My Favorite Local Photography Locations (So Far)

One of the best parts of being a photographer is discovering new places that bring out the beauty of each session. Whether it’s wide open trails, peaceful lakes, or vibrant city parks, every location tells a different story. Although I’m still exploring and always adding new favorites to my list, there are a few go-to spots that I return to again and again.

🌄 South Mesa Trailhead (Boulder)

If you’ve ever wanted those sweeping mountain views that Colorado is famous for, South Mesa Trailhead never disappoints. The views of the Flatirons are breathtaking year-round, and the trails offer a mix of open meadows and tree-lined paths. It’s perfect for couples and families who want that natural, timeless Colorado backdrop.
Preferred time to shoot: Golden hour — right before sunset when the light hits the foothills just right.

🌿 McKay Lake (Broomfield)

McKay Lake is one of those hidden gems that’s both quiet and incredibly photogenic. The trail loops around the lake with several little nooks ideal for portraits — boardwalks, tall grass, and reflective water make it versatile for everything from family sessions to senior photos. It’s also easy to access, which makes it great for families with little ones or pets in tow.
Preferred time to shoot: Golden hour before sunset. I’m not much of an early morning person, but honestly, this location looks beautiful any time of day.

🌸 Washington Park (Denver)

Wash Park is a classic for a reason! Between the tree-lined paths, vibrant gardens, and the two lakes, it offers endless variety within just a few minutes of walking. I love it for lifestyle sessions, couples, and even more formal portraits — the scenery changes beautifully through every season.
Preferred time to shoot: Late spring through early fall when the gardens are in full bloom, or during autumn for those rich, colorful leaves. Any time of day can work, but golden hour gives everything a warm, romantic glow.

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Always Exploring

One of my favorite things about photography is that there’s always something new to discover — a hidden field, a quiet grove, or a new perspective on a familiar place. I’m constantly exploring new locations across Boulder, Broomfield, and the Denver metro area, so this list will definitely keep growing.

If you have a favorite local spot that would make a great backdrop, I’d love to hear your suggestions! You can comment below or reach out through my contact page or Instagram @ericacameronphotography

A Classic, Professional Headshot Session

There’s something timeless about a clean, well-lit headshot. This recent session was a perfect example of how simple styling, relaxed posing, and a neutral backdrop can come together to create images that feel both professional and approachable.

For this shoot, we focused on variety without overcomplicating things. By making small adjustments in posture, expression, and wardrobe layers, we were able to create multiple looks within a short session. A seated pose with hands resting on the chair gives a friendly, conversational feel, while crossed arms adds confidence and strength—great options depending on where the images will be used.

The blue top was a fantastic choice against the textured gray backdrop. It adds color without being distracting and photographs beautifully, especially for professional profiles, websites, and marketing materials. Subtle accessories and natural makeup kept the focus right where it should be—on expression and personality.

This session is a great reminder that you don’t need anything flashy for a strong headshot. Clean lines, good light, and a relaxed environment go a long way in creating images that feel authentic and polished.

If you’ve been putting off updating your headshot, consider this your sign. A current, professional image makes a difference—whether it’s for LinkedIn, a company website, speaking engagements, or personal branding.

Interested in booking a headshot session? Reach out and let’s create something that feels like you.

Unfiltered: Why RAW Files Stay with the Photographer

 Why Photographers Don’t Provide RAW Images (And What You Can Use to View Them)

When you hire a professional photographer, you’re paying not just for someone to click a button on a fancy camera — you’re hiring an artist, an editor, and a storyteller. One question that often comes up after a session is:

“Can I get the RAW files?”

For many photographers, the answer is a respectful but firm no — and here’s why.

📷 What Is a RAW Image?

A RAW file is the digital equivalent of a film negative. It’s a massive, unprocessed file that contains all the data captured by the camera’s sensor, allowing the photographer to have complete control over how the final image looks.

Think of it like ordering a pizza and asking for the raw dough, uncooked sauce, and cheese in a box. Sure, you could bake it yourself, but it won’t taste like what the chef intended.

🎨 Why Photographers Don’t Release RAW Files

1. RAW Files Are Unfinished Work

Photographers shoot in RAW to retain the most flexibility in editing — exposure, color grading, sharpening, and more. The final images you see have been carefully curated and edited to reflect the photographer’s artistic style and vision. RAWs are before the magic happens.

2. File Size & Complexity

RAW files are massive — often 20–100MB each — and require specific software to open. They’re not designed for printing or sharing. Sending you RAWs would be like giving you a book full of notes and asking you to edit it into a novel.

3. Brand & Reputation

Photographers have a specific look and feel to their work, and releasing unedited RAWs could misrepresent their brand. If someone were to edit a RAW poorly and share it online, it could give a false impression of the photographer’s skill or aesthetic.

