Washington Park is one of my favorite places in Denver for couples photos. Between the huge old shade trees, the flower gardens and the lake, you can get a whole range of looks in one relaxed hour without ever getting back in the car. This session was an early fall evening, and these two made it so easy to just follow along and capture them being themselves.
The best time to shoot at Wash Park
Golden hour in the summer or fall is the sweet spot. The trees are full and lush that time of year, so they soften and filter the low sun instead of letting it hit you straight on. You get that warm, glowy light without harsh shadows, and the last hour before sunset lights up the flower gardens from behind, which you can see in almost every photo here.
My favorite spots in the park
I like to start under the big trees, where the light is soft and people can settle in. From there we wander past the flower gardens, which are full of color from late spring into fall, and end up along the lake for wide, open shots with the water behind you. The open lawns in between are perfect for walking, spinning and a piggyback or two.
What to wear
Soft neutrals and cozy textures look beautiful here. These two wore light denim, a cream knit sweater and a warm gray henley, which blends with the greens and golds of the park instead of competing with them. Little details go a long way too, like a flower tucked into a back pocket.
Good to know before you go
Wash Park gets busy on nice evenings, especially on weekends. Street parking around the park fills up, so plan to arrive about 15 minutes early and we'll walk to the first spot together. Weekday evenings are usually the quietest.
