October 16, 2024
By Shawn Reeder
In the dynamic realm of portrait photography, a captivating niche has emerged, blending the raw grandeur of the natural world with the elegance of feminine expression: flying dress photography. This genre, characterized by flowing gowns billowing dramatically against breathtaking landscapes, is spearheaded by artist Brittany Colt and her innovative venture, The Flying Dress Experience. Colt’s work transcends mere visual aesthetics, weaving a narrative of female empowerment and a profound appreciation for the environment. Her sessions offer women a unique opportunity to connect with their inner strength and beauty, set against the majestic backdrop of nature.
The genesis of The Flying Dress Experience is rooted in Colt’s extensive background in photography, which began in her childhood amidst the verdant landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Her formative years were marked by a deep connection to nature, a passion later refined through her involvement with the esteemed Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite National Park, where she served as head of education for many years. This period solidified her understanding of landscape composition and the power of natural light. As her career progressed, Colt immersed herself in Portland’s vibrant arts scene, honing her artistic vision through experimentation with makeup, lighting, and art direction, often creating fantastical shoots. Her early work also included wedding and portrait photography, experiences that provided a crucial foundation for her later specialization.
Colt’s evolution as an artist led her to seek a more profound synthesis of her interests. "After years of working within the framework of landscape and portraiture, I found myself pulled toward a new vision—one that would blend my love for nature with my desire to empower women," Colt explains. This conceptual breakthrough culminated in the creation of The Flying Dress Experience, a concept that began with a singular, powerful image: a long, satin gown caught in a perfect moment of flight against an epic natural panorama. This initial spark ignited a movement, offering women not just a photoshoot, but an unforgettable experience designed to celebrate their femininity, beauty, and inherent strength. The flying dress itself became a potent symbol, as Colt articulates, "The dress itself became a 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."
The popularity of flying dress photography has seen a significant surge in recent years, particularly in popular tourist destinations like Santorini, Dubai, and various resort locales. However, the concept is still relatively nascent within the United States, presenting a unique challenge and opportunity for photographers. Colt’s strategy for cultivating interest in a service that clients may not yet realize they desire is straightforward yet effective: showcasing the artistry and transformative potential of the experience. Her approach emphasizes demonstrating what is possible, thereby inspiring potential clients to envision themselves within such a narrative.
Crafting the Ethereal: Technical and Artistic Considerations
Creating the signature "flying dress" aesthetic demands a meticulous fusion of artistic sensibility and technical expertise. Colt’s guidance for photographers venturing into this genre highlights several key elements:
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Understanding Light and Environment: The interplay of natural light with the environment is paramount. Colt emphasizes studying how light falls on the landscape at different times of day, from the golden hues of sunrise and sunset to the diffused light of overcast days, each offering distinct moods and textures. The chosen natural setting—whether it be the rugged granite cliffs of Yosemite, the surreal sand dunes of Death Valley, or the mystical forests of the Pacific Northwest—plays an integral role in the final image. The inherent characteristics of the location, such as wind patterns and terrain, are not obstacles but rather collaborative elements that contribute to the dynamism of the shot.
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The Art of the Dress: The selection of the dress is critical. Long, flowing gowns made from lightweight, ethereal fabrics such as satin, chiffon, or silk are ideal. These materials catch the wind, creating the dramatic, sweeping movement that defines the genre. The color of the dress should complement, not compete with, the natural backdrop, creating a harmonious visual narrative. Colt often advises on color palettes that either blend subtly with the environment or provide a striking, yet balanced, contrast.
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Harnessing the Wind: The "flying" aspect of the dress is largely dictated by natural wind. Photographers must develop an acute awareness of wind direction and strength. Colt suggests employing assistants to help manipulate the fabric, creating controlled billowing effects even in milder breezes. Strategically positioning the subject relative to the wind is crucial for achieving the desired dramatic flow. This might involve having the subject stand with their back to the wind or using natural formations to channel airflow.
