The pursuit of capturing extraordinary moments, images that resonate deeply with viewers and leave an indelible mark, is a driving force for many photographers. In the realm of portraiture, few scenes possess the immediate captivating power of a woman, or a couple, enveloped by the raw, untamed beauty of nature, her long, flowing dress a majestic silhouette against the elements. This evocative genre, known as flying dress photography, has found a unique and powerful advocate in Brittany Colt, whose distinctive brand, The Flying Dress Experience, is redefining the intersection of feminine grace, natural grandeur, and personal empowerment. Colt’s work transcends mere aesthetic appeal, weaving a narrative of strength, self-discovery, and a profound connection to the natural world.
The genesis of The Flying Dress Experience can be traced back to Colt’s extensive background in landscape and portrait photography. For many years, she served as the head of education at the esteemed Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite National Park, a role that steeped her in the grandeur of natural landscapes. Her childhood in the Pacific Northwest further nurtured a deep appreciation for the outdoors. Later, immersing herself in Portland’s vibrant arts scene, Colt honed a cinematic sensibility, experimenting with makeup, lighting, and art direction to create fantastical shoots. This period also saw her developing her skills in wedding and women’s portraiture.
The pivotal shift towards flying dress photography emerged from a desire to synthesize these diverse experiences. Colt envisioned a concept that would celebrate both the majesty of nature and the inherent power of women. The initial spark was simple yet profound: a flowing satin gown against an epic natural backdrop. This creative seed blossomed into The Flying Dress Experience, a platform designed not only to showcase breathtaking landscapes but to offer women an unforgettable encounter with their own femininity, beauty, and strength.
“The dress itself became a metaphor for freedom, confidence, and empowerment,” Colt explains. “It’s as if the natural settings are literally carrying these women into their power, into their full expression.” This philosophy underpins her sessions, which span diverse and dramatic locations, from the towering granite cliffs of Yosemite to the otherworldly sand dunes of Death Valley, and the fairytale landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. These immersive experiences allow women to forge a profound connection with both their surroundings and their inner selves.
While flying dress photography has gained significant traction in international destinations like Santorini and Dubai, its presence in the United States is still emerging. Colt recognized this nascent stage as an opportunity to introduce and cultivate interest in a photographic art form that many clients may not yet realize they desire. Her strategy, as she shares, is straightforward: demonstrate the artistic potential and emotional impact of the genre. This article will delve into Colt’s expert advice for photographers aspiring to establish their own flying dress experiences, offering insights into crafting compelling visuals and building a successful brand.
Mastering the Art of the Flying Dress Shot
Capturing the ethereal quality of flying dress photography demands a meticulous blend of artistic vision and technical proficiency. Colt emphasizes that achieving these dreamlike images requires a thoughtful approach to several key elements.
Understanding the Dynamics of Fabric and Wind: The hallmark of flying dress photography is the dynamic movement of the gown. Colt advises photographers to pay close attention to wind conditions. “The wind is your co-collaborator,” she states. “You need to anticipate its direction and strength to create the most dramatic and graceful flow.” This involves studying weather patterns and choosing shooting times when the wind is most conducive to creating flowing lines. Practicing with the fabric beforehand, understanding how it reacts to different gusts, is crucial. For instance, lighter fabrics will catch the wind more readily, creating broader, more expansive movements, while heavier silks might offer a more controlled, elegant drape.
Location Selection and Integration: The choice of location is paramount. Colt advocates for settings that possess inherent grandeur and can complement, rather than compete with, the subject and her attire. “Nature’s raw beauty provides the perfect canvas,” she notes. This could be a rugged coastline, a windswept desert, a serene forest clearing, or a dramatic mountain vista. The key is to find locations that offer both visual impact and space for the dress to unfurl. When scouting, consider how the natural light will interact with the environment and the dress. Golden hour, with its soft, warm light, is often ideal for accentuating the textures and colors of the fabric.
Subject Direction and Posing: While the dress takes center stage in terms of movement, the subject’s presence and demeanor are equally vital. Colt coaches her clients to embody confidence and a sense of liberation. “It’s about helping them connect with their inner strength and express it through their posture and gaze,” she says. Poses should feel natural yet dynamic, often involving graceful turns, arm movements, or leaps that allow the dress to catch the air. Encouraging the subject to interact with the dress, to feel its flow, can lead to more authentic and emotive images.
