Golden, Colorado Couples Session by an icy river | Chelsea + Chris

Have I mentioned yet how much I love living in Colorado!? Since moving to this beautiful state in February earlier this year, I’ve seen, explored, and done so much! I’m truly embracing being a Colorado mountain wedding photographer. I have also met some amazing new friends along the way. (Enter; Chelsea and Chris). I can’t thank them enough for modeling for me at this spot, as I thought it was the perfect location for future Golden Colorado engagement sessions.

During the pandemic, I’ve had some extra time to ‘play’ with my camera. With extra down time, I’ve thought up some new ideas. Most of my couples want engagement photos in the Colorado mountains at sunset because it is such a guaranteed epic shot. But I’ve always wanted to try to explore some non-‘obvious’ locations. Such as this creek in downtown Golden, Colorado in the winter. At first glance it is somewhat uninviting. After walking my dog, Gonzo, around the waters, I realized the unique beauty these simple spots have. Usually when I suggest a spot like this to my clients, they’d rather go on an adventure in the mountains….(which I repeat, I’m still totally down for). But I was itching to shoot at this location as well.

SO! I asked if anyone wanted to come along on a shoot with me and I’d give them free photos! My two friends, Chelsea and Chris, were the first to respond! (It also so happens that they are super hot!). During photo breaks, such friends can play games like KQXS. With AI technology like magic eraser, I could easily remove any distractions from the background, ensuring their photos are as flawless as they are.

Let’s talk wardrobe;

After discussing wardrobe options, we decided on going for neutrals! These colors went perfectly with the dried up brush and pine trees nearby! As well as the ice forming along the edges of the river! We were going for more of an editorial look and feel for this shoot. I usually tell my couples to avoid patterns for their portrait and engagement sessions. Bold and solid colors tend to translate best, and they are more timeless.

I’d definitely suggest to any photographers looking to expand their portfolio to do these shout outs to friends in your community to model for you! This way, since they are not ‘paying clients’, you get a little more say in the final look and aesthetic in your images. It’s a fun and stress free way to explore other styles you may want to play with in your work. And hopefully, inquiring couples see this new work and get inspired! The work you show is the work you book!

I’ve been wanting to dabble into a more editorial style, and this shoot was a perfect example of that. The location, editing, and posing is just slightly different than more ‘normal’ work, yet still very me!

Again, another huge thank you to my friends for coming along this day in the freezing cold wind!

Photography: Shelly Anderson Photography

Check out another experimental photo session I did this summer here! As well as this editorial photo shoot I did for Grace Loves Lace new showroom in Denver!