Overview of Denver's Festival Scene
Denver offers a diverse array of festivals, each with its unique culture and atmosphere. The Denver Arts Festival showcases fine art and crafts, while the Great American Beer Festival brings hundreds of breweries together. The Denver Film Festival attracts cinema enthusiasts, and the Cherry Creek Arts Festival combines visual, performing, and culinary arts.
Capturing Denver's festivals requires preparation and adaptability. Essential equipment includes:
- A versatile lens
- Extra batteries
- Memory cards
Lighting conditions can vary, so be ready to adjust camera settings quickly. Candid shots often yield the best results, capturing genuine emotions and interactions.
Other notable events include:
- Colorado Dragon Boat Festival
- Denver PrideFest
- Underground Music Showcase
Each offers unique photographic opportunities, from colorful boat races to inclusive parades and intimate concert moments.
Denver's year-round festival calendar provides photographers with endless opportunities to create dynamic images, each telling a different story of the city's vibrant culture.

Photographic Techniques for Capturing Festivals
Adaptability is crucial when dealing with festival lighting. Outdoor events offer natural light during the day, but evenings bring softer, more challenging conditions. Adjust ISO settings for low light and consider using flash when necessary. Indoor events present varied lighting challenges. Use ambient light to capture the authentic feel of spaces, and experiment with white balances for accurate color representation.
Managing crowds is essential at larger events. A zoom lens allows for close-ups without intruding on personal space. Keep equipment compact for easier movement. Shoot from different heights to provide unique perspectives on crowded scenes.
Tips for Action Shots:
- Use fast shutter speeds to freeze action
- Consider burst mode for capturing every moment of performances or races
- Practice quick reflexes and solid camera knowledge
While wide-angle shots show the whole scene, don't overlook details. Zoom in on an artist's brush strokes or costume intricacies to make your photos stand out. Get creative with angles by crouching low or finding high vantage points.
When covering musical performances, focus on both performers and audience reactions. Mix wide stage shots with close-ups of expressive faces to convey the energy.
Engaging with festival-goers can open up opportunities for natural shots. Building rapport with attendees, performers, and vendors often leads to more comfortable and authentic poses.
By adapting your techniques to fit each specific event, you'll create captivating images that truly represent the festival's essence.

Spotlight on the Month of Photography Denver
Month of Photography Denver (MoP) is a biennial festival that celebrates the art of photography. Established in 2004 by Denver-based artist Mark Sink and organized by the Colorado Photographic Arts Center (CPAC), MoP has become a prominent platform for local and international photographers to showcase their work.
Throughout March, the city hosts over 100 exhibitions and events across more than 75 venues, including museums, galleries, universities, and public spaces. This widespread involvement makes MoP accessible and inclusive, encouraging participation from diverse audiences.
Key Features of MoP:
- Two-day Portfolio Reviews with industry professionals
- Public portfolio walks
- Artist talks
- Guided tours
- Workshops
The festival provides valuable opportunities for photographers at various career stages. The Portfolio Reviews event can be career-changing, offering direct access to influential industry professionals.
"MoP puts Denver on the global map of photographic arts."
As part of the international network of photography festivals known as the Festival of Light, MoP enriches festival content and provides Denver-based artists with opportunities to showcase their work globally.
The Month of Photography Denver serves as a vibrant testament to the power of visual storytelling, enhancing understanding and appreciation of photographic arts while highlighting the importance of community, creativity, and collaboration in photography.

Case Studies: Successful Festival Photography
Frank Baer's journey from IT professional to celebrated photographer illustrates the transformative power of creativity and dedication. His style, capturing the interplay of light and reflection on water, is influenced by Denver's vibrant festival culture. Baer's techniques stem from keen attention to detail and an eye for striking compositions.
In Denver's festival scene, Baer adapted his skills to capture events like the Denver Arts Festival. His ability to highlight the interplay between natural and artificial light makes his work stand out, transforming ordinary scenes into captivating visual stories. Baer overcomes the challenge of crowded festivals with patience and strategic positioning, focusing on serene, reflective moments.
Diana Nyad, though not a professional photographer, contributed to capturing festival essence. Her interactions at the Outside Festival were immortalized in photographs showcasing her dynamic personality and fan enthusiasm. A spontaneous moment of her demanding a snow cone illustrates the importance of being ready to capture unpredictable, candid scenes defining festival experiences.
Mark Stephenson demonstrates innovative ways artists leverage festival settings. His three-dimensional depth portraits at the Denver Arts Festival highlight the importance of perspective in festival photography. Stephenson met challenges like varying audience lighting and movement with adaptive techniques, ensuring engaging and visually stunning final images.
Denver's Unique Environment for Photographers:
- Eclectic mix of festivals
- Scenic backdrops
- Varying light conditions
- Bustling crowds
- Diverse activities
These case studies testify to festival photography's power to transform fleeting moments into enduring art, celebrating Denver's unique culture and visual storytelling's universal language.

Practical Information for Photographers
Attending festivals as a photographer requires preparation, suitable equipment, and a respectful approach. Here's a guide to help you capture Denver's festivals effectively:
Equipment:
- DSLR or high-quality mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses
- Wide-angle lens for broad scenes and telephoto lens for close-ups
- Extra batteries and memory cards
- Lightweight tripod for stability, especially in low-light conditions
- Flash or external lighting source for unpredictable lighting
Permissions:
- Check festival policies and secure necessary permissions or media passes
- For events like Portfolio Reviews during the Month of Photography, proper credentials can offer better access
Accessibility:
- Research festival layout for accessible paths and facilities
- Contact organizers in advance for specific needs or accommodations
Planning:
- Familiarize yourself with the festival schedule and layout
- Identify key events and plan your day around them
- For multi-stage festivals like the Underground Music Showcase, map out your route
What to Expect:
- Prepare for crowded, noisy environments
- Be patient and flexible
- Look for opportunities to capture candid shots that reflect the event's energy
Interacting with Subjects:
- Approach people with a friendly demeanor
- Ask for permission before taking close-ups or portraits
- Build rapport for more natural and engaging photographs
Respecting Others:
- Avoid blocking views, especially during performances
- Use a zoom lens to maintain distance when needed
- Be mindful of flash usage, particularly in low-light settings
Immerse Yourself:
- Participate in the festival experience
- Let your enthusiasm drive your creativity
- Connect with the spirit of the event for more authentic photos
By combining thorough preparation, the right equipment, necessary permissions, and a respectful approach, you'll be well-positioned to capture Denver's festivals in all their vibrant splendor.

Capturing Denver's festival scene is about immersing yourself in the vibrant energy of each event. By being prepared, respectful, and creative, you can create images that truly reflect the essence of these festivals. Each photograph tells a unique story that contributes to Denver's rich cultural tapestry.
"Photography is the story I fail to put into words." – Destin Sparks
Remember, the best festival photographs often come from unexpected moments. Keep your camera ready and your eyes open for those fleeting instances of joy, connection, or raw emotion that define the festival experience.
Lastly, don't forget to enjoy the festival yourself! Your personal experience and enthusiasm will shine through in your photographs, creating a more authentic and engaging visual narrative.