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Subject Direction and Posing: While the dress commands attention, the subject’s expression and pose are equally vital. Colt’s approach encourages a sense of natural grace and confidence. Poses that emphasize the body’s lines and complement the movement of the dress are key. This often involves subtle movements, a gentle turn of the head, or an outstretched arm that harmonizes with the sweeping fabric. The goal is to create a moment of serene power, where the woman is both a part of and elevated by her surroundings.
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Camera Settings and Technique: Achieving sharp images with a sense of motion requires precise camera work. Colt recommends using a fast shutter speed to freeze the most dynamic moments of the dress’s movement while still capturing its flow. Aperture choice will depend on the desired depth of field, with wider apertures often used to isolate the subject and create a soft, dreamy background. Continuous shooting mode is invaluable for capturing a sequence of movements, increasing the likelihood of securing that perfect, breathtaking frame. Understanding lens choice—wide-angle lenses can emphasize the vastness of the landscape, while telephoto lenses can compress the scene and highlight the subject—is also important.
Building a Captivating Portfolio
For photographers aspiring to enter the flying dress photography market, establishing a compelling portfolio is the cornerstone of attracting clients. Colt offers practical advice for building this crucial visual representation of their work:
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Start with Practice Shoots: Before taking on paying clients, photographers should conduct numerous practice sessions. Collaborating with models, friends, or even aspiring models who are willing to experiment can provide invaluable experience. These sessions are opportunities to refine techniques, test different dresses and locations, and develop a signature style. Documenting these practice shoots allows for the creation of initial portfolio images.
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Collaborate with Creatives: Partnering with fashion designers, stylists, makeup artists, and other photographers can elevate the quality and breadth of the portfolio. Such collaborations offer access to a wider range of resources, including diverse dresses and professional talent, resulting in more polished and impactful images. This also fosters a network of industry professionals, potentially leading to future collaborations and referrals.
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Showcase Variety: A strong portfolio should demonstrate versatility. This means featuring flying dress sessions in a range of natural settings—beaches, forests, deserts, mountains—and with different models and dress styles. This showcases the photographer’s adaptability and ability to create stunning imagery across various environments and with diverse subjects. Including examples of how the dress interacts with different weather conditions, such as mist or light rain, can also add depth.
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Focus on Emotional Connection: Beyond technical proficiency, the portfolio must convey the emotional essence of the experience. Images should evoke feelings of freedom, confidence, and empowerment. Capturing genuine expressions and the dynamic interplay between the subject, the dress, and the environment is key to telling a compelling visual story. The narrative should hint at the transformative nature of the photoshoot.
The Deeper Mission: Empowerment Through Art
At its core, The Flying Dress Experience is driven by Brittany Colt’s profound commitment to female empowerment. Her personal journey, marked by growth and self-discovery, has instilled in her a deep belief in the power of photography to not only capture beauty but to foster confidence, promote healing, and facilitate self-acceptance. For many of Colt’s clients, the photoshoot transcends a mere aesthetic endeavor; it becomes a profoundly transformative experience. It provides a dedicated space and time for them 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 sentiment underscores the holistic approach of The Flying Dress Experience, where the process of creation is as significant as the final output. The sessions are designed to be nurturing and uplifting, creating an environment where women can shed inhibitions and fully embrace their presence.
The broader implications of this genre extend to the evolving landscape of portrait photography. In a world increasingly focused on authentic representation and personal well-being, flying dress photography offers a unique avenue for self-expression and empowerment. It taps into a desire for connection with nature and a celebration of the feminine form in its most graceful and powerful manifestations. For photographers seeking to innovate and expand their creative horizons, exploring this genre presents an opportunity to develop a distinct artistic voice and connect with clients on a deeper, more meaningful level.
Brittany Colt’s pioneering work with The Flying Dress Experience stands as a testament to the power of combining artistic vision with a meaningful message. By harmonizing the majesty of nature with the grace and strength of women, she has not only carved out a unique niche in the photography industry but has also created a platform for profound personal transformation. As the genre continues to gain traction, its emphasis on empowerment and connection with the natural world offers a compelling model for artistic and personal growth.
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 landscapes. His work can be viewed on his adventure elopement and landscape websites, and his elopement and landscape Instagram accounts.
