October 16, 2024
By Shawn Reeder
As photographers, we are often driven by the pursuit of creating something extraordinary—images that move people, inspire them, and leave a lasting impression. In the world of portrait photography, few things captivate the eye like a stunning woman or couple surrounded by nature’s raw beauty, with a long, flowing dress billowing majestically in the wind. Enter the magical genre of flying dress photography. There’s something timeless about the beauty of a woman standing against the backdrop of nature, her long flowing dress sweeping through the air, caught in a perfect moment. This visual poetry has become the hallmark of Brittany Colt’s brand, The Flying Dress Experience. Her work blends the grandeur of nature with feminine grace, crafting images that feel both awe-inspiring and ethereal. But beyond the aesthetics, Brittany’s vision tells a deeper story—one rooted in female empowerment and a profound love for the natural world.
The Genesis of an Ethereal Art Form
Brittany Colt’s journey into the realm of flying dress photography is deeply intertwined with her extensive background in landscape and portraiture. For many years, she served as the head of education at the esteemed Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite National Park, an environment that undoubtedly honed her appreciation for the dramatic interplay of light and form in natural landscapes. Her formative years in the Pacific Northwest instilled a deep connection to nature, a theme that would later become central to her artistic expression. As a young adult, Colt further developed her cinematic eye within Portland’s vibrant arts scene, experimenting with makeup, lighting, and art direction to create fantastical shoots. This period also saw her actively engaging in wedding and women’s portrait photography, laying the groundwork for her unique fusion of styles.
The conceptual shift towards The Flying Dress Experience emerged after years of working within established genres. Colt found herself drawn to a new vision—one that would synergize her passion for the grandeur of the natural world with her commitment to empowering women. The initial spark was a simple yet powerful image: a flowing satin gown set against an epic, sweeping landscape. This creative genesis birthed The Flying Dress Experience, a venture designed not only to showcase the majesty of nature but also to offer women an unforgettable, transformative experience. It became a platform for them to embrace their femininity, beauty, and inherent strength in a profound and visually stunning manner.
The Metaphor of the Flowing Dress
Colt often describes the dress itself as a potent metaphor for freedom, confidence, and empowerment. "It’s as if the natural settings are literally carrying these women into their power, into their full expression," she explains. This sentiment is vividly captured in her portfolio, which features women posing against the towering granite cliffs of Yosemite, the otherworldly sand dunes of Death Valley, and the fairytale landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. These sessions are meticulously crafted to facilitate a deep connection between the subject, the environment, and their inner selves. The act of wearing and interacting with a dramatically flowing dress in such majestic settings is designed to evoke a sense of liberation and self-discovery.
While flying dress photography has gained significant traction in international locales such as Santorini and Dubai, its presence in the United States is still relatively nascent. Colt recognized this opportunity to introduce and cultivate the genre within the American market. Her strategy for generating interest in a concept that potential clients might not even know they desire is straightforward: demonstrate the art form through compelling visuals. By showcasing the breathtaking possibilities, she invites clients to envision themselves within these magical scenarios.
Crafting the Perfect Flying Dress Shot: Technical and Artistic Considerations
The creation of these dreamlike images demands a meticulous blend of artistic vision and technical proficiency. Colt shares several key insights for photographers looking to capture the essence of flowing dresses in natural environments.
Mastering Movement and Light
The primary challenge in flying dress photography lies in effectively capturing and enhancing the movement of the fabric. This requires an understanding of wind dynamics, subject positioning, and the appropriate use of camera settings. Colt emphasizes the importance of observing the environment and anticipating the wind’s flow. Her approach often involves working with assistants or even utilizing specialized equipment to strategically manipulate the dress, creating the illusion of effortless, natural billowing.
Location, Location, Location
The choice of location is paramount. Colt seeks out landscapes that possess a sense of grandeur and timelessness, environments that can serve as a powerful counterpoint to the feminine grace of the subject and the dress. From rugged mountains and expansive deserts to serene coastlines and lush forests, each location offers a unique narrative that complements the flying dress aesthetic. The natural light within these settings is crucial, and Colt expertly utilizes golden hour and twilight to imbue her images with a soft, ethereal glow.
The Art of Posing and Expression
While the dress provides a dramatic element, the subject’s pose and expression are what truly bring the image to life. Colt guides her clients to embody a sense of confidence, strength, and serenity. Poses are often dynamic, designed to interact with the movement of the dress and the surrounding environment. The focus is on capturing authentic emotions that resonate with the empowering narrative of the experience.
