavily impacted by the location you choose. If you want an intimate session, picking a popular tourist spot like Garden of the Gods is not your best option. If you want a quick session, a spot with lots of hiking or driving involved like Pikes Peak won’t work. If you want unique views that nobody else has, staying in town at a local park like Bear Creek probably isn’t ideal. Think about the type of experience you want, and I’ll help suggest locations that will start to piece the photo session of your wildest dreams together!

If there’s anything I can do to help make your Colorado Springs photo session location selection process easier for you, reach out! The planning process is meant to be fun and exciting, and I’m always here to help make that happen for you.

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Colorado Springs Engagement Photography with EPIC Mountain Views

I pride myself on taking a regular old photo session and transforming it into a full blown memory-making experience that my clients will never forget. And when I find clients who are extra eager to have an unforgettable photo experience at whatever cost, I suggest this location to them.

It’s not for the faint of heart, however. A session here looks like driving up a historic mining road into the Rocky Mountains of Colorado Springs. It’s a narrow dirt road, full of twists and turns, and old tunnels that tell stories of their own. We drive until we find a pull off with sprawling mountain views, then we get back on the road to find the next hidden gem!

Perhaps one of my favorite parts is that the road leads to one of my favorite trailheads, so if there’s enough daylight after your session ends, you can end the experience with a fun post-shoot hike and views that reveal the entire city of Colorado Springs down below!

This is the spot that Alexa and Dalton decided on for their engagement photos. And by the looks on their faces (and their reaction to these previews), the experience does not disappoint.

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Unique Date Idea: Luxury Picnic Experience in Austin, Texas

Picture this:

Your significant other has been acting kind of fishy. They take you on this weekend getaway, but keep you in the dark about all the details. You know something’s up. They’re planning a surprise, but you don’t really know what yet. You pull up to your favorite spot and that’s a surprise in itself. Maybe it’s where you had your first date, maybe it’s a scenic park, maybe it’s a stunning AirBNB with a picturesque view of downtown Austin like this one. You think that is the surprise, but then you head to the backyard and see THIS elaborate display. WHAT?!?!? Now THAT’S definitely the surprise. And a darn good one at that. The creative, kind, talented folks at Love and Picnic, a Texas- and Florida-based luxury picnic company, set this scene up for a couple one evening and can I say I’m a little jealous??? As soon as I saw the whole space come together I was in awe! And it’s even better in person. What a unique date night idea!

Pro Tip: Hire a photographer to capture the whole thing, too! From setup, to your partner’s reaction upon arrival, to the cute moments shared enjoying the space, you’ll be glad to have the memories to look back on!

Click the images to see them uncropped*

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Bull Creek District Park Engagement Photo Session

Bull Creek District Park was one of the first locations I shot at when I first moved to Austin, TX from Colorado. I pulled up to the parking lot in the middle of January and no one else was there. My clients and I explored this BEAUTIFUL area without seeing a single person! I thought “Wow, I think I just found a hidden gem.” Turns out….Texans just don’t come outside in the winter.

Fast forward to this late-spring session a few weeks ago and there was barely even parking left when we arrived that weekday evening because it was so packed — and for good reason (it’s such a gorgeous and versatile park). But we were still able to work smoothly around kids splashing in the water, dogs playing fetch, and I kid you not 10+ other photographers and their clients all dying to soak up that golden hour light amongst the lush trees. But after seeing these photos, can you blame us???

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Small Business Brand Photography at Brushy Creek Lake Park

It’s always such an honor to take photos for a fellow photographer. When Hunter and I connected, she let me know that she had NEVER done a sunrise session before. So obviously, we had to change that. We showed up at the crack of dawn and were pleased that we had pretty much the entire park to ourselves, with the exception of a few runners and a family of geese.

As the sun woke up, we frolicked through a long window of golden light. A photographer’s DREAM, however cliche it may be.

Note to anyone interested in shooting here: go in the morning. Such a refreshing way to start the day and, for it being such a hub for photography in the area, it was nice have total creative freedom and not deal with crowds for once!

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What to Wear For An Outdoor Adventure Photo Session

Picking the perfect outfit is a key part of planning any photo session — but it’s especially important when planning an adventure photo session. After all, this is not your typical photoshoot. This is a full-blown exploring experience. And for obvious strategic (and safety) reasons, you’ll want to make sure you’re dressed to make the most of the great outdoors!

Here are some paramount points to ponder when planning the perfect adventure photo session ‘fits!

1. Comfort is Key

This is not the time to wear those suffocating jeans that make you irritable because they’re squeezing you in all the wrong places nor strut in those shoes that give you tear-jerking blisters five minutes into wearing them. Instead, reach for your tried and true, go-to staples that are equally as stylish as they are comfortable and functional. This is especially important if your session is going to include a lot of hiking or if your photographer has a movement-based shooting style. You’ll want to dress in a way that elicits easy movement and helps you let loose so you can participate in all the fun posing prompts and directions your photographer gives you! If you don’t feel comfy in what you wear during your session, it’s going to show in the end result!

