If you’re nervous for your Crested Butte adventure engagement photos — I am here for you. Most couples tell me they feel awkward, don’t know what to do with their hands or worry about looking uncomfortable. But the truth is: engagement photos don’t have to feel this way.
Over the years, I’ve learned simple ways to help couples relax, connect, and actually enjoy the experience. Here’s how we make your engagement session feel natural and easy.
What is the Best Location For Your Crested Butte Adventure Engagement?
There are so many beautiful locations in Crested Butte for engagement photos. When you’re comfortable in your surroundings, everything feels more natural. Locations include:
- Crested Butte Campground– an endless flower field
- Woods Walk– a meadow with a view of Mt. Crested Butte
- Gunsight Bridge– a riverside location with mountain views
- Or even Elk Ave for a downtown Crested Butte vibe
What if it rains during our engagement session?
Weather changes quickly in crested Butte. If it rains during your engagement session, it is best to try and wait for the storm to pass. July is famous for its afternoon thunderstorms with rainbows to follow. The mornings in the summer in Crested Butte are often more predictable and nicer weather.
What if the trail is muddy or snowy?
Trails stay muddy and snowy into June in Crested Butte. Choose lower terrain and sunnier locations for dryer trails. Snow can start as early as mid-September in Crested Butte so keep an eye on weather patterns. Higher locations like Emerald Lake usually are not accessible until mid-June due to higher snows at that altitude.
Is wind a problem for mountain engagement sessions?
Wind can be a challenging weather condition – it blows hair and dresses all around. Crested Butte is very windy during the spring months of April and May but typically isn’t too windy during the summer. Planning your session in an aspen or a pine forest will help reduce the wind issue. There are also locations in Crested Butte that are windier than others so discuss with your photographer about the best locations.
How Do I Feel Comfortable During My Crested Butte Adventure Engagement?
Movement is the best way to loosen up and interact. Movement pulls you out of your head and into the moment. Instead of jumping straight into still poses, we begin with:
- Walking
- Holding hands
- Spinning
- Laughing
- Whispering
Games and prompts help everyone feel more at ease and help you interact with your partner. It can feel silly but that makes for the best photos!
Will You Guide Me the Entire Time?
Yes! You don’t need to know any poses. I direct you easy prompts that help you interact naturally, like:
- “Walk with your arms around each other like your stumbling out of a bar”
- “Whisper something sweet in their ear”
- “Take turns saying the alphabet in your sexiest voices”
You’ll never be left wondering what to do. I will place you int he best light with the stunning backdrop and then help you interact. This makes for great candid photos and when I ask you to look at me and smile you will feel at ease.
What Do We Do With Our Hands?
Hands are easy- just give them a job! Hold each others hands, spin or dip your partner, grab each other’s faces, wrap them around each other. Your job isn’t to “perform” — it’s simply to connect with your partner, and hand tells a lot of the story. The best photos come when you get your hands involved:
- Grab your partners face and kiss them like its the first time
- Hold hands and spin
- Hug tightly and wrap your hands around each others waist
- Grab a hand and spin your partner several tims
Your natural interactions photograph beautifully.
Adventure Engagement Session FAQ
How much does an engagement photography session cost in Crested Butte?
Crested Butte is a fantastic location for engagement photos. Local photographers know the best locations, timing and will help you plan your engagement session. Prices vary based on:
- Photographer’s expertise
- Professional editing
- Final package products
- Session coverage
What is included in an adventure engagement photography session?
Some photographers offer an hourly rate while others offer packages with digital files and print products. Engagement sessions are included in wedding-day packages, so you will only pay for products if you are booking your wedding with the same photographer (highly recommended).
- Hourly proposal/engagement session: $245-$600
- Small packages: $600-$1000
- Full proposal/engagement packages with products and planning: $950-$2700
What should we wear for engagement photos in the mountains?
Crested Butte is stunningly scenic but also brings extreme conditions and weather patterns. It is important to prepare for the seasonal temperatures and weather conditions during your engagement photos. Temps are cooler in the morning and evening, even in the summer. Plan for comfort and the uneven terrain:
- good walking shoes
- layers like a sweater or jacket
- blanket
Looking comfortable in your photos is all about feeling comfortable in your clothing. Try not to wear clashing colors or anything with logos or multiple patterns. Dress to impress.
How much coverage do we need for an engagement session?
A local proposal/engagement session will be 1-2 hours. For those more adventurous couples seeking mountain tops or hiking sessions can range from 3-6 hours. Many beautiful locations in Crested Butte are a short car ride away from town. To get up high the drive time will be around 45 minutes.
When should we book our photographer for an engagement session?
It is best to book your photographer as early as possible in Crested Butte. Local professional photographers are limited and the high season of summer and fall is busy. Winter is more flexible for scheduling unless over Christmas- New Years week.
How long does it take to receive the images?
Most local photographers will meet with you as fast as the next day to review your images and walk through the products. Printed products will be 2-3 weeks, and digital copies will be delivered immediately.
Will products be included?
Photographers offer print packages with albums, wall products and digital files. Hourly photographers will plan a studio meeting to walk through images and sell products individually. Some photographers will put together a session package for the session fee + products.
Remember: It’s About Your Story
Your engagement session isn’t about stiff poses or perfect smiles. It’s about:
- your connection
- the love between you two
- your real personalities
- the season of life for you both
When you show up ready to be yourselves, the photos will reflect that.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to be a model to look incredible in your engagement photos. With a little movement, gentle direction, and a professional local photographer who makes you feel comfortable, your session becomes a fun and a memorable experience — and your photos feel authentically you.
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