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Pagosa Springs Travel Session
August 28, 2024

Enjoy a beautiful travel boudoir session and start to envision creating your own.

A woman in a dress is standing in the water.
A woman is laying in the grass with her head on her arms.

The Drive

A few weeks ago my family was lucky enough to travel to Pagosa Springs for a truly magical shoot. We traveled from Denver, southwest through the San Juans. I am pretty used to the majestic views of the Rockies, but the San Juans took my breath away. We passed over the front range, into a large plateau. After several hours these mountains grew like titans suddenly off the plains. The trip was over 5 hours, but hardly felt like it with such insanely gorgeous views! 




The Scouting

We experienced the restoring hot springs in Pagosa Springs, I totally recommend the springs if you are in the area. On Saturday night, we scouted the location, right at sunset. Again, the views made it hardly feel like another hour’s drive. The forest in Pagosa Springs is totally different from the forests around Vail and Breckinridge. The trees are larger and taller, the forest floor is alive, like a green carpet, and in the trees Spanish moss, white wisps moving in the breeze. The falls where we were shooting were in a deep canyon, a major challenge for lighting, and can lose light hours before actual sunset. This forest was filled with cool logs and stumps, small trees and roots, beautiful backdrops with the human body. We finally got to the falls, watching them pound the pool of water below, hitting pine trees on its path, misting the area with fresh pine scent. We followed the creek and found that the canyon wall reflected orange light on the water, but only for brief moment before casting the canyon into shadow with the setting sun. Even though the creek was pure snow melt, I knew we had to take photos in the water. On the ride home I noticed several cars pulled over on the side of the dirt road. Just at sunset when the tips of the mountains were pinks and purples, the wide plain to our left held the largest herd of Elk I have ever seen. Young and old, all moving and buggeling to each other. 





The Shoot

The next night we had the even more glorious light. I had the joy of working with a lovely mama who feels at home in nature. She wanted to have a session to do something for herself. My spirit really sings with such a pure intention for the art, I love the self care. I can definitely relate as a mother myself, it can be so easy to be caught up in the needs of your children. But you bring them the best mother when you are living for yourself as well. She looks incredible in the magical forest light. I love showing different parts of her personality and different characters with her different looks. She was so present and committed to getting gorgeous photos and you can tell. If I was her I would enlarge so many of these for my home! I have so much gratitude for this shoot, I have the best job ever!


Love these? Want to see more? Check out these images!