Technical Considerations: Camera Settings and Equipment: Achieving sharp focus on the subject while capturing the motion of the dress requires careful technical execution. Colt recommends using a fast shutter speed to freeze moments of intense movement or to capture the fabric in specific, artful shapes. Conversely, a slightly slower shutter speed can introduce motion blur, enhancing the sense of fluidity. A wide aperture can help isolate the subject from a busy background, drawing the viewer’s eye to the interplay of the dress and the natural setting. High-quality lenses that offer excellent sharpness and bokeh are also beneficial. For capturing the full sweep of the dress, a wider focal length might be necessary, while a longer lens can be used to compress the background and emphasize the subject.
Building a Compelling Flying Dress Photography Portfolio
For photographers aspiring to enter the domain of flying dress photography, the creation of a strong, visually arresting portfolio is a foundational step. Colt stresses the importance of showcasing the unique narrative and aesthetic of this genre.
Curating a Thematic Collection: A portfolio should not merely be a random assortment of images; it should tell a cohesive story. Colt suggests focusing on a consistent theme, whether it’s exploring different natural environments, showcasing a range of dress colors and styles, or highlighting the emotional journey of the subjects. Each image should contribute to the overall narrative of empowerment and natural beauty. Consider the flow of the portfolio, starting with impactful introductory images and building towards more nuanced or emotionally resonant shots.
Showcasing Versatility and Adaptability: While the core concept remains consistent, demonstrating an ability to adapt to various locations, lighting conditions, and client archetypes is crucial. A diverse portfolio will appeal to a broader clientele and showcase the photographer’s technical range. This could include sessions captured at dawn, during midday, or at dusk, in diverse weather conditions, and with subjects of varying ages and backgrounds.
Highlighting the "Experience" Aspect: Beyond the final images, the portfolio should subtly convey the transformative experience of a flying dress photoshoot. This can be achieved through behind-the-scenes glimpses, testimonials from satisfied clients, or images that capture the joy and confidence of the subjects. The goal is to communicate that a flying dress session is more than just a photo shoot; it’s a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Strategic Use of Social Media and Online Platforms: Platforms like Instagram are invaluable for showcasing flying dress photography due to their visual nature. Colt emphasizes the importance of high-quality imagery, consistent posting, and strategic use of hashtags to reach a targeted audience. A dedicated website or online gallery is essential for presenting a professional portfolio and providing detailed information about services. Engaging with potential clients through comments and direct messages can further foster interest and build relationships.
Empowering Women Through the Lens
At the very core of The Flying Dress Experience lies Brittany Colt’s profound commitment to uplifting and empowering women. Her personal journey has deeply informed her understanding of photography’s potential not just to capture beauty, but to foster confidence, facilitate healing, and inspire self-acceptance. For many of her clients, the flying dress photoshoot transcends a mere photographic session, evolving into a deeply transformative experience. It offers them a profound opportunity to reconnect with their femininity, embrace their innate 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 shares. “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 Colt takes, where the visual outcome is intrinsically linked to the emotional and psychological benefits derived from the process. The act of donning a flowing gown, moving freely in a majestic natural setting, and being captured in a moment of apparent freedom can be incredibly cathartic and affirming.
The implications of this approach extend beyond individual clients. In a broader societal context, flying dress photography, as championed by Colt, contributes to a more nuanced and empowering portrayal of women in media and art. It challenges traditional notions of beauty by celebrating individuality, strength, and a connection to nature, rather than conforming to narrow, often unattainable, ideals. This form of portraiture can serve as a powerful counter-narrative, promoting self-love and body positivity.
The success of The Flying Dress Experience also highlights a growing demand for authentic, experience-driven photography services. Clients are increasingly seeking more than just a transaction; they are looking for meaningful encounters that offer personal growth and lasting memories. This trend suggests a significant opportunity for photographers who can blend technical skill with a genuine passion for empowering their subjects and creating unique, impactful experiences.
In the competitive landscape of wedding and portrait photography, Brittany Colt’s The Flying Dress Experience stands out as a fresh, visionary approach that resonates deeply with both photographers and clients. Through the masterful combination of breathtaking natural landscapes, the symbolic elegance of flowing gowns, and her unwavering message of empowerment, Colt has carved a distinctive and influential niche within the industry. For photographers who aspire to elevate their portfolios and deepen their creative practice, exploring the art of flying dress photography could indeed be the key to unlocking a new dimension of artistic expression and client connection. Whether one is embarking on a new photographic venture or seeking to inject renewed vitality into an established career, Colt’s journey serves as an inspiring testament to the power of expanding creative horizons, fostering collaborative partnerships, and, ultimately, crafting images that are not only visually stunning but profoundly meaningful.
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.
