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 love for the natural world.

The Birth of The Flying Dress Experience

Brittany, who for many years was the head of education at the Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite National Park, discovered a passion for landscape photography as a child growing up in the Pacific Northwest. Later, as a young adult in Portland’s vibrant arts scene, Brittany developed her cinematic eye as she experimented with makeup, lighting, and art direction while setting up fantastical shoots. She also began shooting weddings and photographing women’s portraits.

After years of working within the framework of landscape and portraiture, Brittany found herself pulled toward a new vision—one that would blend her love for nature with her desire to empower women. It began with a simple idea: a flowing satin gown set against an epic landscape. From that initial creative spark, The Flying Dress Experience was born. It was a way to not only showcase the majesty of nature but to give women an unforgettable experience—one where they could embrace their femininity, beauty, and strength. 

“The dress itself became a metaphor for freedom, confidence, and empowerment,” Brittany explains. “It’s as if the natural settings are literally carrying these women into their power, into their full expression.” From the towering granite cliffs in Yosemite to the otherworldly sand dunes of Death Valley, to the fairytale magic of the Pacific Northwest, her sessions allow women to connect with both the environment and themselves.

Since the whole concept of flying dress photo shoots still seems like it’s in its infancy here in the US, you might be wondering, “How do I get people interested in a photo session that they don’t even know they want yet?” While places like Santorini, Dubai and other luxurious resort destinations are bustling with flying dress photo shoot options, the phenomena is relatively new to the US. The answer is simple–show what you want to shoot. Below Brittany kindly shares her tips for how to get started offering your own “flying dress experience.”

Crafting The Perfect Flying Dress Shot

Capturing these dreamy images requires a combination of artistry and technical skill. Below, Brittany shares some of her top tips for photographing long flowing dresses in natural settings.

1. Be Aware of the Wind
   The wind is not your friend, even though it seems like it would be. It can be unpredictable and tends towards flapping furiously rather than flying elegantly. So, if it’s not the wind flying the dress, what is? Read on to find out.
2. An Assistant is Mandatory
   This is probably the most important tip of all. If you really want the dress to fly, and in a way that is beautiful and not chaotic, having an assistant to help “fly the dress” is crucial.  
3. Plan for Location and Lighting
   Shooting in awe-inspiring natural settings is a big part of The Flying Dress Experience, but it also means planning meticulously around location and lighting. Always scout locations ahead of time and check the weather–especially wind conditions.
4. Use a Fast Shutter Speed
   Perhaps this is obvious, but it’s also crucial. Have that motor drive cranking at a fast enough shutter speed to freeze the flying of the dress. 
5. Communicate with Your Subject
   It’s crucial to make your subject feel empowered and comfortable. Long flowing dresses can be a bit overwhelming at first, so help guide your clients through posing and grounding into their bodies and help them find movements that feel natural and beautiful.
6. Focus on Composition
   When photographing flying dresses in these awe-inspiring natural locations, composition is everything. You’re not just capturing a person in a dress—you’re highlighting the landscape as much as the woman. Try to focus on artistically incorporating both the subject and the vast, majestic landscape around them. 
7. Leave No Trace
   As photographers who specialize in taking people into nature, we also have a profound responsibility to minimize our impact on the natural world. This includes avoiding sensitive areas that are susceptible to be trampled such as meadows, river banks, and locations that are closed for restoration. With the assistant running in and out of shots, there could be a lot of impact on sensitive areas. 

Building a Flying Dress Photography Portfolio

For photographers looking to dive into flying dress photography, Brittany emphasizes the importance of building a strong, eye-catching portfolio. Here’s her advice on how to get started: 

1. Invest in Dresses
   Having a variety of colors and sizes of flowing dresses is essential. It’s an upfront investment, but it’s essential to have these dresses ready for your clients.
2. Collaborate with other Creatives
   Partner with local musicians, artists, or small business owners who may want stunning photos for their own portfolios or marketing materials. Collaboration can help you create a win-win situation, allowing you to experiment while offering something valuable in return.
3. Embrace Unconventional Locations and Props
   Don’t be afraid to explore unconventional locations or even props. Yes, the beach, mountains and National Parks are classic, but your local park, venues, or even urban rooftops can provide stunning backdrops for a flying dress shoot. On one of her recent photo sessions Brittany collaborated with a local business that restores grand pianos and actually got a piano out in nature to photograph!
4. Post-Production Magic
   While we photographers all try to capture everything in-camera, sometimes a bit of post-production work is needed to remove any distractions and really bring the images to life. And if you’ve never processed “landscape photography” before, Brittany highly recommends spending time learning this art form.

Empowering Women Through Photography

At the heart of The Flying Dress Experience is Brittany’s mission to uplift and empower women. Through her own personal journey of growth and self-discovery, Brittany realized that photography could be a powerful tool not only for capturing beauty but for fostering confidence and healing. For many of her clients, the photo shoot becomes a transformative experience, allowing them to reconnect with their femininity, embrace their inner strength, and feel truly seen. 

“I’ve always believed in the power of art to transform, not just the artist but the subject as well,” Brittany says. “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.”

In the world of wedding and portrait photography, Brittany Colt’s The Flying Dress Experience offers a fresh, visionary approach that inspires both photographers and clients alike. Through a combination of breathtaking landscapes, flowing gowns, and her empowering message, Brittany has carved out a unique space in the industry. For photographers eager to elevate their portfolios, experimenting with flying dresses could be the key to unlocking a whole new level of creativity.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a way to infuse new life into your work, let Brittany’s journey inspire you expand your creativity, collaborate with others, and create something truly magical.

Explore Brittany’s work at BrittanyColt.com, The Flying Dress Experience, @theflyingdressexperience, and @brittanycolt.

 

Shawn Reeder is a Yosemite & Eastern Sierra-based adventure elopement photographer and film maker who loves to photograph couples in love amidst the majesty of awe-inspiring nature. See more of his work on his adventure elopement and landscape websites, and his elopement and landscape Instagrams.