Editorial Portrait Photography at Colorado State University
Denver Portrait Photographer Traveling Across Colorado
I was contacted by the University of Baltimore to photograph one of their graduates, Blair, for the latest edition of their Successful Graduates magazine feature. As a Denver portrait photographer who travels, I frequently work with universities, publications, and professionals to create editorial portraits that tell a story and feel authentic to the subject.
This assignment took me to Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, where Blair currently works. Capturing him in his professional environment was essential to visually support the article and highlight this stage of his career.
Choosing a Location for Editorial Portrait Photography
When planning editorial and environmental portrait photography, location plays a huge role in the final images. Once Blair and I connected, we discussed which setting would make the most sense for the story. CSU was the obvious choice; it’s where his work is rooted and where his professional journey is unfolding.
Because the session took place during winter break, access was limited. We didn’t have indoor options, and with it being winter in Colorado, there was no greenery or foliage on campus. Instead of letting that limit us, we focused on architecture, open spaces, and meaningful locations.
Photographing on a College Campus in Winter
I asked Blair which buildings on campus he felt most connected to, places he uses regularly, or that felt represented his role at CSU. These locations added context and intention to the portraits, which is especially important for magazine photography and university features.
Preparing for a Professional Portrait Session
Preparation is key for successful professional headshots and editorial portraits. Ahead of the shoot, we discussed wardrobe choices to ensure everything photographed cleanly and professionally. I always encourage simple, polished outfits and asked Blair to avoid having items in his pockets so nothing would distract from him in the images.
We planned the shoot around three different campus locations to provide visual variety while keeping the final gallery cohesive for the publication.
Lighting & Variety for Magazine Portraits
Because we photographed early in the morning, I carefully chose locations that avoided harsh or overly bright sunlight. I also brought off-camera lighting to give Blair a natural pop of light and separation from the background, especially helpful during winter months when light can feel flatter.
I always make sure to capture a wide range of options, so editors have flexibility. During this session, we photographed:
Vertical and horizontal compositions
Full-body portraits
Waist-up portraits
Professional headshots
Images facing left, right, and straight on
This variety allows publications to easily use the images across print and digital layouts.
Wrapping Up with Colorado Mountain Views
The shoot lasted about an hour and ended at our final location, featuring beautiful Colorado mountain views. It was the perfect way to wrap up the session and added a strong sense of place to the final images.
Final Image Selection & Editing Process
After the shoot, I asked Blair to select his favorite images for editing. When portraits are tied to professional achievements or major features, I always offer clients the opportunity to choose their final selections. It ensures the images feel authentic and aligned with how they want to be represented.
Denver Portrait Photographer Available for Travel
This editorial portrait session at Colorado State University is a great example of how thoughtful planning, collaboration, and intentional locations come together to create strong, story-driven imagery.
If you’re looking for a portrait photographer specializing in:
Editorial portrait photography
Professional headshots
University and alumni features
Environmental portraits
On-location portrait sessions
I regularly travel throughout Colorado, including Fort Collins, Boulder, Aurora, Colorado Springs, and beyond. I’d love to work together to create portraits that feel professional, natural, and visually compelling.