Denver’s RiNo (River North) Art District is one of the most photogenic neighborhoods in Colorado — and one of our favorite spots for portrait sessions of every kind. With its ever-changing murals, industrial-chic architecture, and vibrant street energy, RiNo offers a backdrop that’s bold, colorful, and completely unique to Denver. Whether you’re planning family photos, senior portraits, or an engagement session, here’s our complete guide to getting the best photos in RiNo Art District.
Why RiNo Art District Is Perfect for Photo Sessions
RiNo Art District stretches along the banks of the South Platte River in north Denver, roughly bounded by Brighton Boulevard, Larimer Street, Walnut Street, and 38th Street. What was once a hub of warehouses and rail yards has transformed into Denver’s most dynamic creative district — packed with street art, craft breweries, galleries, and restaurants.
For photographers and their clients, RiNo delivers something you simply can’t get at a mountain trailhead or a manicured park: raw urban character. The murals change seasonally (especially after the annual CRUSH Walls festival each September), so no two sessions here ever look exactly the same. That constant rotation of art means your photos will have a one-of-a-kind quality that’s impossible to replicate.
Best Streets and Locations for Photos in RiNo
Not all of RiNo is created equal when it comes to photo opportunities. After years of shooting in this neighborhood, we’ve narrowed down the spots that consistently deliver the best results.
Larimer Street between 25th and 38th is the main artery for murals and street art. You’ll find massive wall-to-wall pieces on nearly every building, plus interesting doorways, alleys, and loading docks that add texture and depth to portraits. The light here is best in the late afternoon when the buildings on the west side cast soft shadows across the street.
Walnut Street runs parallel to Larimer and offers a slightly grittier, more industrial feel. This is where you’ll find some of the larger-scale murals and fewer crowds, making it ideal for sessions where you want more room to work.
Brighton Boulevard has undergone massive development in recent years, with spots like The Source Hotel, Zeppelin Station, and Number 38 adding modern architectural elements that contrast beautifully with the older warehouse buildings nearby.
RiNo Family Photo Sessions
Family sessions in RiNo have a completely different energy than your typical park or studio shoot — and that’s exactly why families love them. Kids are naturally drawn to the bright colors and bold designs on the walls, which means more genuine smiles and less “say cheese” stiffness. The open sidewalks give little ones room to move and play, while the murals provide an endless supply of backdrops without needing to travel far.
We typically recommend RiNo family sessions on weekday evenings or weekend mornings, when foot traffic is lighter and parking is easier to find. The neighborhood’s flat, paved surfaces also make it stroller-friendly — a practical detail that matters more than most families expect.
Senior Portraits in RiNo Art District
RiNo is hands-down one of the top spots in Denver for senior portraits. High school seniors want photos that feel like them — not posed, overly formal shots in front of a generic backdrop. The art district’s murals, industrial textures, and urban grit give senior sessions a modern, editorial quality that stands out in a yearbook full of cookie-cutter portraits.
We love mixing locations within RiNo during a single senior session: a bold mural wall for one set of shots, a raw brick alley for another, and maybe the glass-and-steel architecture along Brighton Boulevard to finish. That variety means seniors walk away with a gallery that shows different sides of their personality without ever leaving the neighborhood.
Engagement and Elopement Photos in RiNo
Couples who want engagement or elopement photos that break the mold love RiNo. Instead of the expected mountain-and-wildflower look (which we also love — check out our Rocky Mountain National Park guide or our Sapphire Point session guide), RiNo delivers something unexpected: romance framed by street art, warm brick, and the energy of a neighborhood that’s always buzzing.
The contrast works especially well for couples who met in Denver, live in the city, or just feel more at home in an urban setting than on a hiking trail. Many of our engagement clients combine a RiNo session with nearby spots like Confluence Park or the Platte River trail to get both city and nature vibes in a single shoot.
Best Time of Year for RiNo Photo Sessions
RiNo works year-round, which is one of its biggest advantages over mountain or outdoor-only locations. That said, certain times of year have distinct advantages.
Spring and fall are ideal — mild temperatures, soft light, and comfortable conditions for longer sessions. Summer is great but can be hot on the pavement, so we recommend late-afternoon or evening start times when the buildings provide shade. Winter offers its own magic: overcast skies create beautifully even light, and the murals pop even more against gray December skies. Just dress warmly and plan for a slightly shorter session.
The CRUSH Walls mural festival typically happens in September, which means fresh artwork goes up throughout the neighborhood every fall. Booking a session in October or November means you’ll be among the first to use brand-new murals as backdrops.
What to Wear for a RiNo Photo Session
With so much color and visual energy in the murals, wardrobe choices matter a bit more in RiNo than at a neutral outdoor location. Our general advice: lean toward solid colors or simple patterns. Bold, saturated hues (deep reds, emerald greens, mustard yellows) photograph beautifully against the street art without competing with it. Neutral tones like black, white, and denim also work well and let the murals do the talking.
Avoid busy patterns or logos that might clash with the backgrounds. Comfortable shoes are also a must — you’ll be walking on concrete and possibly stepping over curbs, so save the stilettos for a studio session.
Parking and Logistics in RiNo
Parking in RiNo can be competitive, especially on weekend evenings. Street parking is available throughout the neighborhood, and there are several paid lots near The Source and along Brighton Boulevard. We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes early to find a spot and walk to our meeting point.
If you’d prefer to skip the parking hunt entirely, the 38th and Blake RTD commuter rail station is right in the heart of RiNo — making it one of the most transit-accessible photo locations in Denver.
Frequently Asked Questions About RiNo Photo Sessions
Do I need a permit for photos in RiNo Art District?
No permit is required for standard portrait sessions in RiNo. The murals and street art are on public-facing walls, and the sidewalks and streets are public property. Large commercial productions with lighting rigs, road closures, or large crews may need a city permit, but a typical portrait session does not.
How long should I plan for a RiNo session?
We typically recommend 60-90 minutes for a RiNo session. That gives us time to hit multiple mural locations, try different lighting setups, and get a wide variety of looks without feeling rushed. For senior sessions with outfit changes, plan for the full 90 minutes.
Can we combine RiNo with other Denver locations?
Absolutely. RiNo pairs well with nearby Confluence Park (about a 10-minute walk south), the Platte River trail, or even a quick drive to Lower Downtown (LoDo) for a mix of urban and waterfront settings. We’re happy to build a multi-location session plan.
What if the murals change before my session?
That’s actually part of the charm. RiNo’s murals rotate regularly, especially after CRUSH Walls each September. We scout the neighborhood frequently and always know which walls are freshest. If you have a specific mural you love, let us know and we’ll prioritize it while it’s still up.
Book Your RiNo Art District Photo Session
From the Hip Photo has been shooting in RiNo Art District for over 15 years, and it remains one of our most-requested Denver locations for families, seniors, couples, and creatives. Every session here is different — and that’s exactly why we keep coming back.
