Photography

Question

My family and I will be visiting Durango in the summer time. Any suggestions for a family photographer?

Answer

Great idea to hire a family photographer while you’re in Durango — the scenery there is absolutely stunning and makes for beautiful portraits. Here are several excellent local photographers to consider, plus tips on planning your session.

Cardwell Aukerman Photography — Based in downtown Durango, they’re “Durango Colorado’s favorite family photographer” with 17+ years of experience. They’re very familiar with the best scenic backdrops (mountains, rivers) and make the session fun as part of your vacation.
Kelly Miranda Photography — Specializes in family portraits, maternity, and newborn sessions. Kelly has lived in Durango for many years, knows the local landscape, and offers a full-service experience (location planning, outfit guidance, print products) from her studio.
Allison Ragsdale Photography — Very experienced in family photography. Allison’s process includes a planning meeting to go over time, outfits, location, and deliverables. She prides herself on guiding you from start to finish and produces professional, gallery-quality portraits.
The Blackbird Flies (Jess) — Jess is a family & lifestyle photographer who captures natural, emotional moments, especially outdoors. Her approach is warm and relaxed, making her a wonderful choice for families who want authentic, candid photos.
Colt + Hannah Photography — This husband-and-wife team specializes in lifestyle, family, and adventure sessions. They love exploring wild places around Durango and the San Juan Mountains, which is perfect if you want a more adventurous or scenic photo shoot.
Miles of Smiles Photography — They offer mini-sessions (e.g., 30-minute family shoots) in beautiful locations around Durango. Their fall mini-session rates are published, but it's worth asking about summer availability.
On-Demand via Snappr — If you’d like flexibility, Snappr lists local Durango photographers, including family portraitists, with rates starting around $89 for on-demand bookings.

Tips for your photo session:

Pick a meaningful location: Talk with your chosen photographer about iconic local spots — riverbanks, mountain overlooks, historic downtown — depending on how “mountain-vacation” feel you want.
Time your session: Early morning or golden hour (just before sunset) will give you the best light and fewer crowds.
Clothing coordination: Ask the photographer if they have a “what to wear” guide — many of these pros (Kelly, Allison) provide one.
Prints vs digital: Decide ahead whether you want digital files only or also physical prints/albums. Some photographers include credit toward prints.
Book early: Summer is a busy season in Durango, so scheduling your session early (before or as soon as you arrive) is wise, especially for popular photographers.