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. I'm still exploring and always adding new favorites to my list, but there are a few go-to spots I return to again and again.

South Mesa Trailhead, Boulder

If you've ever wanted those sweeping mountain views Colorado is famous for, South Mesa Trailhead never disappoints. The views of the Flatirons are breathtaking year-round, and the trails mix open meadows with tree-lined paths. It's perfect for couples and families who want that natural, timeless Colorado backdrop. I love shooting here at 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 quiet and incredibly photogenic. The trail loops around the lake, with several little nooks ideal for portraits, boardwalks, tall grass, and reflective water, making 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. Golden hour before sunset is my go-to here, though honestly this spot looks beautiful any time of day. I'm not much of an early morning person, so that works out well.

Washington Park, Denver

Wash Park is a classic for a reason. With tree-lined paths, vibrant gardens, and two lakes, it offers endless variety within just a few minutes' walk. I love it for lifestyle sessions, couples, and even more formal portraits, since the scenery changes beautifully through every season. Late spring through early fall is ideal when the gardens are in full bloom, or autumn for those rich, colorful leaves. Any time of day works here, but golden hour gives everything that warm, romantic glow.

Always exploring

One of my favorite things about photography is that there's always something new to discover, a hidden field, a quiet grove, 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. Comment below, reach out through my contact page, or follow me on Instagram at @ericacameronphotography.

A Classic, Professional Headshot Session

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

We focused on variety without overcomplicating things. Small adjustments in posture, expression, and layering let us create multiple looks in a short session. A seated pose with hands resting on the chair gives a friendly, conversational feel, while crossed arms convey more confidence and strength, both good options depending on where the images will be used.

The blue top was a great choice against the textured gray backdrop. It adds color without being distracting, and it photographs beautifully 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 good reminder that you don't need anything flashy for a strong headshot. Clean lines, good light, and a relaxed environment go a long way toward images that feel authentic and polished.

If you've been putting off updating your headshot, now's a good time. A current, professional image makes a real 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 I Don't Hand Over RAW Files

I get this question more than almost any other: can I just get the RAW files?

I get why people ask. It feels like a fair request, you paid for the session, shouldn't you get everything? But a RAW file isn't a finished photo. It's closer to a film negative, all the data my camera captured, completely unprocessed. Straight out of the camera, most RAWs look flat and a little dull. The editing is where the image actually becomes what you saw in your head when you booked me.

That's true of every photographer, not just me. The RAW is the raw material. The edit is the craft.

There's also a practical side. RAW files are huge, often 20 to 100MB each, and you need specific software just to open one. Handing them over means handing you a stack of unfinished work you can't really do anything with, and if you tried to edit them yourself without training, you'd likely end up with results that don't look anything like what you hired me for.

Here's an example from a recent session. This is the RAW, straight off the camera. And here's the same frame after I've gone through my full edit. Same photo, completely different feeling.

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. 

If you're curious about the process, I'm always happy to talk through it. That's part of what you're paying for.

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

You've done this before. You see a great sunset, pull out your phone, snap it fast. Sometimes it comes out great. Sometimes it just doesn't look like what you actually saw.

These three photos are all the same sculpture, same sunset, taken minutes apart. One's from a phone. Two are from my camera. Same subject, same timing, completely different results.

The phone shot does an okay job overall, but look closely and the sky is blown out, all the detail gone, and the shadows on the sculpture go flat and heavy. That's the phone trying to expose for everything at once, and something always loses in that trade.

The other two get that depth back. I waited for the sun to hit the sculpture's form just right, controlled the exposure manually, and let those golden tones and starburst light actually show up the way they looked in person. A little editing afterward pulled the color and contrast into place without making it look overdone.

None of this is about making a photo look fake. It's about getting back what you actually felt standing there: where the light was coming from, how the shadows should fall, what the moment should feel like when you look at it later.

A phone can absolutely save a memory. But there's a real difference between a memory and a photo you'd want to print and hang on your wall.

Memories with Meaning: Fall Photo Fundraiser 2025 Recap

Every year I look forward to this day. It's a morning full of laughter, golden light, and the kind of connection that reminds me why I love this work in the first place. On Saturday, October 18, 2025, I joined a group of fellow volunteer photographers for the Young Professionals Council Fall Photo Fundraiser, benefiting the Rose Andom Center.

This year brought 12 mini sessions: families, couples, and professionals needing updated headshots. Everyone showed up ready to have fun, and together we walked away with images that mean a lot more than a nice photo.