4. Technical Skills Required

Opening and editing a RAW file requires knowledge and experience. Without proper software and training, you won’t get the results you’re expecting. Many clients are surprised that RAWs don’t even look good right out of camera — they’re usually flat and desaturated.

💻 Want to See or Edit RAW Files Anyway? Here’s How

If you’re genuinely interested in understanding RAW files or doing your own light editing (with permission!), there are user-friendly programs you can use:

✅ Free & Accessible RAW File Viewers/Editors

• Apple Photos (macOS & iOS): Automatically opens and edits many RAW formats.

• Windows Photos App (Windows 10+): With the RAW Image Extension, it supports most RAW formats.

• Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) via Photoshop or Lightroom (Paid): The industry gold standard.

• Darktable (Free, Open Source): Similar to Lightroom, great for serious hobbyists.

• RawTherapee (Free, Open Source): Offers powerful RAW editing tools, a bit more technical.

👏 The Bottom Line

Photographers don’t withhold RAWs to be difficult — it’s about protecting their art, maintaining quality, and delivering a finished product that reflects their standards.

When you hire a professional, trust their process. The beautifully edited images you receive are the result of both technical skill and creative vision. Asking for RAW files is like peeking behind the curtain — interesting for some, but unnecessary for most.

If you’re curious, just ask your photographer about their process. Many love sharing how they create their final images — just don’t be surprised when they (politely) say RAWs aren’t included.

🔍 Have questions about editing or what happens behind the scenes in a photo session? Drop them in the comments — let’s talk photography!

This image was originally a RAW file straight from the camera. As you can see, before editing it appeared flat, dull, and desaturated.

This image has been edited using Adobe Photoshop. As you can see, it now features enhanced texture, rich saturation, and a vibrant, polished look.

Here's another image, originally a RAW image and straight out of the camera. 

  Here's the edited version, also straightened. 

What’s the Difference Between Phone Pics and Professional Photos?

We’ve all been there — you see a beautiful sunset, pull out your phone, and take a quick picture. Sometimes it looks great, and sometimes it just doesn’t capture what you saw with your eyes.

That’s where professional photography comes in — it’s not just about having a “better camera,” it’s about using light, composition, and editing to bring out the full emotion of a scene.

These three images were taken of the same sculpture at sunset. One was captured with a phone, and the others were taken with my professional camera and lenses.

Even though the subject and timing were nearly identical, the results tell a completely different story.

The phone photo (third image) does a good job of capturing the overall moment, but notice how the highlights are blown out — the bright sky loses detail, and the shadows in the sculpture become heavy and flat. The camera’s automatic settings tried to balance everything at once, which often results in losing some of the depth and warmth that the scene had in real life.

The professional images (first and second photos) bring that missing depth back. By carefully adjusting exposure, using a controlled aperture, and understanding how the sun would fall through the sculpture’s form, I was able to capture those golden tones, starburst light, and subtle detail in the wood texture. Editing afterward helped fine-tune color balance and contrast without losing the natural feel.

Professional photos aren’t about making something look fake or overly enhanced — they’re about recreating the emotion you felt in the moment.
That means paying attention to:

• Light direction and timing – waiting for the perfect moment when the sun sits just right.

• Manual camera control – balancing highlights and shadows for realistic detail.

• Composition – framing the subject so it tells a story rather than just showing it.

• Post-processing – refining tones, color, and sharpness so the image feels polished but true.

So while a phone photo can absolutely capture a memory, a professional photograph captures the experience. It’s what turns a quick snapshot into something you’d want to print, frame, and remember.

📷 Memories with Meaning: Fall Photo Fundraiser 2025 Recap

Each year, I look forward to this day — a morning filled with laughter, golden light, and the kind of connections that remind me exactly why I love photography. On Saturday, October 18, 2025, I had the joy of joining fellow volunteer photographers once again for the Young Professionals Council Fall Photo Fundraiser benefiting the Rose Andom Center.

This year’s event brought together 12 mini sessions, each unique and heartwarming — from families and couples to professionals updating their headshots. Everyone showed up ready to have fun, and together, we captured images that carry more meaning than ever.

💜 What Makes It So Special

Every year, this fundraiser helps support the Sierra Russell Fund, which provides survivors of domestic violence with essential resources like housing, counseling, and legal support. It’s an incredible example of how creativity can fuel real, lasting change.

For me, it’s a privilege to donate time and talent to a cause that helps people rebuild and reclaim their lives — one portrait at a time.

✨ Highlights from the Day

The energy at Washington Park was contagious — families laughing under trees turning gold, couples sneaking quick glances between poses, and professionals stepping confidently in front of the camera.
Each 15-minute session felt like a burst of connection and joy, and the light couldn’t have been more perfect.

Below are a few portraits from one of the twelve sessions I captured — a small glimpse into a morning filled with meaning.

🌹 Thank You

To everyone who participated, volunteered, and supported this fundraiser — thank you. Your enthusiasm, generosity, and spirit made this year’s event an incredible success.

