Top 10 Photography Tours in Colorado, United States

November 1, 2021 Misti Hsu

Colorado is home to no less than twenty-six ski resorts such as those in Vail and Breckenridge; other winter activities include snowboarding, sledding, sleigh rides, snow hiking and snowmobiling. The state is blessed with national parks, grasslands and forests where in warmer weather you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking or rock climbing. Wildlife abounds, from bears to moose and raccoons to wolverines. More interested in local history? Head for either the Ute Indian Museum or the Koshare Indian Museum, and don't miss the forts such as Fort Garland and Bent's Old Fort. For a complete change, why not take a ride in a hot air balloon from South Park Valley or Boulder and admire Colorado's picturesque landscape from above?
Restaurants in Colorado

1. Private Photo Safari Sunrise in RMNP | Estes Park - Opts: Landscape or Wildlife

Estes Park Visitors Center, 500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517, USA Yellow Wood Guiding
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 13 reviews

Explore Rocky through your viewfinder on a 4 hour Photo Safari. Select from Landscape, Wildlife, or Instructional Photo Safari options to get the best experience you can. Our job is to get you to the right place at the right time, avoid the crowds, help you dial in the best settings and get the best compositions to get the best images to take home. This tour is highly customizable with many locations and subjects we can focus on, so everything is tailored to your interests. For the Landscape option we can shot Sunrise at an Subalpine Lake, on the Tundra, or along the river of a Mountain Meadow. Wildlife like Moose, Elk, Mule Deer, Marmots, Pika, and on lucky days Bighorn Sheep can be captured. We can also focus more on education so you can learn to get the most out of your camera, to get off of Auto and learn your f-stop, exposure, focus, and composition. All guests have access to our arsenal of Nikon pro cameras and lens like the D810 and 600mm lens.

Inclusions: Transport by private vehicle, Private tour, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Professional photographer guide with 15 years of teaching experience, Local guide, Snacks, Bottled water

Exclusions:

Reviewed By juliaU3333VL

My guide for the evening tour was Jared. His knowledge of the wildlife and terrain in RMNP is rivaled only by his well-developed skill and delight in sharing it with his guests. He knew the time and locations at which we would likely see moose (and we saw two!). We stopped and observed elk, and I learned to see so many more revealing details than I had imagined (how to tell if females are pregnant, e.g.). He told us all about the habits of the Great Horned Owl, whose nest with three chicks we visited. The spotting scope brought me right into that nest. Then I asked if he knew about the geology, and, even though it's not his primary domain, he pointed out features of the granite that is in the whole Front Range. But the highlight of my tour was the very close-up visit to a wall of schist with petrified sandstone bubbles in concentric circles. Awesome and memorable. Oh, and the van was comfortable, with heated seats and a full roof skylight. Jared is accommodating and considerate of the kind of experience each guest wants. Highly recommended.

2. Sunrise photo hike to Dream and Emerald Lakes

Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, 1000 US-36, Estes Park, CO 80517, USA Rock Light Photo Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Hike to some of the most stunning mountain lakes on the planet for a memorable sunrise. I will show you great locations for setting up for fantastic photos of Dream and Emerald Lakes (and if we have time, Nymph Lake as well). I can also offer photo instruction for those that would like some pointers. Don't have a RMNP entrance reservation? (new this year) No need! My commercial use permit means we don't need an advance permit!

Inclusions: snack bars and water for filling your refillable water bottles. Please bring at least 1.5 liters (48 OZ) of water for the hike.

Exclusions: Park entrance - bring your national parks pass, or receipt from previous entry into RMNP

Reviewed By Linda J

It was such a pleasure to spend a few days with Colin in Moab. He knew all the best places to go and the right time to be there. I also appreciated that he was very flexible with the shooting locations. At the last minute we had to bring our dog with us so Collin arranged for photo shoots at some areas outside of the national parks where we could bring the dog. I would highly recommend this trip. If you are wanting to up your photography skills, Collin is definitely the one to help.

