As if taking pictures of happy families and smiling babies weren’t precious enough, try adding special guests and props to your photo session for an even more adorable and personalized flare! With dogs, baby science books and (our favorite) a stuffed fox animal, the Jackson family proved undoubtedly unique in their family photos at Bluff Lake!

If you haven’t guessed, we loved capturing every second of this cute family session!

Bluff Lake Nature Center: An Urban Escape for Denver Family Photography

Sometimes the best photography happens when you step just slightly outside the city — and Bluff Lake Nature Center, nestled in northeast Denver, offers exactly that experience. This 110-acre urban wildlife refuge provides dramatic natural scenery, peaceful lakeside trails, and an authentic “Colorado wilderness” feel that’s only minutes from downtown.

What makes Bluff Lake exceptional for family photography is the variety it offers. You’ll find open meadows with unobstructed views, tree-lined paths that create intimate framing, a reflective lake that doubles as a beautiful natural backdrop, and genuine wildlife that adds authentic Colorado character to your images. Unlike some manicured parks, Bluff Lake feels genuinely wild — which translates to authentic, non-staged family portraits.

Bluff Lake’s landscape changes beautifully throughout the seasons and throughout the day. Morning light across the lake creates golden, peaceful imagery; afternoon light in the meadows feels open and joyful. The refuge’s elevation (around 5,500 feet) means you get clear, clean light without as much of the haze that sometimes affects lower Denver locations.

The Jackson 5

You might be thinking the famous American family music group, and this Jackson 5 is counting their ABC’s as well… with their littlest addition! The Jackson family’s newest member turned one in August 2017, and we were honored to help this family celebrate! She had plenty of entertainment to keep her busy. Tiny toes and an obvious love of life had us gushing with “awww’s” over this previous toddler.

The Jacksons are no ordinary bunch. Two massive dogs, Albert and Madison, made the best snuggle buddies. Plus, Grandpa was there for some cuddles as well! This blue-eyed beauty surely has all the love she’ll ever need in this family! She has all the genius potential as well. For example, a Quantum Physics for Babies book by Chris Ferrie made the trip, and this girl was enthralled with electrons and energy.

Mom and Dad proudly posed with their family of five (counting all fingers and toes and paws!). Thank you, Jackson family, for a spectacular day!

Bluff Lake Beauty

Bluff Lake is nothing new to us. In fact, it’s one of our most visited locations! As you can see in our adventure guide here, Bluff Lake is an ideal photo location any time of year. Check out our two other Bluff Lake photo excursions here and here.

As these photos prove, there’s nothing quite like an August session in Colorado! The sunlight was on point all day, and the family’s navy blues and pale orange color schemes made the perfect fall tones. Bluff Lake’s hundreds of species of plant life and friendly relationship with the surrounding community makes it a clear a family-friendly spot, and a beautiful one at that!

Happy second birthday to this little girl this August! We loved helping you celebrate last year!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Bluff Lake Nature Center?

Bluff Lake Nature Center is located in northeast Denver, at 4801 Safford Street, just off I-270. It’s an easy 15–20 minute drive from downtown Denver and accessible from most Denver neighborhoods. The location feels like a true nature escape despite being entirely within city limits.

Is Bluff Lake really good for family photos?

Absolutely. The combination of open meadows, tree-lined trails, and water features provides multiple distinct backdrops within a small area. Families can move between locations without traveling far, and the natural setting helps families relax and be themselves — which creates the best family photos.

What’s the best time of year to photograph at Bluff Lake?

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer the most comfortable temperatures and beautiful light. Summer works well but can be hot in the open meadows; winter is stunning for families willing to brave the cold, especially if there’s snow. Late afternoon sessions capture beautiful golden light reflected in the lake.

Tell me about parking and access at Bluff Lake.

Bluff Lake has a parking area adjacent to the main entrance. The trails are well-maintained and accessible. There are restroom facilities on site. During wildlife viewing season, parts of the refuge may have limited access — it’s worth calling ahead to confirm trail conditions for your photo session date.

Is Bluff Lake good for couples, or just families?

Bluff Lake works beautifully for engagement and anniversary sessions too. The intimate trail sections are romantic, while the open meadows provide dramatic couple portraits. Many couples actually use Bluff Lake for their engagement photos before celebrating their wedding at a more formal venue.

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Your family moments deserve to be captured in a location that feels as natural and genuine as your relationships. Let’s plan your Bluff Lake family photo session.