“Great service, quality, and speed. In addition to being a great photographer, Jeff is also a great guy to work with. Thanks again man!”
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Candid family photography Denver families love captures genuine laughter, hugs, and chaos without asking anyone to hold a pose. Rocky Mountain Photography keeps families moving with games and small prompts, watches for real moments between parents and kids, and still grabs a few quick group frames so you have one image for the holiday card.
Some of the best family photos are the ones nobody planned: a toddler mid-giggle, a teenager actually leaning into a hug, a parent looking at a child instead of the camera. Candid family photography in Denver is about creating space for those moments and being ready when they happen.
We are not hiding in the bushes, though. Candid sessions take skill: reading a family quickly, choosing a backdrop that works from every angle, and timing the shutter. Rocky Mountain Photography, founded in Denver by brothers Jeff and Nick Perry in 2016, plans these sessions as carefully as any formal portrait.
Real expressions come from real interactions, so we give families something to do. Walk together and swing the little one between you. Whisper a secret in Mom's ear. Race to the tree and back. Tell Dad's worst joke. These small games create reactions that feel genuine because they are.
Meanwhile, we handle the craft. We choose a location with a clean background in several directions so we can follow action without losing the composition. We keep the light behind or beside the family for a soft glow and avoid patchy sun on faces. We shoot in bursts during peak moments and move around constantly for different angles, from low with the kids to wide with the landscape. The result looks effortless, but nearly every frame has been composed with intent.
Toddlers are made for candid sessions because they will not pose anyway. We let them explore, chase bubbles, throw leaves, or ride on shoulders, and we photograph what unfolds. Snacks and short breaks keep moods steady. Parents should relax; a meltdown often turns into a sweet cuddle frame a minute later.
Older kids and teens need a different approach. Most dislike being told to smile, so we keep things light and give them some control: pick the next spot, choose a prompt for the parents, or show off a skill like skateboarding or a soccer trick. Teens open up when they feel respected rather than managed. Siblings often become the best entertainment for each other, and the frames of them teasing or laughing together tend to be family favorites for years.
Even in a candid session, we always capture a few classic frames where everyone looks at the camera. It takes only a couple of minutes, and grandparents appreciate it. We usually do this early, while everyone is fresh, then let the session flow freely.
Location makes candid work easier. Open spaces with room to run - the big lawns at City Park, the paths around Washington Park, or foothill open space near Golden or Morrison - give kids freedom and us clean backgrounds. A family farm, an orchard, or a favorite playground works well too. For families who would rather stay home, the next step is a lifestyle session. We schedule outdoor sessions for the softer light near sunrise or sunset and keep a backup plan for summer storms.
“Great service, quality, and speed. In addition to being a great photographer, Jeff is also a great guy to work with. Thanks again man!”
“I have wanted to update my headshot for awhile now. I met these guys at a CREJ conference and figured it's time since it was a good value. I am very happy with the results because I don't look "posed." They made it fun and easy. I am very impressed with their aerial and drone work too as it pertains to the work I'm in.”
“If you're looking for the BEST photography company to work with, you've found it at Rocky Mountain Photography! Our company had so much fun getting our head shots taken! Jeff really knows how to get an authentic expression by making the experience fun! We love our pictures!”
“Jeff is an expert at what he does. He makes you feel good and allows you to be yourself, which shows in his pictures. His studio is professional and relaxing. I highly recommend Jeff for anyone looking for a great picture.”
I had a great time having my head shots taken by Jeff. He immediately made me feel comfortable and had me laughing in minutes which resulted in very natural looking smiles. Not only was the work professional and at a great price point but he also made it a fun experience. I highly recommend him for any business head shots!
"I thought my previous head shot was pretty good until I saw what Jeff did! Jeff and I talked about what I wanted my photo to "say" prior to the shoot and he was able to capture it perfectly. Because of his great sense of humor and relatable personality, I went from anxious and uncomfortable to having a blast in a matter of minutes during the photo session. I have and will continue to recommend Jeff and Rocky Mountain Photography."
Rocky Mountain Photography has taken the most basic, boring, and bland niche of still photography and revamped it into a thrilling adventure. Where the typical experience tends to have you waiting for the end, they have made a fun and comfortable environment to allow free expression to get that perfect shot. Your toughest choice is picking between several PERFECT shots, rather than trying to determine the least terrible.
I had a great experience getting my headshot's with Jeff. He knows how to get the authentic smile on camera without forcing it. If you're looking for a comforting and fun experience getting your headshot, visit Jeff!
Jeff is an expert at his craft. He makes you feel confident and it shows in his work. I highly recommend Jeff to anyone looking for a professional image.
Thank you for the amazing head shot!! It was so fun to work with you and the photo turned out great! You know how to get the perfect shot!
I had a great experience getting my new professional headshots from Jeff! He knows how to make you laugh and make you comfortable so he can capture the best headshots. He does excellent work and I would recommend him to anyone!
“I can't overemphasize the high value RMP delivers in their portrait work. As an Executive Career Coach, I inform my clients that a quality LinkedIn profile photo is not only required these days, it is the first powerful impression for any client's brand. Their team has a unique talent in creating a comfortable environment and guiding clients to draw out their best personality in a portrait. I send all my clients to them for their portraits.”
“I recently had a very relaxing fun photo shoot with Jeff. I must say he does some wonderful magic with that camera. I thank you very much Jeff. I have gotten nothing but rave reviews since I posted my new "social media" photo. I highly recommend Rocky Mountain Photography.”
Jeff is a great talent and great person. I would highly recommend anyone looking to get their professional head shots done with him. Thank you Jeff for your amazing work!
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Serving hundreds of businesses and thousands of clients, Rocky Mountain Photography is a trusted choice for exceptional photography, video, & drone services.
Our process begins with a detailed understanding of your project, followed by the assignment of a dedicated project manager. We then determine the ideal package to meet and exceed your media needs.
Once your project needs are understood, our team schedules and captures your photography, video, or drone media professionally from ground and sky, making sure to include all client specifications and instructions.
Upon completion, we meticulously edit and upload the media for your review, providing any necessary updates or revisions before sending the final high-resolution deliverables to you on time and on budget.
It is a session focused on natural interaction instead of formal posing. We give your family simple activities and prompts, then photograph the genuine laughter and connection that follow. Composition, light, and timing are still carefully managed, so the images feel spontaneous but look professional and polished.
Yes. We always set aside a couple of minutes for a classic group frame and a few smaller combinations. Grandparents, holiday cards, and wall prints often call for that shot. The rest of the session can then flow freely without anyone worrying about missing it.
Candid sessions use light prompts and games over an hour or so at a chosen location. Documentary sessions involve no direction at all and follow a family through real routines for a longer stretch, often at home. Both capture real moments; documentary is simply more hands-off and story-driven.
Choose comfortable clothes you can run, sit, and play in. Coordinate a palette of two or three colors rather than matching outfits. Avoid big logos and very bright patterns. Shoes matter too: if kids will run through grass or dirt, pick footwear that can handle it.
It happens, and it is okay. We pause, offer a snack or a break, and often keep shooting quietly because comfort moments are beautiful too. Most toddlers reset within a few minutes. Building flexibility into the session timing means a meltdown never ruins the day.