2. Options, Options, Options

A billowing ballgown and statement suit pairs perfectly with the dramatic view atop a mountain peak, but it’s obviously not going to be the best choice to hike up said mountain in. Instead, you’re going to need to come prepared with multiple hiking- climbing- and other bada** activity-friendly footwear and clothing options to wear leading up to that epic shot. At certain locations, it’s smart to show up ready to tackle uneven terrain in a casual look with hiking shoes or boots then change into a fancier look with chunky heels/dress shoes once you’re in a spot where it makes sense to do so. For my extra-adventurous clients, I always recommend packing an outfit to drive home in afterwards just in case you feel up for a spontaneous swim or get a little too wild playing in the sand!

3. Layer Up!

Mother Nature doesn’t care about your photoshoot, sorry. She’s gonna do what she wants when she wants and if that means sun, rain, wind, and snow all within one hour long session… so be it. I promise to come prepared with gear to adventure through unexpected weather conditions, but that means you better come prepared, too. Okay? A light coat, cardi, sweater, scarf, etc. can be a great way to add some style variety throughout the session, keep you cozy between shots on cold days, or protect you from the sun on warm ones.

4. Neutrals are your BFF

Repeat after me. “You can NEVER go wrong with neutrals.” Okay, now say it again. You got that? Good. Black, white, and/or earth tones look GREAT literally any and everywhere in nature. Don’t complicate it. Keeping within that color scheme will keep the focus on the emotion and location, where straying from that can make the photos feel distracting. Of course, if bold colors are your thing, then it can totally be pulled off with careful planning, specific location selection, and balance! Just make sure to talk to your photographer beforehand so they can guide you toward a tasteful way to strut your stuff!

5. Make it your Own!

If you take one piece of advice from this post, let it be this one! Remember: This is YOUR adventure session, so use your style to express your personality and help tell your unique story! This can be done through incorporating meaningful accessories or props like hats, jewelry, sunnies, bags, blankets, umbrellas, etc. OR you can take it a step further and make your shoot/style have a sentimental theme. For example, if your favorite way to spend time with your partner is rock climbing, wear your climbing gear and do a climbing shoot together. Maybe riding dirt bikes is a key part of your kiddo’s childhood, so bring your motorcycles and gear for a trail riding shoot in the desert with the whole fam. The possibilities are endless when you apply tried and true style guidelines then add your own personal twist!

Erin L. Malcolm2 Comments

Austin, Texas Couples Photography Session | Walnut Creek Metro Park

When I first visited Walnut Creek Metro Park to scout the area for this Couples Session, I’ll admit that I wasn’t that thrilled to shoot there. As an adventure photographer who started out in Colorado, I guess it’s fair to say that I’ve always been spoiled when it comes to locations for photoshoots and hiking. The number of spots to shoot that offer sprawling mountain ranges, snowcapped peaks, alpine lakes, etc. are too many to count where I’m from! So, the idea of shooting at a crowded city park on the outskirts of the major city of Austin, Texas was… slightly underwhelming…?

But that mindset changed when I met Cynthia and Lee at the park on the day of their shoot. They were both so eager to show this newbie Texan around one of their favorite stomping grounds. We hiked through wooded forests together on that Saturday evening as they led me to a canyon like riverbed where dogs ran freely and kiddies splashed in the water and bicyclists descended into a rocky river crossing. We started their photoshoot there then decided to hike to the other side of the park to shoot at a bridge.

Though, we never even made it to the bridge because we kept getting sidetracked by even better hidden gems along the way. (If you’ve shot with me before, you know that’s not a surprise though. My sessions are laid-back, go-with-the-flow and off the beaten path — that’s part of what my clients love about adventure shoots with me!) We cut through branches to shoot in a small patch of cacti, ventured off trail to dance in some dreamy back-lit trees, and ended the session with some cozy sitting cuddles in tall, winter field grass.

I didn’t go into the session feeling all that excited to explore a downtown park and participate in a so called “hike” that I knew would be more like a moderate walk on cement paths instead of the treacherous backcountry hikes I’m used to in the Rockies. But I left the session with a completely new view on my new home of Austin, Texas. It’s beautiful. In its own ways, of course. No, there’s no Pike’s Peak or Maroon Bells. And yes, I may always be partial to my home of Colorado. BUT after exploring this area with a rad couple of clients, I’m so excited to keep shooting here while making the most of what my new home has to offer. Here’s to seeing things in a new way. After all, photography is all about perspective. Isn’t it?