We welcomed 2026 with a great family photo shoot at Spring Canyon Park in Fort Collins, Colorado. Even though it was early January, the day was relatively warm with calm winds. Thanks to the calm winds, I was able to bring my strobe. When I can, I prefer to use a strobe light, as it helps make my subjects stand out.
The occasion was the grandmother’s birthday, so she was the center of attention. I made sure to bring a chair for her to sit on and place her in the middle of the group photos.
While we were waiting for everyone to show up at Spring Canyon Park, we started photographing the kids who were there, walking across a log in the area. The kids had fun trying to balance as they walked across the log. As soon as everyone showed up, we got some big group shots. The downed tree added some interest in height variation, so we started with that.
Then we took smaller family group photos. Some smaller family photos were also taken on the log. Others were taken in front of a nearby tree, between nearby pine trees, or on large boulders next to a bridge. I made sure to get some serious photos of everyone smiling. I also got some family photos of big group hugs and silly faces.
The little girl was super shy and did not like my big, scary lens. I tried several times to get a picture of her not crying. At the end of our family photo shoot, I got one. His older sister was with her, and I was a long way away. I zoomed-in, and surprisingly, she seemed to pose for me.
Photos at Spring Canyon Park, Fort Collins
I really enjoy taking family photos at Spring Canyon Park in Fort Collins. It’s at the far west end of Horsetooth Road. It has a lot to choose from, including open spaces for large groups, trees to lean against or take photos in front of, rocks to pose on or climb on, and more. There’s also a downed tree that is great for kids, or anyone, to walk across. There’s a fence to photograph along. Whether we’re taking family photos at Spring Canyon Park or senior photos, couples photos, pets, whatever – there are lots of photo opportunities.
If you’d like family photos at Spring Canyon Park, or anywhere else in Fort Collins, let me know. I usually bring two cameras and two zoom lenses. I try to make it fun yet quick. I don’t charge extra for you downloading your images. I only charge for my time taking your photos. You download your photos via a private, password-protected page on my website.
