Downtown Denver Engagement Photography
Let me tell (and show) you about why I love doing engagement sessions in downtown Denver, Colorado! The mix of historic buildings, interesting architecture, and infinite opportunities to play with texture and lighting gives you so much variety without ever needing to leave the city. With that being said, I’d love to share Kai and Brian’s dreamy downtown engagement session (photos below!) They told me how much they loved the city, and also how they met and spend time together in the city. Choosing a sentimental location always makes engagement sessions feel even more special. Although the mountains are beautiful, I personally love when a couple finds beauty in the urban landscape as well!
We started in the streets surrounding Union Station, one of my favorite spots for engagement photos in Denver because it offers a little bit of everything. You get the tall buildings, old bridges, and even the grungy alleys that also have their own kind of intrigue. Any time I walk around, I take note of the overlooked spots that actually turn out to be the most interesting for photos. I’ve spent years scouting locations around the city, from textured brick walls to unique architectural lines, so your gallery feels varied without needing to run all over Denver. Knowing where to go also keeps your session low-stress, so you never have to worry about how to achieve the vision on your Pinterest board. I’ve got you covered on that.
Kai and Brian also brought such a fun energy. They weren’t trying to perform for the camera, which is totally what I encourage. The best engagement photos come from being present with each other, and I guide you in a way that keeps things feeling comfortable and not overly posed. Their rescue dog Remy was also such a champ, and so patient during photos with and without K+B!
One of the things I talk through with all my couples ahead of time is how to make the most of their engagement session. A few simple choices can completely change how your photos feel. Here are some tips of how to get the most out of your engagement photo experience!
Pick an outfit that makes you feel empowered! I always recommend choosing pieces that feel like you, but slightly elevated. Neutral tones, classic silhouettes, and avoiding overly bright colors help keep the focus on your connection rather than what you’re wearing. For downtown Denver engagement photos, outfits that contrast the city textures, like soft fabrics against brick or structured pieces against clean architecture, photograph especially well.
Get comfortable and cozy! We’ll walk, explore, and shift locations throughout your session, so being able to move easily makes everything feel more natural. I loved that Kai’s dress that was not only stylish but also allowed her to twirl and get into those action based prompts that are my favorites.
Trust the process. You don’t need to know how to pose or what to do with your bodies. That’s my job. I’ll guide you the entire time in a way that feels natural and never forced. Some of the best moments happen in between directions, when you’re just interacting with each other. I always tell couples, “this might sound silly but wait until you see how good it looks!”
Don’t overthink it. The goal here isn’t perfection. I want to see how you actually interact. The more you can lean into just being together, the more your photos will actually feel like you.
After exploring around Union Station and the surrounding streets, we made our way to the Byron White Courthouse to finish the session. This is one of my favorite spots to end at because it adds a completely different feel to the gallery. The architecture is clean, bright, and timeless, which balances out the more textured, urban feel from earlier in the shoot. I love catching our final spot around sunset because the soft glow of the fading light brings about beautiful colors reflected against the buildings.
By the end of the session, we had captured SO many gorgeous photos of Kai and Brian. I always seem to go over my goal of how many photos I deliver to couples, and I always make sure to include any extra shots that are cute or that I know you will want.
As a Colorado engagement photographer, sessions like always leave me smiling as I walk back to my car. I’ve worked with so many couples across Denver and throughout Colorado, and I’ve built my approach around making the experience feel easy, intentional, and actually enjoyable. The best part about engagement sessions is getting an evening to just connect and create core memories together. Of course you will also get plenty of gorgeous photos to use for save the dates, your wedding website, framed prints around your house, and albums, but also having an evening to focus on things that light you up inside is an important part of the experience.
I also offer engagement sessions at a special rate when booked alongside a wedding collection, which makes it an easy addition for couples who want to get to know my style of photographing couples before the big day.
I am very hands on when helping plan your engagement session, from suggesting the perfect backdrops, to replying to photos about outfit options. I have more information on what to expect from your engagement session here and how to prepare. There is no right or wrong way to do your session and I am here for ALL of the ideas, inspiration, and vibes that reflect your real relationship!