Pets are family members, and just like with any other member of the family, it's important to capture memories of them throughout their lives. Pet photographers in Denver are well aware that the state's weather can be pretty unpredictable, but that’s also part of what makes it so beautiful.

Colorado is without a doubt one of the most gorgeous states in the country. Its Rocky Mountains, diverse landscapes, and a plethora of outdoor activities make it a great place to live and visit. If you're looking for the best time of year to photograph your pet in Colorado, read on for some tips!

The Best Seasons for Pet Photography

Colorado's diverse geography and elevation changes create some unique challenges for pet photography. Seasons do not always coincide with those in other parts of the country. But if you know when to take advantage of the state's various seasons, you can get some truly stunning shots.

Colorado Seasons

Here are a few tips on when to schedule your pet photography sessions in Colorado:

1. Spring

Late spring is a great time to photograph pets at lower elevations (like Denver and Boulder) when the wildflowers begin to bloom. The mountains can see snow well into May, so if you’d like some snowy photos without the winter chill this is the perfect time of year.

March: It’s Colorado’s snowiest month and it’s still very much winter both at lower elevations and in the high country. We can see some of our strongest winter storms during this time.

April: At lower elevations trees will begin to bud in mid-April, but most of the grass in the foothills is still brown. The mountains are still very snowy at this time. It can snow both at lower elevations and in the mountains this time of year.

May: Snow is still possible even in Denver and Boulder, especially in early May. Luckily, it usually doesn’t stick around very long. By the end of the month wildflowers are out in full force in the Denver and Boulder foothills. Snowpack in the mountains is beginning to soften.

2. Summer

Summer is the perfect time to photograph pets at higher elevations. While the temperatures can be pretty hot in Denver, the mountains are perfectly pleasant. Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent but often short-lived.

June: Mountain passes begin to open, but some trails will still be snow covered in certain areas. By the end of the month wildflowers start emerging at higher elevations, while summer is in full swing in Denver and Boulder.

July: It’s peak wildflower season in the high country. At the beginning of the month creeks, lakes and waterfalls are usually full. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the mountains.

August: While it’s hot at the lower elevations (it can reach 100° in Denver), it’s usually in the 60s and 70s in the mountains. Trails are dry and the frequency of afternoon storms begins to taper off.

3. Fall

Fall is a great time to photograph pets in Colorado's forests. The leaves are changing color, and the light is beautiful, making for some stunning pet portraits, making it the perfect time to take your pet out for a photo session. Peak color varies from year to year, but you can usually expect to see color from mid-September to early October around 8,000-10,000 ft (i.e. mountains), and late September to mid-October around 7,000-9,000 ft (i.e. Front Range metro areas).

September: Fall is lovely time for photos, but keep in mind that snow isn't unheard of in September, even at lower elevations, which can impact fall color. Peak color in the high country can be found during this month.

October: Early to mid October is usually peak color for the lower elevations. The days are pleasant with crisp early mornings. Some of the high passes begin to close their roads for the season.

4. Winter

Winter is a great time to photograph pets in the snow. November and December can still have mild days at lower elevations, making them ideal months for pet photography. Additionally, Colorado's mountains offer some of the best conditions for winter photography, and your photos will be truly unique. The cooler temperatures make for lovely scenery, and the snow can add a magical touch to your photos. Just be sure to bundle up!

November: November is the beginning of winter in Colorado. The mountains often see snow and temperatures are cooler, but still mild with occasional snow storms at lower elevations. Thanksgiving aside, this is one of the quieter months for tourism.

December: It’s a winter wonderland in the mountains, which also can also mean heavy ski traffic on the weekends. December brings a mixed bag of weather for lower elevations, swinging from mild and sunny one day and a snowstorm the next.

January: This month is usually cold and dry. Any snow that falls usually sticks around for a bit. Sunrise is later in the morning so this is perfect if you’re looking for a sunrise session without having to get up super early.

Dates to Avoid

Colorado is a popular vacation destination, so while we do get visitors year round, there are certain times of the year when the trails are absolutely packed and I-70 is gridlocked, turning what would normally be an hour’s drive from Denver to the mountains into a never ending nightmare.

If you’d like to improve your odds of having a more manageable drive and a more peaceful location try to avoid holidays such as New Years, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. As well as any sort of holiday that can be turned into a long weekend like MLK Day, Presidents Day, etc.

Best Time of Day

In order to take advantage of the best possible light I like to schedule sessions around either sunrise or sunset. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of each.

Sunrise Pros:

Less traffic
Easier parking at trailheads
Less crowded
Cooler (which can be a game changer at lower elevations in the summer)
Better chance of avoiding summer afternoon thunderstorms.

Sunrise cons:

You'll have to wake up super early (like 4:30 am-early for mountain locations) in the summer.
The light gets strong, quickly.

Sunset Pros:

Golden hour means beautiful flattering light.
Depending on the time of year, a sunset session can accommodate work schedules.
You won’t have to get up really early.

Sunset cons:

As this is the most popular time for photos, locations can get crowded with other hikers and photographers.
Summer afternoon/evening thunderstorms are frequent in the summer.
Traffic and parking can be challenging.

Colorado’s beautiful all year round

The best time of year for pet photography in Colorado depends on the look and feel you’re going for. No matter what time of year you decide to schedule your pet's photo session, you are sure to end up with some beautiful pictures that will capture you and your pet enjoying Colorado’s stunning landscape.

If you want to take pictures of your pet in the snow, winter or early spring are the best times. However, if you want to take pictures of your pet with colorful leaves in the background, mid-September to early October is best. Colorado is a beautiful state, and no matter what time of year you take pictures, your pet will look great! Just be sure to plan and schedule your sessions accordingly!

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When Is the Best Time of Year in Colorado for Pet Photography?