What makes it worth doing

This fundraiser supports the Sierra Russell Fund, which helps survivors of domestic violence access housing, counseling, and legal support. It's a genuinely good example of how a morning of photography can turn into something that actually changes someone's life. Donating my time to that is a privilege, not an obligation.

From the day itself

Washington Park was full of energy. Families laughing under trees that had just turned gold, couples sneaking glances between poses, professionals stepping in front of the camera with more confidence than they expected to feel. Each session only ran 15 minutes, but the light was perfect and every one felt like its own small burst of connection.

Below are a few shots from one of the twelve sessions I photographed that morning, a small window into what the whole day looked like.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, volunteered, and supported this. Your generosity made the day what it was. Here's to doing it again in 2026.

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

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

I've built this kit over years of real shoots, weddings, headshots, families, the occasional wildlife session when I get the chance. Everything in here has earned its spot. Here's what I actually carry and why.

Cameras

I never shoot without dual card slots. It's non-negotiable at this point; every image backs up automatically as I shoot, so I'm never sweating a card failure mid-session.

My Canon R5 is my main body. Fast, sharp, and the autofocus finds focus even in tricky light. My Canon 5D Mark IV is still in the bag too. It's older, but the color and detail from that camera hold up, and depending on the shoot, it still sometimes ends up being my first pick over the R5.

Lenses

Which lens comes out depends on what story I'm telling that day, wide and sweeping, close and candid, or tight and detailed.

The Canon RF 28-70mm F2L is my favorite of the bunch. It's heavy, no way around that, but the sharpness even wide open makes up for the weight. My RF 24-105mm F4L is the one I reach for most on an average session, flexible enough that I'm not swapping lenses every five minutes. When I want a dramatic wide shot or need to fit a big group in frame, the RF 16-28mm F2.8 comes out.

I still carry a couple of EF lenses from before I switched to the R5, an EF 28-70mm F2.8L that's held up beautifully with the adapter, and an EF 70-200mm F4L that's light enough to carry all day and perfect for ceremonies or candid moments when I want some distance from my subject. My EF 50mm F1.8 is small, cheap, and still one of my favorites for that classic creamy background look. And when I need real reach, wildlife, or anything far off, I pull out the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3.

The EF adapter mount is what makes all of this work together on the R5. No compromises, no issues.

Lighting

Natural light does most of the work for me, but when I need more control, here's what comes out of the bag.

For flash, I've got two Canon 580EX units I've trusted for years, great for bouncing indoors. My Godox V860III is TTL, recycles quickly, and runs on a lithium battery, which makes it genuinely easy to use all day. My newest piece is the Godox V100C, a 100W round-head flash with touch screen controls, 2.4G wireless syncing, and a shutter speed range up to 1/80000s. It's become a favorite fast.

For bigger jobs, I bring five Neewer VISION5 400Ws strobes, strong enough to add real drama on location or overpower harsh sun when I need to.

None of this gear is just a collection sitting in a bag. Every piece earns its place because it lets me focus on the people in front of my camera instead of fighting with equipment. If you're curious how any of this comes together on an actual shoot, or want to know what would work best for yours, ask me. I love talking gear. 

Desert Light & Family Time in the White Tanks

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

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, 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 I couldn't wait to share. This one was shot with my Canon R5 and the RF 28-70mm f/2L at White Tank Mountain Regional Park in Arizona.

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

Let’s Talk Photos! Answering Your Most Frequently Asked Questions

Hi, I'm Erica Cameron. I photograph people and events with heart, honesty, and a lot of creativity, whether it's a wedding, a portrait session, or something in between. To make things easier from your first inquiry through final delivery, here are answers to the questions I get asked most.

What's your pricing for events and sessions?

Event coverage is $350 per hour, which includes shooting, editing, and delivery of high-resolution images, with a 2-hour minimum. Portrait sessions vary by length and what you're looking for, with mini, standard, and extended options available. Full details are at ericacameronphotography.com/pricing-information.

How far in advance should I book?

For events, two to four weeks out is usually fine. For weddings or peak dates, three to twelve months is ideal. My calendar fills quickly, especially in spring and fall, but it never hurts to check, there might be an opening.

Do I need to sign a contract?

Yes. Your date is only reserved once you've signed the agreement and paid the non-refundable retainer. The contract protects both of us and spells out all the details.

What are your payment terms?

A non-refundable deposit holds your date, and the remaining balance is due 14 days before your event. I accept cash, check, or Venmo, and payment plans are available for weddings and larger bookings.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

If you cancel, the deposit is non-refundable and kept as liquidated damages. If you reschedule, we can move your date as long as I'm available, though a new date during busy season or one involving travel may carry an additional fee. If I'm not available for your new date, the agreement becomes void and any fees beyond the deposit are refunded per the contract.

