Travel Senior Session Ouray | Kellie Rochelle Photography

Ouray, Colorado

Trevor’s senior travel session in Ouray, CO, was one for the books! Between hiking to waterfalls, exploring downtown spots, and capturing those golden-hour mountain views, this session perfectly blended adventure and personality. It’s sessions like these that remind me why I love being a travel photographer.

Day 1: Waterfalls, Hikes, and Mickey’s Kitchen

We started Trevor’s senior travel session in Ouray, CO by kicking things off around 11:30 AM, following Nate and Bekah to Box Canyon. Now, Box Canyon has two main trails: one that takes you below to a gorgeous waterfall and one that hikes up to jaw-dropping views. Naturally, we decided to do both because why ease into anything?

The trail to the waterfall was a mix of metal platforms, railings, and a bit of climbing. I loved how the light hit the falls just right—it was such a dreamy spot for photos. After that, we hiked up a steep quarter-mile trail. There were ropes to grab onto, which added to the Indiana Jones vibe, and little pockets of shade that were perfect for snapping pictures of Trevor and his family. At the top, there’s a bridge overlooking the waterfall and a small cave. Heads up: the cave is more “hobbit-sized” than human-sized, so prepare to hunch.

We wrapped up the first day scouting a second waterfall, but the full sun wasn’t playing nice. We called it quits after a few photos and decided to save the epic shots for sunset the next day.

For lunch, mom & I drove into town to go to Maggies’s Kitchen on Main Street. Okay, picture this: writing all over the outside & inside walls, amazing homemade fries, and a cheeseburger that I’m still thinking about. Bekah told me it’s been featured on TV, and honestly, it deserves the hype.

Day 2: Sunset Vibes and Cliffside Nerves

By Day 2, we were ready. We started downtown at 6 PM when the light was finally soft enough for photos. (Shoutout to my Sun Surveyor app—it’s a lifesaver for sessions like this.) Mom and I had scouted earlier in the day to pick out locations, and it paid off big time.

We hit up a red barn, a cool brick wall with orange and black tones, and even did a few street shots because a tunnel with mountain views behind = iconic.

Then it was time for the big moment: sunset photos on the mountain. Let me tell you, this family is adventurous. At one point, they climbed onto a giant rock at the edge of a cliff. I was equal parts impressed and terrified. The backdrop was worth it, though—lime green and orange rocks, rushing water, and vibrant trees created a scene straight out of a postcard.

We added some fun movement shots to the mix, like walking and jumping, and wrapped up with a gallery that’s going to be absolutely stunning.

Afterward, we grabbed dinner at The Gold Belt Restaurant. Gluten-free pizza crust, a cookie with ice cream for dessert, and lots of laughs with Bekah’s extended family made for the perfect ending to an unforgettable session.

Let’s Chat

Trevor’s travel senior session in Ouray was the exact reason I love doing these shoots: epic locations, incredible families, and moments that feel more like adventures than work. Whether it’s hiking to a waterfall, dodging the harsh sun, or climbing cliffs (and holding my breath), these are the sessions I live for.

If you’ve got a senior and are thinking, “Hmm, maybe we should do something a little different,” let’s make it happen. I promise to scout the best spots, bring the good vibes, and maybe even find you the world’s best cheeseburger along the way.

Oh, and speaking of scouting—did you know I have a free guide all about finding the best locations for your travel sessions? It’s packed with tips, tricks, and even some of my favorite apps (like Sun Surveyor—seriously, get it). Head over to this link to grab it and start planning your next adventure. I can’t wait to see what you create!

Fun Facts About Trevor

One of my favorite parts of every senior session is getting to know each senior a little better through a quick questionnaire. It’s a fun way to capture their personality and what makes them unique during this exciting time in their life. From favorite holidays to go-to drinks, these little details make the session feel even more personal.

Here’s what Trevor had to say:

Name of Senior? Trevor Robertus