All images provided by BLR Photography.

How to Take Great Family Photos + Best Locations in Douglas County

Fall is one of the most popular times of year for family photos – and for good reason. Colorado’s beautiful fall colors and comfortable temperatures create the perfect backdrop for capturing your family.

But getting everyone ready for photos can take a little planning. From choosing outfits to working around nap schedules and keeping everyone comfortable, there’s plenty to think about before you ever step in front of the camera.

Bre Rios, owner and photographer behind BLR Photography in Douglas County, has some tried-and-true tips for making family photo sessions easier and helping you get the beautiful, natural images you’ll want to display in your home and share in your holiday cards.

Tips for Getting the Best Family Photos

Coordinate Without Matching Exactly

Choose a few complementary colors and mix different shades, textures, and subtle patterns. This creates a cohesive look without making everyone appear as though they’re wearing a uniform.

Think about the overall color palette rather than trying to make every outfit coordinate perfectly.

Choose Clothing That Feels Comfortable

When everyone feels comfortable and confident, it shows in the photos. Choose clothing that allows your family to move naturally and avoid anything that requires constant adjusting.

If your child hates wearing a particular outfit, chances are that discomfort will show in the photos. Comfortable, familiar clothing can help everyone relax and enjoy the experience.

Plan Around Your Children’s Schedules

Whenever possible, schedule your session when younger children are typically well-rested and fed. A tired or hungry toddler can make even the most relaxed photo session challenging.

It can also help to bring water, a small snack, or a favorite comfort item – especially if you have younger children.

Trust Your Photographer

Children don’t need to sit perfectly still or cooperate for every photo for a session to be successful.

A good family photographer will guide you through the session, encourage natural interaction, and look for those in-between moments that often become the most memorable images.

Instead of worrying about getting the “perfect” photo, focus on enjoying the time together and let your photographer capture your family naturally.

Embrace Movement and Connection

Some of the best family photos happen when no one is looking directly at the camera.

Walking together, laughing, cuddling, playing with your children, or simply interacting as a family can create genuine moments that tell a story. These natural interactions often result in more meaningful photographs than everyone simply standing and smiling.

Let Go of Perfection

Family photos are about preserving your family as you are in this particular season of life.

The little expressions, individual personalities, messy hair, unexpected laughs, and silly moments are often the images you’ll treasure most years from now. Don’t worry about making everything perfect—let your photographer capture what makes your family yours.

The Best Spots to Take Family Photos Around Douglas County

Douglas County offers no shortage of beautiful locations for family photography. Here are a few of Bre’s favorites:

Fly’n B Park

Fly’n B Park offers a charming mix of natural and rustic scenery. The historic farmhouse, rustic barn, mature trees, open fields, and scenic trails provide plenty of options for family photos with a more relaxed, country feel.

Dawson Butte Open Space

Dawson Butte Open Space provides a peaceful natural setting with wooded trails, tall grasses, mature trees, and mountain scenery. It’s a beautiful choice for families looking for a more natural, Colorado-inspired backdrop.

Highlands Ranch Mansion

The Highlands Ranch Mansion provides a beautiful and distinctive setting for family photos, with historic architecture, landscaped grounds, mature trees, and open spaces. The combination of classic architecture and natural scenery creates plenty of variety for a family session. The Mansion and grounds do close for private events, so be sure to check the schedule before you go.

Daniels Park

Daniels Park is known for its sweeping views of the Front Range, open grasslands, and dramatic rock formations. The expansive scenery makes it a great option for families who want Colorado’s mountains and wide-open landscape to be part of their photos.

Roxborough State Park

With its iconic red-rock formations, mountain views, and natural landscape, Roxborough State Park offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the area. The distinctive rock formations provide a beautiful Colorado backdrop for family portraits. Because it is a state park, you must have the Keep Colorado Wild Pass or pay an entrance fee.

Castlewood Canyon State Park

Castlewood Canyon offers a mix of dramatic canyon views, rocky landscapes, trails, trees, and open spaces. Its varied scenery provides plenty of opportunities for both scenic portraits and more natural, candid family photos. Because it is a state park, you must have the Keep Colorado Wild Pass or pay an entrance fee.

South Valley Park

South Valley Park is a favorite for its dramatic red-rock formations, open fields, mountain views, and variety of backdrops. There are several scenic spots within a relatively small area, making it easy to create a diverse gallery without traveling between multiple locations.

About BLR Photography

Bre Rios is the owner and photographer behind BLR Photography. A Colorado native, wife, and mom of two boys, Bre understands how quickly each season of family life passes – and how meaningful it can be to preserve those moments through photographs.

Bre started BLR Photography in 2021 with the goal of creating meaningful, authentic images that families can look back on for years to come. She photographs families, maternity sessions, newborns, seniors, events, branding sessions, and intimate weddings throughout Douglas County and the Denver metro area.

Her photography style is relaxed and connection-focused. Bre combines gently guided portraits with candid moments, allowing each family’s personality and relationships to come through naturally.

Bre and her family moved to Sterling Ranch in November 2025 and have loved becoming part of the community. One of her favorite things about living there is how family-oriented it feels. There are always kids outside, community events happening, beautiful trails and open spaces nearby, and plenty of opportunities to meet other families.

She also appreciates that Sterling Ranch still has a growing, close-knit community feel. As a mom and small-business owner, Bre says it has been especially meaningful to get to know local families both personally and through her photography.

Being able to photograph families in the same community where she is raising her own children makes her work even more special.

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