Wardrobe Selection and Styling
The selection of the dress is critical. Colt prefers gowns made from lightweight, flowing fabrics like satin, silk, or chiffon, which catch the wind and move gracefully. Color plays a significant role, with choices often made to complement the natural palette of the location or to create a striking contrast. The overall styling, including hair and makeup, is designed to enhance the ethereal and sophisticated feel of the photographs.
Building a Captivating Flying Dress Photography Portfolio
For photographers aspiring to enter the field of flying dress photography, building a compelling portfolio is essential. Colt offers practical advice for establishing a strong foundation in this niche.
Collaborate and Experiment
Initially, aspiring photographers are encouraged to collaborate with models and stylists to create test shoots. This allows for experimentation with different dresses, locations, and lighting conditions without the pressure of client expectations. Partnering with makeup artists and wardrobe stylists can elevate the quality of these early portfolio pieces.
Showcase Diverse Locations and Styles
A successful portfolio should demonstrate versatility. Colt suggests showcasing flying dress sessions in a variety of natural settings to appeal to a broader range of clients. This includes diverse landscapes and different times of day to highlight the adaptability of the concept.
Emphasize the Experience
Beyond just showcasing beautiful images, a portfolio for flying dress photography should convey the transformative experience offered. This can be achieved through behind-the-scenes glimpses, client testimonials, and narrative descriptions that articulate the empowering aspect of the photoshoot.
Mastering Post-Production
Post-production plays a vital role in achieving the final ethereal look. Colt’s editing process focuses on enhancing the mood and atmosphere of the images, subtly refining colors, and ensuring the flowing fabric appears natural and dynamic. Understanding advanced retouching techniques is crucial for perfecting the final output.
Empowering Women Through a Transformative Lens
At the core of The Flying Dress Experience lies Brittany Colt’s unwavering mission to uplift and empower women. Her personal journey of growth and self-discovery has informed her belief in the potent capacity of photography to not only capture beauty but also to foster confidence, facilitate healing, and inspire self-acceptance. For many of her clients, the flying dress photoshoot transcends a mere photography session; it becomes a deeply transformative experience. It offers them a unique opportunity to reconnect with their femininity, embrace their inner strength, and feel genuinely seen and celebrated.
"I’ve always believed in the power of art to transform, not just the artist but the subject as well," Colt states. "Many of the women I photograph come for the experience itself, not just the final images. They leave feeling confident, celebrated, and empowered in ways they didn’t expect." This holistic approach to portraiture underscores the profound impact that art can have on an individual’s sense of self-worth and well-being.
Broader Implications for the Photography Industry
In the competitive landscape of wedding and portrait photography, Brittany Colt’s The Flying Dress Experience presents a fresh, visionary approach that resonates with both photographers and clients. By masterfully combining breathtaking landscapes, elegantly flowing gowns, and a powerful message of empowerment, Colt has carved out a distinctive and influential niche within the industry. For photographers seeking to elevate their portfolios and expand their creative horizons, exploring and potentially integrating flying dress photography could represent a significant avenue for innovation and artistic growth.
Colt’s success story serves as an inspiring model for photographers aiming to infuse new life into their work. Her journey highlights the importance of expanding creative boundaries, fostering collaborative relationships, and striving to create art that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply meaningful. As the industry continues to evolve, the demand for unique and experiential photography services is likely to grow, making ventures like The Flying Dress Experience increasingly relevant and sought after.
Whether a photographer is embarking on their career or seeking to reinvigorate their existing practice, Colt’s philosophy and artistic output offer a compelling testament to the power of vision, dedication, and a commitment to celebrating the multifaceted beauty of women within the majestic embrace of nature. The flying dress genre, under Colt’s pioneering guidance, is poised to become a significant and cherished facet of contemporary portraiture, offering both artistic challenge and profound personal fulfillment.
Explore Brittany Colt’s work at BrittanyColt.com, The Flying Dress Experience, @theflyingdressexperience, and @brittanycolt.
Shawn Reeder is a Yosemite & Eastern Sierra-based adventure elopement photographer and filmmaker who specializes in capturing couples in love amidst awe-inspiring natural settings. His work can be found on his adventure elopement and landscape websites, and his elopement and landscape Instagram profiles.
