So many of the women I photograph aren't from around here. They drive in from Denver, Cheyenne and the mountain towns, or fly in from across the country, and turn their session into a little getaway just for them.
If that's you, this guide is for you. My private studio is in Timnath, a short drive east of Fort Collins and right off I-25, so you're close to everything Northern Colorado has to offer. Here's how to get here, when to arrive, where to stay and what to pack so your trip feels as good as your photos.
Getting here
Flying in? Book into Denver International Airport (DEN). From there it's about an hour's drive north to Fort Collins, so a rental car gives you the most freedom for your weekend.
Rather not drive? Groome Transportation runs a shuttle between DEN and Fort Collins about every hour, seven days a week. It can drop you right at several hotels on Harmony Road, just minutes from the studio. Book at least a day ahead.
Driving in? Take I-25 to the Harmony Road exit (Exit 265). That puts you minutes from the studio and right next to the hotels most of my traveling clients stay in.
Plan your trip around your session day
I photograph Tuesday through Thursday, so build your trip around your session date.
Arrive the day before. You'll walk in rested instead of rushing off a plane or out of traffic, and you can unpack your outfits so nothing is wrinkled.
Skip the getting ready. Your session includes a dry hairstyle, full makeup and lashes, so you don't need to do your own. We'll send your prep details before your session.
Keep the evening free. You'll be glowing after your session, so make that night your celebration dinner.
Stay an extra day if you can. It turns a photo session into a real getaway, and you've earned it.
If your session falls on Tuesday or Thursday, you can stretch it into a long weekend on either end.
Where to stay
Want to be close to the studio? The hotels right at the Harmony Road exit are just minutes away. I've listed my clients' favorites on my Fort Collins boudoir page.
Want to be in the middle of it all? Stay downtown in Old Town Fort Collins and walk to dinner, shopping and live music.
The Elizabeth Hotel, a music-themed Autograph Collection hotel in the heart of Old Town, with a lounge high above the city.
The Armstrong Hotel, a historic hotel on College Avenue with cozy rooms full of character.
Edwards House, a charming bed and breakfast just steps from Old Town.
Make it a spa weekend. Book a massage or facial the day after your session and let it all sink in. Woodhouse Day Spa sits at the north end of Old Town, and you'll find more day spas sprinkled around downtown.
Make a weekend of it
My studio sits just minutes from Fort Collins, so the best of Northern Colorado is right outside your hotel door. Here's how I'd spend the rest of your trip.
Spend an afternoon in Old Town Fort Collins. Wander tree-lined streets full of local boutiques, gift shops, coffee spots and brewery patios, then stay for dinner. My favorite restaurants for a post-session celebration are on my Fort Collins boudoir page.
Get out on Horsetooth Reservoir. It's right on the west edge of Fort Collins. Spend the day at the swim beach at South Bay (open Memorial Day weekend through Oct. 1), rent a paddleboard, or just find a spot along the shore and soak up the views.
Hike above the water. Horsetooth Mountain Open Space has trails for every level, from easy walks to the climb up Horsetooth Rock with views over the reservoir and the whole city. Lory State Park, just north, is another favorite.
Take a day trip to Estes Park. A little over an hour from Fort Collins, Estes Park is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, with a walkable downtown, elk wandering through town and mountain views everywhere you look. From late May to mid-October the park requires a timed-entry reservation, so book ahead if you plan to drive in.
Packing for a travel session
You don't need to haul a suitcase full of lingerie. My studio closet has more than 400 pieces, so pack the few things you love and borrow the rest.
Your favorite outfits, on hangers or rolled. Tuck them into a garment bag so they arrive smooth.
Something meaningful. A favorite jersey, an oversized button-down, a piece of jewelry, anything that tells your story.
Loose, comfy clothes for the drive to your session. Tight waistbands and bra straps can leave marks.
A carry-on for anything you can't replace. If you're flying, keep your must-have pieces with you.
For my full list, read What do I bring to my boudoir shoot?
Ready to plan your trip?
Wherever you're coming from, it all starts with a free, no-pressure call with my team. We'll answer your questions, help you pick a session date and make sure your trip is planned around it.