Together, we proved once again that photography has the power to do more than preserve memories — it can create hope.

Here’s to continuing the tradition in 2026 and capturing even more moments that matter.

With gratitude,
Erica Cameron
Erica Cameron Photography
www.ericacameronphotography.com 
Instagram.com/ericacameronphotography

What’s In My Bag: Erica Cameron Photography’s Favorite Gear

 What’s In My Bag: A Look at My Favorite Photography Gear

Over the years, I’ve carefully built a gear kit that works just as hard as I do. Whether I’m photographing weddings, headshots, families, or the occasional wildlife moment, I rely on dependable, high-quality tools that help me create beautiful, consistent results. Here’s a breakdown of what I carry and why it’s earned a permanent place in my bag.

🎥 Cameras (Dual Slot, Always)

Having dual card slots is a must for me — it adds peace of mind by automatically backing up every image I take.

• Canon R5 – My primary camera. Fast, accurate, and incredibly sharp. The autofocus is spot on and the image quality is unbeatable, especially in tricky lighting.

• Canon 5D Mark IV – A longtime favorite. This DSLR still delivers gorgeous color and detail. It’s a solid backup and sometimes still my go-to, depending on the shoot.

🔍 Lenses I Rely On

I choose lenses based on what kind of story I’m telling — wide scenes, candid moments, or crisp close-ups. Here's what I use most:

• Canon RF 28-70mm F2L – My favorite lens. It’s a bit of a tank, but the results are stunning. Super sharp, even wide open.

• Canon RF 24-105mm F4L – My versatile workhorse. Perfect for everyday sessions where I want to stay flexible without changing lenses constantly.

• Canon RF 16-28mm F2.8 – I love using this for dramatic wide shots, large groups, or when I want to showcase more of the setting in a creative way.

• Canon EF 28-70mm F2.8L – Still a beautiful lens, even years later. Paired with my R5 via the adapter, it holds up great.

• Canon EF 70-200mm F4L – Great for candid moments, ceremonies, or when I want to give my subject some space. Light enough to carry all day.

• Canon EF 50mm F1.8 – Small but mighty. I pull this out when I want creamy backgrounds and a classic look.

• Sigma EF 150-600mm F5-6.3 – This lens is all about reach. I mostly use it for wildlife or outdoor shoots when I want to capture something far away with crisp detail.

(And yes, the EF Adapter Mount lets me use all my EF lenses seamlessly on the R5. No issues at all.)

💡 Lighting Gear

Natural light is wonderful, but when I need more control or drama, here’s what I bring:

• Flashes:

  • (2) Canon 580EX – Reliable, consistent, and great for bouncing flash indoors.

  • Godox V860III – TTL, fast recycling, and lithium battery power — I love how convenient it is.

  • Godox V100C USA Flash (100W Round Head) – My newest addition! This powerful, touch-screen flash for Canon delivers clean, even light with its round head and diffuser options. It’s 2.4G wireless, syncs perfectly with my system, supports global shutter flash up to 1/80000s, and the lithium battery keeps it shooting all day.

• Strobes:

  • (5) Neewer VISION5 400Ws – These powerful strobes are perfect for on-location sessions when I want to add bold lighting or overpower the sun.

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Why This Gear Works for Me

This gear isn’t just a collection — it’s been built over years of shooting in real-world situations. Everything in my bag has a purpose, and I choose tools that let me work efficiently while delivering consistent, high-quality results. I want to focus on my clients, not fuss with gear. This setup helps me do exactly that.

If you’re curious how I use this gear in different types of sessions or want to know what works best for your shoot — just ask. I love talking shop!

Desert Light & Family Time in the White Tanks 🌵

There’s something special about heading back to Arizona — the desert air, those endless skies, and of course, the chance to reconnect with people I love. This trip was a mix of both work and rest — some much-needed R&R while visiting friends and family around the Phoenix metro area, with my camera (of course) tagging along for the adventure.

One of my favorite moments from the trip was photographing my sister and her family out at the White Tank Mountains. The desert is such a stunning backdrop — soft sunset tones, towering saguaros, and that golden Arizona light that seems to make everything glow. Between the laughs, the playful energy, and a few goofy outtakes, it was one of those sessions that reminded me why I love what I do.

Beyond the shoot, it was just good for the soul to catch up with everyone — dinners, late-night talks, and a slower pace for a few days. Trips like this always leave me recharged and inspired, both personally and creatively.

Here are a few favorites from the session — a mix of heartfelt moments and desert vibes that I couldn’t wait to share.

📸 Captured on: Canon R5 with the RF 28–70mm f/2L
🌵 Location: White Tank Mountain Regional Park, Arizona
💛 Session Type: Family Lifestyle Photography

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If you’re planning your own Arizona family session or looking for ideas for a desert backdrop, the White Tanks never disappoint. That golden light and desert landscape create magic every time.