3. Private Sunset Photo Safari in RMNP - Estes Park - Opts: Landscape or Wildlife

Estes Park Visitors Center, 500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517, USA Yellow Wood Guiding
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 7 reviews

Explore Rocky through your viewfinder on a 4 hour Photo Safari. Select from Landscape, Wildlife, or Instructional Photo Safari options to get the best experience you can. Our job is to get you to the right place at the right time, avoid the crowds, help you dial in the best settings and get the best compositions to get the best images to take home. This tour is highly customizable with many locations and subjects we can focus on, so everything is tailored to your interests. For the Landscape option we can shot Sunset at an Subalpine Lake, or on the Tundra. Wildlife like Moose, Elk, Mule Deer, Marmots, Pika, and on lucky days Bighorn Sheep can be captured. We can also focus more on education so you can learn to get the most out of your camera, to get off of Auto and learn your f-stop, exposure, focus, and composition. All guests have access to our arsenal of Nikon pro cameras and lens like the D810 and 600mm lens.

Inclusions: Transport by private vehicle, Private tour, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Professional photographer guide with 15 years of teaching experience, Local guide, Snacks, Bottled water

Exclusions:

Reviewed By juliaU3333VL

My guide for the evening tour was Jared. His knowledge of the wildlife and terrain in RMNP is rivaled only by his well-developed skill and delight in sharing it with his guests. He knew the time and locations at which we would likely see moose (and we saw two!). We stopped and observed elk, and I learned to see so many more revealing details than I had imagined (how to tell if females are pregnant, e.g.). He told us all about the habits of the Great Horned Owl, whose nest with three chicks we visited. The spotting scope brought me right into that nest. Then I asked if he knew about the geology, and, even though it's not his primary domain, he pointed out features of the granite that is in the whole Front Range. But the highlight of my tour was the very close-up visit to a wall of schist with petrified sandstone bubbles in concentric circles. Awesome and memorable. Oh, and the van was comfortable, with heated seats and a full roof skylight. Jared is accommodating and considerate of the kind of experience each guest wants. Highly recommended.

4. Explore & Photograph Wild Basin in Rocky Mountain National Park with a Pro

Estes Park Visitors Center, 500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517, USA Rock Light Photo Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

We will explore and photograph the appropriately named Wild Basin in Rocky Mountain National Park. We will hike along the North Saint Vrain Creek, and stop along the way to photograph several waterfalls (including Copeland Falls, Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls). Bring your tripod and a polarizer filter, and I will demonstrate my techniques for capturing waterfalls and other moving water in a variety of lighting conditions, and help you capture great silky water photographs. The full hike to Ouzel Falls is about 5.5 miles (9 km) round trip, with just under 1,000' elevation gain. For those not able to do the full hike, we will do a more leisurely hike to Calypso Cascades (about 3.6 miles round trip, and about 700' of elev. gain), which still takes you deep into a beautiful area, with multiple falls, and wildflowers and fall color in season. Don't have a RMNP entrance reservation? (new this year) No need! My commercial use permit means we don't need an advance permit!

Inclusions: Private transportation, Snacks, Park entrance reservation

Exclusions: Park entrance fees - bring a national park pass or receipt for entrance.

Reviewed By Linda J

It was such a pleasure to spend a few days with Colin in Moab. He knew all the best places to go and the right time to be there. I also appreciated that he was very flexible with the shooting locations. At the last minute we had to bring our dog with us so Collin arranged for photo shoots at some areas outside of the national parks where we could bring the dog. I would highly recommend this trip. If you are wanting to up your photography skills, Collin is definitely the one to help.

5. Photo Shoot with Mountain Views

Denver, CO, USA Modera Imagery
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 29 reviews

This is a great opportunity to experience the Rockies from a local's perspective. Plus you'll walk away with incredible photos of you! Most of our favorite locations are located 30 min - 1 hour West or Southwest of Denver. The most beautiful spots are nested just in the foothills. Most of the locations are places that you likely wouldn't seek out on your own!

Inclusions: 1 hour photo session and $50 digital image credit

Exclusions:

6. Sunset and Night Photography Tour on Trail Ridge Road

Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, 1000 US-36, Estes Park, CO 80517, USA Rock Light Photo Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

We will visit at least three locations for photography in iconic Rocky Mountain National Park for the afternoon golden hour and sunset. I have traveled extensively in search of amazing photographic locations, and it is hard to beat Trail Ridge Road high in Rocky Mountain National Park.for the wide variety of views and photographic locations. I will show you great locations, and make suggestions on composition and subject matter. I can even help you with your camera settings if you are a beginner. After sunset. we will take a brief break for a snack and to get set up for night photography while we wait for the Milky Way to emerge. Don't have a RMNP entrance reservation? (new this year) No need! My commercial use permit means we don't need an advance permit! NOTE: all locations are above 10,000' elevation!

Inclusions: Snack bars, trail mix, and refills on bottled water provided.

