Evergreen Lake Colorado Family Photo Session | Ryan Kost Photography

When Nadra reached out before her family trip to Colorado, she mentioned she’d read my bio, and mentioned she was also from North Carolina. We both grew up even in the same town, and went to rival high schools. There’s nothing like shared southern roots. We created an instant connection before we ever met in person.

This trip was a meaningful one for Nadra’s family. It was their first time visiting her stepson, Chris, who had recently relocated from El Paso to Denver with his partner Ashley and their two young children. She wanted to commemorate it with a session that felt warm, candid, and celebrating their time together in Colorado.

I offered up Evergreen Lake as the ideal location for its charm and just 40 minutes from Denver. Nadra was drawn to the old wooden boathouse, the rustic boardwalks, and the mountain views. We timed our session for golden hour when the light is soft and the summer heat begins to ease.

From the moment we met, Nadra greeted me with a hug, that unmistakable southern hospitality, and I immediately felt like I was with old friends. The kids were bursting with energy: dancing, climbing, exploring, and laughing. We wandered along the boardwalk and trails, pausing on smooth lakeside rocks and under dramatic skies as distant storms rolled in, casting a soft blue light over the water.

It was Chris and Ashley’s first time at Evergreen Lake too, and it was fun introducing them to this hidden gem so close to their new home. Everything about the evening felt relaxed and real, the kind of session that doesn’t feel like a “photoshoot,” but just time well spent together.

As we wrapped up, I shared a few of my favorite spots for food and ice cream in downtown Evergreen, a charming little district right by the lake that’s perfect for post-session treats.

If you’re looking for a peaceful, scenic location that’s close to Denver and perfect for summer family portraits, Evergreen Lake is truly one of my favorites. Book your Colorado family photoshoot!

Here’s what Nadra had to say abour her family’s photosession experience with me:

“We recently traveled to Denver to visit our oldest son and his family for the first time, and wanted to commemorate the occasion with professional family photos. Ryan was incredibly responsive from the start and went above and beyond to help us choose the perfect location. He listened carefully to the specific shots I had in mind and exceeded our expectations in capturing them. Working with him was a breeze—he was friendly, flexible, and the final photos were absolutely stunning.”