Photoshoot Locations

Below is a list of ideas for photoshoot locations throughout Colorado. This is by no means an exhaustive list; there are far more possibilities throughout the state. If you choose to hire a photographer, consult with them regarding locations as they may also know of some good places.

When choosing a location, many are free and open to use, but many will require a special permit, special permission, time restrictions, fees, or at the very least, prior notification. Some may also allow you to use their location but forbid you from selling your photos taken at that location. Make sure you can use the location you choose before showing up and you know what you're allowed to do with those photos. It is your responsibility to do your research on the location's use requirements and contacting necessary personnel before attempting a shoot there.

***Disclaimer***

If you do a photoshoot at a prohibited/illegal location or without permission from the location owners/managers (also trespassing), without properly acquiring permits, insurance, or paying fees, get injured or damage equipment or cosplays during a photoshoot, sell prints of photos taken without the permission of the location owners/managers, or otherwise do a photoshoot at a location without following their protocol for such and use those photos in a manner not authorized, the Colorado Academy of Cosplay will not be held liable for any damages or losses of any kind.

Table of Contents:

General Location Ideas

Town and city centers. Downtown Denver is good for a mix of old and new with lots of variety.

Local parks, trails, open spaces, and creeks/rivers/lakes

City Airports (obviously need permission but has been done)

Older churches and cathedrals

Ghost towns throughout Colorado

Outdoor/Natural

General/Good Variety

Poudre Trail, Fort Collins

Spring Creek Trail, Fort Collins

Boulder Creek Trail, Boulder

Lions Park Trails, Golden

Elaine T Valente Open Space/Riverdale Regional Park Trail, East Thornton

Chatfield State Park, Southwest Littleton

Cherry Creek State Park, Aurora

Lair o' the Bear Park, Idledale (just west of Morrison)

Mountains

Chauataqua Park, Boulder

Flagstaff Mountain, Boulder

Betasso Preserve, Boulder

Walker Ranch Loop, Boulder (Flagstaff)

Meyers Gulch Trail, Boulder (Flagstaff, just past Walker Ranch Trailhead)

Gross Dam, Boulder (end of Flagstaff Rd)

Caribou area, Nederland

Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Golden

Alderfer/Three Sisters Park, Evergreen

Elk Meadow Park, Evergreen

Mt. Evans Scenic Byway

Loveland Pass summit, Highway 6, off I-70 near Eisenhower Tunnel (11,990 ft)

Rocky Mountain National Park*** Though RMNP has countless beautiful locations, they require special photography permits to be purchased, which can be quite expensive, and regulations you must follow, which can be quite strict. Please fully research this location as this is highly protected Federal land and laws must be followed.

Rock Formations

Horsetooth Reservoir, Fort Collins

Devil's Backbone, Loveland

Red Rocks Park, Boulder

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs

Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Colorado Springs

Deer Creek Canyon Park, Southwest of Ken Caryl

South Valley Park, West of Ken Caryl

Paint Mines Interpretive Park, Calhan

Colorado National Monument, near Grand Junction

Waterfalls

Rifle Falls State Park, Rifle

Bridal Veil Falls, Telluride

Fish Falls, Steamboat Springs

Paradise Cove, Guffey (West of Colorado Springs)

The Broadmoor Seven Falls, Colorado Springs

Helen Hunt Falls, Colorado Springs

North Cheyenne Canon Park, Colorado Springs

Unique

Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mosca

Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver

War Memorial Rose Garden, Littleton

Lakeside Amusement Park, Wheat Ridge

Historical Locations

Victorian/Old West

Stanley Hotel, Estes Park

Hotel Jerome, Aspen

Brown Palace Hotel, Denver

Molly Brown House Museum, Denver

Castle Marne, Denver

Highlands Ranch Mansion, Highlands Ranch

Pioneers Museum, Colorado Springs

Ghost Town Museum, Colorado Springs

John Blair Bridge, Colorado Springs

Redstone Castle, Redstone

Rosemount Museum, Pueblo

Strater Hotel, Durango

Industrial/Technology

Train Museum, Golden

Wings Over the Rockies Air Museum, Denver

Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Company, Denver

Union Station, Denver

Unique Buildings

Castles/Cathedrals

Ice Castles, Dillon (Winter only. Literally made of ice)

Chapel on the Rock, Allenspark (South of Estes Park)

Bishop Castle, Rye

Cherokee Ranch and Castle, Sedalia

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Denver

Glen Eyrie Castle, Colorado Springs

Abbey Events Center, Canon City

Germanic/Bavarian

Town of Vail

Especially Unique

Earth Illuminated, Denver

Denver Selfie Museum, Denver

Modern

United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel, Colorado Springs

US Olympic and Paralympic Museum, Colorado Springs

Denver Art Museum, Denver

Denver Center for Performing Arts, Denver

Ellie Caulkins Opera House, DCPA Denver

Denver Public Library, Denver

Downtown Aquarium, Denver

Towers

Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, Colorado Springs

Kanemoto Park, Longmont (Pagoda)

Daniels and Fischer Tower, 16th Street Mall Denver

Fountains

Julie Penrose Fountain, Colorado Springs

Broadmoor Hotel, Colorado Springs

Thatcher Memorial Fountain, Denver City Park

Southglenn Mall, Centennial