How many photos will I receive, and when?

For events and weddings, expect sneak peeks within two weeks and a full gallery in eight to twelve weeks. Portrait sessions get a full gallery in four to six weeks. Most clients receive 30 to 75 or more edited images per hour of coverage, delivered through a private, high-resolution online gallery you can download, print, and share from.

Will I get the RAW files?

No. I hand-select and edit the images that tell your story best, and the rest get removed during culling so you're left with the strongest gallery possible.

Do you retouch the photos?

Yes. Every final image is edited for color, light, and tone, and I remove temporary blemishes like acne.

How long will my gallery stay available?

Your gallery stays online for 12 months. If you need more time, you can extend it for another 12 months for a $250 reactivation fee, so it's worth downloading and backing up your images once you get them.

Can guests take photos at my event?

Absolutely, casual guest photos are welcome. During posed moments, though, I'll ask guests to pause so we don't miss expressions or end up with someone's flash in the frame. I'm not responsible for shots missed due to guest interference like flashes or crowding.

Do you travel?

Yes. Travel within 75 miles roundtrip of Broomfield is included. Beyond that, it's $1 per mile roundtrip, and destinations requiring an overnight stay or flight get a custom travel invoice.

Do you need meals at long events?

If I'm photographing for more than four hours, I kindly ask for a vendor meal for myself, and my assistant if one is on site. We'll eat quickly during your dinner hour so we're ready for everything after.

What should I wear for portraits?

I don't send a formal style guide, but a few things help. Solid colors or subtle prints photograph best. Sleeveless tops, especially for women, can be unflattering in certain light. Red can sometimes make skin tones look flushed, and anything glittery or high shine, including shimmer lotions, tends to reflect light unpredictably and can make skin look oily in photos. Most important: wear something you feel comfortable and confident in. It genuinely shows.

Will you share my photos online or on social media?

Only if you're comfortable with it. I sometimes post sneak peeks or portfolio images, but only with your permission, and your contract lets you specify exactly what you're okay with, sneak peeks, social media, promotional use, or none of the above. You can even ask to approve images before anything gets shared.

What happens if you can't make it to my event?

If illness, an emergency, or something truly unexpected keeps me from attending, I'll do everything I can to secure a qualified backup photographer. If no substitute is available, you'll receive a full refund. Your coverage always comes first.

Still have questions?

Reach out anytime, I'm always happy to help. You can find me at www.ericacameronphotography.com/contact

Why Photography Costs What It Does — And What You’re Really Paying For

I love what I do. Capturing moments, building emotion, telling stories. But I know pricing can feel confusing, sometimes even steep. So I want to pull back the curtain and show you exactly what goes into that cost.

The work you don't see:

When you book me, the shoot itself, say three to five hours for an event, is only one piece. Before that comes planning, communication, travel, sometimes scouting a location, and setting up gear and lighting. After the shoot ends, the real work starts: downloading and backing up every file, culling to the best shots, editing for skin, color, and artistic tone, retouching, resizing and formatting for print or web, uploading galleries or preparing USBs, and handling any revisions you request.

For a five-hour shoot, I typically spend an additional 30 hours or more on everything above. That puts the real time invested closer to thirty-five to forty hours, not just the time we spend together on the day.

What it costs me to do this right:

Running this business means incurring costs most clients never see but that absolutely benefit them. High-end camera bodies and a full range of lenses so I can adapt to any condition. Flashes, strobes, modifiers, stands, and backups. Software subscriptions for Lightroom, Photoshop, and specialized retouching tools. Fast computers, color-accurate monitors, and multiple backup drives or cloud storage. My website, galleries, and branding. Equipment and liability insurance. Ongoing upgrades as gear ages and technology moves forward. And overhead that doesn't pause during slower seasons, even when fewer shoots are booked.

Why Colorado's cost of living matters here:

The average cost of living per person in Colorado runs around $53,374 a year, about 13% above the national average, driven mostly by housing. Median home values in many areas are well over $450,000, and both rent and mortgage costs reflect that. Running a business here means those baseline costs are simply higher than they'd be almost anywhere else.

What my rate actually breaks down to:

My event coverage starts at $350 an hour. A five-hour shoot day comes to $1,750. But that fee covers roughly thirty-five hours of total work once you add in editing, culling, and delivery. Divide it out and my real hourly rate comes closer to $50 an hour. And a portion of that fifty still goes straight back into overhead: insurance, hosting, software, storage, and gear maintenance. Once those are paid, my actual take-home is lower still.