Exclusions: National Park Admission - please bring a park pass or be prepared to pay for admission.

Reviewed By Linda J

It was such a pleasure to spend a few days with Colin in Moab. He knew all the best places to go and the right time to be there. I also appreciated that he was very flexible with the shooting locations. At the last minute we had to bring our dog with us so Collin arranged for photo shoots at some areas outside of the national parks where we could bring the dog. I would highly recommend this trip. If you are wanting to up your photography skills, Collin is definitely the one to help.

7. Astrophotography Experience in the Colorado Rockies

Factotum Brewhouse, 3845 Lipan St, Denver, CO 80211, USA Maggie Martin
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Astrophotography experiences are unique because you get a hands on experience learning how to take pictures of the stars. An unforgettable 4 hours photography tour in the Colorado Rockies, with all the techniques you need to know to go home with a memory card full of pictures.

Inclusions: We provide a camera, lenses, tripod and memory card., Private Transportation, Professional Photographer

Exclusions:

8. Wall to Wall Boulder eBike Mural Ride (3 hours)

dojo4, 2030 17th St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA Joel Davis
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 14 reviews

This tour is as much about feeling Boulder as it is about seeing it. Through the artists' lens, you'll gain a better sense of the community and culture here, and riding these amazing eBikes will give you a sense of exhilaration, re/connect you with your inner child, your sense of play, your relationship to nature and the natural world around you. Joel possesses a deep knowledge of Boulder, a wealth of historical and anecdotal facts and trivia, and a charming, jovial personality that will keep you engaged the entire tour. Get on an eBike, breathe fresh air, move your body, experience art and the environment in a unique, fun and illuminating way. Arrive as strangers, leave as friends.

Inclusions: Use of bicycle, bike helmet (you're welcome to bring your own), Various bars and other healthy(ish) snacks ranging from keto to carb heavy., we'll provide plenty of water but you're welcome to bring your own bottle.

Exclusions: Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Rain/Weather gear

9. Grand Lake Tour RMNP

500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517, USA Estes Park Guided Tours
Excellent
93%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.9 based on 45 reviews

This is the ultimate Rocky Mountain National Park Tour. We cover all 3 ecosystems, again stopping at the Alpine Visitors Centre, but continuing on to cross over the continental divide and finishing at Grand Lake. A short stop for lunch and stroll around town and then back through the west side of the park where there is the greatest opportunity of viewing moose.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, National Park Entry Fee, 2 Way Radios

Exclusions: Guests are responsible for own food and drinks, We do not provide any transportation. , Gratuity

Reviewed By NorthStar732517

Amazing time with Jeremiah, “JJ”, with the great fortune of a snowy day but roads perfectly clear. We had the extra bonus of seeing a moose and her calf with the pristine snow as the backdrop. Jeremiah gave the perfect amount of information without it feeling overwhelming. Highly recommend this tour. Great overview of the park with opportunity for short walks to breathe the fresh mountain air and experience the views. Thanks Jeremiah for a great start to our mini vacation!

10. Private Photo Session with a Local Photographer in Denver

Denver, CO, USA Localgrapher

Want to capture your amazing honeymoon? Family vacation while the kids are still little? Your perfect couples retreat from everyday busy life? A solo trip without asking strangers to take pictures of you? Stop searching, we got you here! We are the largest network of local vacation photographers in the world! Besides Denver, we operate in over 700 destinations worldwide! We always make sure that every special moment of each client is captured well. We believe in our service and quality of our photos so much that we even offer a 100% money back satisfaction guarantee for your photo shoot. Which means, if you don’t like the result of your photo shoot, you can contact us within 7 days and claim your money back! So what are you waiting for? Become one of our hundreds of happy customers by treating yourself to this special experience! Your family and friends will love the result too!

Inclusions: A photo session for your party only, The best locations, outfits and other recommendations, Receive edited HD pictures within 4 work days, 100% money back satisfaction guarantee

Exclusions:

Reviewed By just_gavin_here

We booked a Localgrapher for a couples shoot in Arizona. The results were okay at best, and we regretted not seeking out an established local in the area. For the price, we received 60 very average choices and the ability to select 35 shots. We couldn’t even find 35 framed correctly. The localgrapher website is also a joke which requires a youtube video to figure out. The UI is terrible and the photos will disappear rapidly so do not wait to download (set aside a couple hours - that’s how bad it is). But really, just avoid. Hire someone directly.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.