How much does a family photo session in Crested Butte cost?

Family photo sessions in Crested Butte cost an average of $350 for the session plus products. Prices vary based on amount of coverage, products included and the photographer’s expertise.

What is included in the family photo session price in Crested Butte?

Family photographers in Crested Butte offer a photo session for up to an hour, digital files and an online gallery with additional products available for purchase after the session. Prices will vary based on the photographer’s expertise, time shooting and editing and the products.

What factors affect photography pricing?

Factors that affect photo session pricing are the photographer’s expertise, if products like digital files are included in the package and how much time is spent shooting and editing.

• Prices start between $245- $350
• Average costs of a family photo sessions are $2000 including time and products

Are travel fees included in the family photo session cost?

Travel within 20-50 miles is included in family photo sessions.

Does session length affect cost?

Yes. The longer the session the more expensive. Some photo studios offer mini session of 20-30 minutes while others offer sessions up to an hour.

Are prints or albums included or extra?

Usually, no. Printed products are often an extra cost. These many include:

• Digital files
• Albums
• Canvas and metal prints
• Framed prints

What affects the cost of family photography in the mountains?

The mountains of Crested Butte are unique at 9000 feet. Local photographers are well-versed in the best locations for families for both the views and the accessibility. Other factors that affect the cost are:

• Photographer’s expertise
• Products included
• Time shooting and editing

How do I choose the right family photography package for my budget?

When choosing a family photographer in Crested Butte it is best to look at their portfolio, their pricing and then inquire with questions. The right photographer should offer all the products you want as well as have a consistent look in their portfolio and extensive knowledge of the area.

Do Crested Butte family photographers offer mini sessions?

Some do. You can find photographers who are new to the industry who offer mini sessions. These will be shorter and less expensive sessions. Some photographers offer coverage up to an hour so that if a longer session is needed that will be available.

When is the best time of year for family photos in Crested Butte?

Summer and fall are the best times of year to have your family photo session!

• June– lupine fields, sunny skies, green aspen trees
• July– sunflower fields, sunny mornings, evening rainbows
• September– changing foliage

What time of day is best for mountain family photos?

The morning and the late afternoon/early evenings are the best time for family photo sessions. The mornings are cooler and sunnier. The afternoons can bring thunderstorms but also bring beautiful evening light.

Where are the best locations for family pictures in Crested Butte?

The best locations in Crested Butte have views of the mountains, wildflower meadows and aspen forest. Some spots have rivers and lakes.

• Woods Walk trail– wildflower meadow, aspen forest and a view of Mt. Crested Butte
• Lower Loop trail– wildflower meadow, easy access, view of mountains and Slate River
• Gunsight Bridge– bridge over Slate River, view of the mountains

How long does a family photo session last?

Family photo sessions are 30 minutes to an hour long.

How far in advance should I book a family photographer in Crested Butte?

Photographers in Crested Butte book family photo sessions a week to several months in advance. The season is short and the location access is limited so the more advanced the better.

What happens if the weather is bad on photo day?

There is a saying in Crested Butte, “If you don’t like the weather wait 5 minutes”. The weather moves in and out of the valley quickly. It is best to try and wait-out a summer thunderstorm. If the weather is predicted to be bad all day, reschedule your session. Most photographers will schedule earlier in your vacation in case they need to reschedule.

Can we bring our dog to our family photo session?

Yes! Dogs almost outnumber people in Crested Butte. Most locations are dog-friendly.

How do I get my kids to cooperate for family pictures?

Leave that to the photographer. They will take care of helping your kids have fun and engage. Local photographers have tricks and games to help small children feel relaxed. Games to help kids be engaged are:

• Peek-a-boo
• Telephone
• Walk, run, jump

What if my kids don’t sit still during photos?

They don’t need to. The best photos are of kids playing, having fun and being themselves. Photographers will initiate games and movement so kids can be kids!

How do photographers make family sessions feel relaxed?

Interactive photos and candid moments are some of the best photos. Photographers will start a family photo session with prompts that help you relax and enjoy:

• walking and laughing
• talking and laughing
• easy movement
• silly games like telephone

What if my partner doesn’t like having photos taken?

This is common. A good photographer will know how to help your partner loosen up.

• Keep things moving
• Give the partner a job (like holding hands or swinging kids)
• Keep the session fun and efficient

Do we need to know how to pose?

No. A professional photographer will tell who what to do with your body and where to stand. Prompts from your photographer will help you interact naturally. The photographer will direct you if something looks bad.

What should we wear for family photos in Crested Butte?

Comfort is the most important part of deciding what to wear for your family photo session. If you are not comfortable you will not look comfortable in your photos. Crested Butte’s background will be mostly greens, blues and yellows so soft, neutral, earthy colors compliment the best. Think:

• Creams
• Denim
• Rust or red
• Sage or green
• Soft blues or purples

Stay away from logos, words, busy patterns or neon colors.

What can I do with my family photos after the session?

Family photo sessions are great for producing beautiful individual images of your family members and group shots. These look great as a grouping of canvases or metal prints above the fireplace, above the bed or along the hallway.

How many photos do you get from a family session?

Most hour-long sessions will yield around 100 deliverable, edited images. Images will be delivered with an online gallery. Print products are available with most photo studios.

How long does it take to receive family photos after the session?

Photographers are fast with turnaround, averaging 3 weeks. Some photographers offer a viewing session in their studio immediately following your photo session. This gives you a chance to see your images and chose your products.

Do photographers help with albums and wall art?

Professional photographers who have studios will offer a viewing session after your photo session to see your images and products. They help you choose your images for your albums and printed products. Studios will show examples of the products:

• Albums
• Canvas
• Metal
• Album boxes
• Framed prints

Can I use my family photos for holiday cards?

Yes. Photographers will provide digital files to be used for holiday cards, prints and albums. These files are high-resolution and come with a print release.

How do I choose the best family photographer in Crested Butte?

The best way to choose a family photographer in Crested Butte is to look at their portfolio, check their reviews and inquire with the photographer about what is included. The best photographer for you may not be the cheapest. Look at their style before price. Things to look for are:

• Do the images feel emotional and relaxed?
• Do the family members look comfortable?
• Is the style consistent?

Read client testimonials and look for:

• Did people enjoy their experience?
• Are they happy with their photos?
• How was communication?

What questions should I ask before booking a family photographer?

Yes! Ask questions like:

• How long is the session?
• Do I get any products with the session fee?
• Do you offer printed products?
• How long before I see the images?
• What is the ordering process?

What style of family photography is best for mountain photos?

Candid and fun family photography is a great type of photography for the mountains. Show off who you are as a family with silly, fun moments in the majestic views.

What makes a family photo session feel natural instead of posed?

A family photo session will feel natural and less posed if the photographer is good at offering prompts and games for interaction.

Booking your family photo session in Crested Butte? Inquire with a professional photographer at Third Eye Photography.

Have more questions? Check out our blog with posts like The Best Spots for Family Photos in Crested Butte!