A woman is sitting on a rock near a waterfall.
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Denver's boudoir scene is thriving, and for good reason. Women are seeking empowering experiences that celebrate their beauty and strength in art form. But why limit yourself to a studio when the breathtaking landscapes of Colorado and beyond offer the perfect canvas for documenting your story? As a Denver-based boudoir photographer, I specialize in crafting unforgettable destination shoots that blend luxury, adventure, and self-discovery. I've had the privilege of capturing incredible transformations in breathtaking locations. Today, I'm sharing my insider knowledge on how to plan the perfect destination boudoir shoot, from choosing the right location to maximizing your experience. This blog is your ultimate guide to planning the perfect boudoir destination shoot, from choosing the ideal location and lighting to preparing for an experience that will leave you feeling confident and empowered. The Allure of Destination Boudoir: Why Venture Beyond The Studio Escape the Ordinary: A destination shoot allows you to break free from your daily routine and immerse yourself in; a luxurious escape, a chance to reconnect with yourself in a stunning setting. Stunning Backdrops: Imagine capturing your essence against the backdrop of majestic mountains, serene lakes, or enchanting forests. These natural wonders elevate your images to works of art leaving you with truly unique images. Increased Confidence: Stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing a new environment can be incredibly liberating, boosting your self-esteem and discovering a newfound sense of self-assurance. Unique and Personalized: Destination shoots offer a level of exclusivity and personalization that's hard to replicate in a studio setting. Creating memories and pictures that are truly one-of-a-kind. Memorable Adventure: This is not just a photoshoot, this is an adventure that you will remember for the rest of your life. Choosing Your Dream Destination: Colorado's Diverse Landscapes Colorado's diverse landscapes offering endless possibilities for your boudoir destination shoot. Here are some of my favorite location types and specific spots: Mountain Majesty: The Rocky Mountains provide dramatic and awe-inspiring backdrops with truly unmatched views. Think snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and rustic cabins. Favorite Spots: Breckenridge, Vail, Estes Park, and areas surrounding Telluride. Why? The sheer scale of the mountains creates a sense of grandeur and power, perfect for capturing strong and empowering images. The changing seasons also provide a very diverse backdrop. Best Time of Year: Late spring to early fall, when the weather is mild and the landscapes are vibrant. Lakeside Serenity: The tranquil waters of Colorado's lakes offer a sense of peace and tranquility. Think shimmering reflections, secluded coves, and picturesque shorelines. Favorite Spots: Lake Dillon, Grand Lake, and the many reservoirs scattered throughout the state. Why? The water element adds a touch of fluidity and sensuality to your images, creating a soft and romantic ambiance. Best Time of Year: Summer, when the water is warm and the days are long. Enchanted Forests: The lush forests of Colorado offer a sense of mystery and enchantment. Think towering trees, dappled sunlight, and hidden trails. These destination shoots are some of my favorites. Favorite Spots: Areas around Evergreen, Nederland, and the San Juan National Forest. Why? The natural beauty of the forest creates a magical and ethereal atmosphere, perfect for capturing intimate and whimsical images. Best Time of Year: Spring and fall, when the foliage is at its most vibrant. Desert Elegance: For a different vibe, consider the deserts of Colorado or nearby states. The stark beauty and warm tones of the desert landscape offer a unique and dramatic backdrop. Why? The desert offers a raw and powerful aesthetic, highlighting your strength and resilience. Historic Charm: Colorado has many historic mining towns that provide a unique backdrop of aged buildings, and unique textures. These are especially fun shoots to do with props such as cowboy boots and hats, horses or animals. Favorite Spots: Georgetown or Manitou Springs offer a unique blend of old-world elegance and rustic charm. Why? The vintage backdrops create a timeless and sophisticated aesthetic, perfect for capturing classic boudoir images. Best Time of Year: Spring through fall. Majestic Waterfalls: Colorado has many heart stopping waterfalls, these give a sense of wonder and mother nature’s power. Favorite Spots: Pagosa Springs, Boulder Falls, and Cascade Falls Why? Waterfalls lend power and a strong vertical composition to your images. Not only will your figure be stunning, but the surrounding landscape will be as well! Best Time of Year: Spring through fall. The Golden Hour and Beyond: Mastering Natural Light The time of day plays a crucial role in creating the perfect lighting for your boudoir shoot. Lighting is paramount in boudoir photography, and destination shoots offer the opportunity to harness the beauty of natural light. Golden Hour: The hour before sunset and the hour after sunrise offer soft, warm, and flattering light. This is the ideal time for capturing romantic and ethereal images. Blue Hour: The twilight period just before sunrise and after sunset offers a cool, moody light that adds a touch of drama to your images. Midday Light: While midday sun can be harsh, it can also create stunningly vibrant images when used strategically, such as shooting in shaded areas or using diffusers. Overcast Skies: Overcast days provide soft, diffused light that eliminates harsh shadows and creates a flattering glow. Nighttime Glamour: For a truly unique experience, consider a nighttime shoot. The use of artificial lighting and long exposures can create dramatic and captivating images. Preparing for Your Destination Boudoir Shoot: A Comprehensive Guide Consultation and Planning: A thorough consultation with your photographer is essential to discuss your vision, preferences, and any specific requests. Location Scouting: If possible, visit the location beforehand to get a feel for the environment and identify potential shooting spots. If you can't, our team will scout the location. Wardrobe Selection: Choose outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable. Pack a variety of lingerie, robes, props and accessories that reflect your personal style. Hair and Makeup: Consider hiring a professional hair and makeup artist to enhance your natural beauty and create a polished look. Travel Arrangements: Book your travel and accommodations well in advance, especially if traveling during peak season. Relax and Enjoy: Remember that this is your time to shine. Embrace the experience, let go of any inhibitions, and have fun! Tips for Making the Most of Your Destination Shoot Embrace the Adventure: Be open to trying new things and exploring your surroundings. Destination shoots allow you to explore another side of you, allowing for your imagination to run wild, and create any reality you want. Communicate with Your Photographer: Share your ideas and preferences with your photographer. They are there to help you create the images of your dreams. Trust the Process: Relax and trust your photographer's expertise. They will guide you through the posing and create a comfortable and supportive environment. Focus on the Experience: Remember that the shoot is about more than just the photos. It's about celebrating your beauty and embracing your sensuality. Capture the Behind-the-Scenes: Consider capturing behind-the-scenes moments to document your whole journey. A Hidden Gem: Durango, Colorado Retreat For those seeking an extraordinary boudoir experience, I'm excited to offer a limited-time opportunity! Join me for exclusive boudoir destination sessions in the breathtaking landscapes surrounding Durango, Colorado, this August. Immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the San Juan Mountains, surrounded by towering pines and crisp mountain air. These shoots will offer a unique blend of adventure, and empowerment, designed to help you reconnect with your inner goddess. We will be at a private location with amazing views, and plenty of room to feel free and beautiful. There are only four spots left for this intimate and transformative experience. If you want to secure one of the 4 spots left for this beautiful destination shoot, reach out to me today. Why Durango in August? The weather is ideal, with warm days and cool nights, perfect for outdoor shoots. The wildflowers are in full bloom, creating a vibrant and stunning backdrop. 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