Berthoud is known as the “garden spot of Colorado,” but it could easily deserve another nickname: “the artists’ spot.” A quick drive through this small town reveals art everywhere: oversized murals, sculptures, unique home decor inside and out.

The artistic eye is especially evident with the town’s photography selection. Berthoud is home to many professional photographers, from those who specialize in wildlife and nature to those who can capture headshots and senior pics.

Looking to capture your next special event, whether that’s a wedding, birth or family portrait? Here are five Berthoud-based photographers who can help.

 1.  Don Ashcraft Photography

Don Ashcraft, 206 E. Colorado Ave., specializes in fine art photos of nature. Painted butterflies. Hummingbirds magically captured mid-flight.

But he can also help with business projects. He has taken photos for the local business directory and visitor’s guide, he has shot photos for Mission Homes and his photos have been used for a local real estate agent’s website and marketing materials. Ashcraft is part of the Berthoud Artist Studio Tour every year.

If you’re looking for a great gift or original piece of art to decorate your house, Ashcraft also offers metal prints of his work available in many sizes.

He says he mostly sells internationally to commercial interior decorators, hotel chains and convention centers. In fact, he has a surprisingly large following in the United Arab Emirates, where he has outfitted a hotel.

“They seem to like my upbeat, colorful Colorado photos,” he says

Ashcraft also provides stock art for Getty Images, which means it occasionally lands in magazines and on various websites.

See more of his work at facebook.com/DonAshcraftPhotography.

2.  Larissa Elizabeth Photography

Larissa Clark with Larissa Elizabeth Photography is the local queen of senior photos.

Clark has more than 10 years of teaching and photography experience, which she combines to “purposefully create an experience” to honor and remember the senior year, not just for the yearbook but also as a family heirloom for years to come.

“I aim to create an experience that honors and celebrates all the facets of the senior both in the images themselves, as well as the confidence boosting experience,” she says.

Ultimately, she hopes the people she works with walk away feeling good about themselves.

“There are so many voices in and around teens that are trying to gain purchase in defining who they are. There are too many voices saying they are too much of this or not enough of that or they aren’t good enough at being just like everyone else,” she writes on her website.

She hopes her photography experience takes a pause from those messages to remind each person she works with just how beautiful and amazing they truly are. She says she does not take her job lightly — at all. She says she understands senior portraits are an important milestone in a child’s life.

Clark also can shoot family photos. She offers professionally printed products.

See more photos at larissaelizabeth.com.

3.  Sarah Goff Photography

Sarah Goff Photography believes everyone has a story to tell. She believes in romance. And she specializes in wedding photography for “passionate and adventurous couples who believe in dancing under the stars.” She has been a photographer for six years.

A huge aspect of her photography is building trust and a personal connection with the couples she shoots.

“I believe that your wedding day photos should be a mix between details, swoon-worthy portraits, and little moments of emotion. From the look in your groom’s eye when he sees you for the first time to the special moments shared during your reception, I will be there to document it,” she writes on her website.

You may have seen her work in a variety of wedding publications, such as Colorado Weddings Magazine, Luxe Mountain Weddings Magazine and Aisle Perfect, to name a few.

While weddings and engagements are what she’s known for (she has documented more than 100 weddings), Sarah Goff Photography also offers family photos, senior pics and maternity photos.

While she is based here in Berthoud (she’s a Colorado native), she is willing to travel to shoot worldwide. Still, she says she loves working with Berthoud clients and at local venues.

“Instead of being a competitor to other photographers, I also believe strongly in community over competition,” she says. “I love to collaborate with other local photographers and small businesses to brainstorm ideas for the future, how to service clients and couples best and how to give back to our community.”

See her work at sarahgoffphotography.com.

4.  KT Photography

Katy Dowell is the face behind the Berthoud-based photography business, KT Photography. She specializes in natural light photos of childbirth and delivery, as well as families.

She started the business in 2013, when she lived in Texas, before moving to Colorado (where she says she is “loving every minute, living my best life.”)

Dowell says she is super sentimental, easy-going and loves people. She says she aims to enjoy the experience with her clients and make sure they are fully comfortable, so they show natural smiles.

“It’s a dream come true to be able to take my love of photography and be able to call it my job,” she says.

Dowell says she loves capturing little moments that can last forever and having the opportunity to share special memories with others.

See her photos at katydowellphotography.com.

5. K. Clowers Photography

Kristina Clowers is a family and documentary photographer in Berthoud. This means she is all about candid and lifestyle images.

“Documentary photography is what truly completes my soul,” she says.

Clowers is the eye behind K. Clowers Photography.

In addition to taking photos, she is a stay-at-home mother of two married to an air traffic controller. They previously lived in Europe, which is where she developed her passion for photography.

While stationed in Italy, she says she gave birth to her son. But she was not allowed to work overseas, so she immersed herself in photography as a hobby. Six years later, it has grown into a career.

Clowers can shoot anything from elopements to family photos or just a photo of a child playing, but she prefers less traditional, posed photos and prefers more natural, lifestyle images. 

“I follow my children around with a camera creating art out of what seem to be ordinary daily tasks,” she says.

See more of her work at facebook.com/kclowersphotography.