Senior Session at Dawson Butte Open Space in Castle Rock, Colorado | Grae’s Senior Photos with Family & Dogs


If you’re looking for the perfect location for senior pictures in Castle Rock, Colorado, Dawson Butte Open Space is one of my favorite places to photograph. With sweeping mountain views, rolling hills, open fields, and beautiful golden light, it’s the ideal backdrop for seniors who want timeless, natural portraits.


I recently had the pleasure of photographing Grae’s senior session at Dawson Butte Open Space, and it was such a meaningful evening. Not only did we celebrate this exciting milestone, but we also included the people (and pups!) who mean the most to her.


A Senior Session That Told Her Story

Senior portraits should be more than just beautiful photos—they should reflect who you are. Grae wanted a session that felt authentic, relaxed, and personal, so we incorporated both her family and her dogs into the experience. Her dogs brought so much personality to the session and made for some of my favorite images of the evening. Including pets is always a wonderful way to make your senior photos unique and memorable.We also captured several portraits with her family, creating keepsakes they’ll cherish long after graduation. These moments added so much emotion and meaning to the session, making it about more than just senior portraits.


Why Dawson Butte Open Space is Perfect for Senior Photos

Dawson Butte Open Space is one of the best senior photo locations in Castle Rock because it offers:

  • Gorgeous mountain views
  • Rolling open fields
  • Beautiful Colorado sunsets
  • Natural walking trails
  • Plenty of room for pets and families
  • A peaceful setting with timeless scenery

Whether you’re looking for adventurous mountain vibes or soft, golden-hour portraits, this location photographs beautifully throughout the year.


Can You Bring Your Family or Dogs to Your Senior Session?

Absolutely! Your senior session is all about celebrating this chapter of your life.

I encourage seniors to bring Parents and siblings, Dogs or other well-behaved pets, Sports equipment, Musical instruments, College gear, Hobby-related props.

We can begin with family photos and pet portraits before focusing on individual senior portraits, giving you a gallery filled with meaningful memories.


Planning Your Colorado Senior Session? The best senior sessions happen during golden hour, about one to two hours before sunset, when the Colorado light is soft, warm, and flattering.

I always recommend bringing multiple outfits to add variety to your gallery. Whether your style is casual, dressy, western, or adventurous, we’ll create images that feel true to you.


Book Your Castle Rock Senior Photographer

If you’re searching for a Colorado senior photographer who creates relaxed, authentic portraits, I’d love to help celebrate your senior year. Whether you dream of mountain views, open fields, your favorite hiking trail, or including your family and dogs, we’ll create a session that’s uniquely yours and captures this unforgettable milestone.


I’m currently booking Colorado senior sessions throughout Castle Rock, Parker, Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Denver, and the surrounding Front Range. I can’t wait to help tell your story.

Gladu Photography specializes in natural, timeless senior portraits across Colorado. Contact me today to reserve your senior session before the best fall and summer dates fill up!

Smiling blonde woman in a navy dress posing in a golden field, wearing bracelets and touching her face.
Woman in cream tank top and jeans sits on rustic log bench holding red flowers with sunlit mountain forest backdrop.
Young blonde woman in black dress sitting in golden field holding colorful tulips with mountains in background.