Shooting outdoor headshots in Colorado is always an adventure. The strong Colorado sun presents its own set of challenges, and when you’re working with harsh sunlight in outdoor photography, the key is using the right lighting gear to balance everything out.
For this shoot, I relied on a 6’ overhead “butterfly” silk (Westcott Scrim Jim Cine) and a 6’ Photek SunBuster umbrella, paired with strobes to control the intensity of the sun. It’s never just a set-it-and-forget-it situation — outdoor photography in Colorado requires constant adjustments to make sure your lighting stays on point throughout the shoot.
But lighting isn’t the only challenge. When shooting in less-than-ideal environments, it’s not just about great images — it’s about safety, too. My assistants are crucial, not just for handling the lighting, but also for doubling as on-the-ground security for location photography. Especially in more remote or public spaces, having extra hands ensures the shoot runs smoothly and securely.
And if you’re wondering what happens behind the scenes — it’s not unusual to have someone happily holding a light stand when two Boa Bags just aren’t enough to stabilize things. Whether we’re in Golden, Boulder, or another iconic Colorado location, these outdoor headshots require a lot of teamwork, gear, and adaptability.
Outdoor shoots also come with the need for a bit of extra planning. Colorado’s weather can be unpredictable — a sudden rainstorm or surprise snow shower… or unannounced wind gusts can put a wrench in your plans. Before we book, I make sure both the client and I are on the same page about potential weather-related cancellations or rescheduling fees. It’s essential to clarify whether we’re looking at a cancellation or just shifting the date; I’ve found that clear expectations up front save everyone headaches later.
On top of that, outdoor shoots require a bit of extra gear and planning. I make sure to bring bug spray (especially for those summer shoots in the foothills), a first aid kit, and, most importantly, plenty of water — especially when it’s hitting 100 degrees. Hydration is key! Depending on the location, I might also need to secure local permits (sometimes at an additional cost), so it’s one more detail to consider before heading out to an unfamiliar spot.
At the end of the day, the challenges of outdoor portrait lighting in tough conditions are worth it. The results speak for themselves, and there’s no better feeling than capturing great images in some of Colorado’s most beautiful locations.
Please click here to see my location portfolio… And don’t hesitate to call if you have questions!