What you're actually paying for:

Beyond the hours themselves, you're getting consistent professional quality. Photos that tell a real story and work across print, web, and social. Peace of mind knowing your images are backed up and handled with real expertise. Someone in the room who manages lighting, posing, and whatever comes up, so you don't have to think about any of it. And the reliability of working with someone insured, professional, and committed to delivering on time.

Photography isn't just pointing a camera and pressing a button. It's preserving memories and creating something you'll actually want to keep. When you invest in a photographer, you're investing in a lot more than the few hours we spend together on the day.

I'd love to work with you and create something worth keeping.

Get Ready for Fall Photos That Make a Difference

Each fall, I'm honored to be one of several volunteer photographers who donate their time to help raise funds for the Rose Andom Center, an organization dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence. Through our annual Fall Mini Session Fundraiser, we get to do what we love, capturing moments that matter, while making a real impact in our community.

What it's all about

Families, couples, professionals, and yes, sometimes pets, join us for quick 15 minute sessions in scenic spots around Denver. Washington Park has been our most frequent location, but wherever we land, the spirit stays the same: update your family portraits, refresh your headshots, capture a seasonal moment, and give back while you're at it.

All proceeds benefit the Sierra Russell Fund through the Young Professionals Council of the Rose Andom Center, directly supporting survivors with housing, counseling, and legal aid.

Highlights from past years

What makes this event special is the joy it brings. I've had the privilege of photographing families marking each passing year with tradition, couples cozying up beneath golden leaves, and professionals stepping confidently in front of the lens. It's always a morning full of laughter, warm light, and shared purpose.

Looking ahead to 2025

This year's Young Professionals Council Fall Photo Shoot is set for Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 9 AM to 1 PM at Washington Park, 701 S Franklin St, Denver, CO 80209. Each session runs 15 minutes with a professional photographer, perfect timing as the season starts to turn.

Rates increase after September 14. Beginning September 15, an individual session costs $60, a couples session $90, a family session $120, and educators and students receive a discounted individual rate of $50. Every participant receives at least two edited photos, often more depending on the photographer. As much as we love furry friends, pets can't join this particular shoot.

Why it matters

Every photo we take does more than preserve a moment; it helps fund real, lasting change. Your participation means survivors have access to the resources they need to rebuild their lives. To everyone who's supported this cause in the past, thank you. Your trust and generosity are what make this possible year after year.

Here's to another year of creating portraits with purpose.

Below are some portraits from the past few years

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Senior Portraits for High School & College Graduates

Senior portraits are one of my favorite sessions to shoot. Whether it's celebrating the end of high school or the transition into life after college, these aren't just pictures. They're milestones.

Senior year is full of anticipation, hard work, and big decisions. A portrait session is a chance to pause and celebrate everything it took to get here. For high school seniors, it's about capturing the energy of youth, the pride of getting to this point, and the excitement of what's next. For college graduates, portraits become a lasting reminder of the persistence, late nights, friendships, and growth that got you across that finish line.

What I love most is making every session feel like you. No two seniors are alike, so no two sessions should look the same. We'll talk through what matters to you, favorite spots around campus, meaningful props, anything tied to your hobbies or interests. The session should tell your story, not a generic one.

Lighting, location, and styling are all part of the fun. Some people love the classic golden-hour glow; others want something bolder and more modern that suits their personality. Either way, the goal is photos that feel authentic to who you are right now.

Props to consider

School spirit items like a letterman jacket, hoodie, or favorite sports gear. Sports equipment, a glove, a ball, dance shoes, an instrument. Books or a laptop, especially for college grads, to reflect the academic side of things. Hobby items like a camera, skateboard, art supplies, or gaming headset, whatever actually represents you. Meaningful accessories like a class ring, jewelry, or a favorite hat or scarf. And for something more playful, confetti, balloons, or sparklers.

Outfit ideas

A dress, suit, or blazer works well for classic, polished portraits, the kind that make great family keepsakes. Jeans, sneakers, and everyday tops capture your actual day-to-day style. School colors, jerseys, or college merch bring in some spirit. If you want something more current, bold colors and statement pieces work great. And season plays a role too, cozy sweaters in fall, flowy dresses in spring, lighter fabrics for summer. College grads can absolutely still include cap and gown if you want that shot too.

Senior portraits are an investment in memory. Years from now, when you look back on this season of life, you'll be glad to have photos that captured exactly how confident and ready you felt stepping into what came next.

If you're a high school senior gearing up for graduation, or a college student about to walk the stage, let's connect. I'd love to help you create portraits that feel like you.