What Are the Top Locations for Senior Portraits in Crested Butte?

Crested Butte offers majestic scenic backdrops for high school senior photo sessions. Many locations include wildflower fields, aspen forests and river/lake access with mountain views.

• June is best for weather and lupine flower fields
• July is best for sunflower fields and rainbows
• August is best for fireweed flowers and cooler temps
• September is best for fall foliage

Which trails are easiest for high school seniors?

Crested Butte offers a wide variety of scenic backdrops for high school senior sessions. Easily accessible locations include:

• Wood Walk– flower meadows, aspen forest and view of the mountain
• Lower Loop– easy accessible double-wide path, meadows, and river
• CB Campground– double-wide path through a wildflower meadow and 360° mountain views

What is the best way to feel comfortable during your high school senior photos?

It’s completely normal to feel a little awkward when taking high school senior portraits. Many seniors tend to feel self-conscious about their appearance because they feel uncomfortable taking photos on their own. Below are my top five tips for taking on your high school senior portrait with grace and confidence and leaving with photos that you will love for years to come!

Use your eyes to smile with

Use your eyes to express emotion. When you smile naturally your whole face lights up and your eyes look bright and awake. Before the photo session practice smiling in the mirror and use different expressions to see what looks best.          

Relax during your high school senior photos

Great photos happen when the subject is relaxed and confident. Let the excitement of you photo session show through the lens as you take a moment and breathe, relax and just have fun. You may feel silly during this process but we will do everything we can to help you feel more comfortable.

Breathe during your high school senior photos

This may sound obvious but breathing is key to capturing a natural look. Take time to practice taking a deep breath while smiling in front of the mirror. Slowly release the air while holding the smile and notice how your face and eyes settle into a natural and relaxed expression. Allow your eyes to “smile” by focusing on the apples of your cheeks pressing upwards. When in doubt, just breathe.

Move around during your senior photo shoot

Staying stationary can sometimes produce a very staged and cheesy look. Just because you are sitting or standing still doesn’t mean you can’t change the angle of your body to create a look that is fresh and inspired. Try leaning into the camera slightly to appear more engaged, shift your weight from left to right, or simply move your chin slightly up and down for different shots as this gives us a variety of facial expressions to work with.

Beautify before your senior photos

This goes for everyone. Ladies, spend some extra time getting your hair blown out, get your makeup done and choose an outfit that makes you look and feel your best. As for the men, take a shower and shave. When you look your best, you feel your best and when you feel your best, you are naturally more confident. Go the extra mile to walk into your senior session feeling confident, attractive, prepared, and inspired.

Where can you find dramatic lighting for mountain portraits?

For high school senior photos in Crested Butte look for a local photographer who knows the area and can guide on the best locations for dramatic lighting in the mountains. Late afternoon and early evening are perfect times for low lights and drama. Some of the most popular locations for dramatic mountain lighting is the CB campground the top of Prospect road and Gunsight Bridge.

Are there indoor backup locations in case of bad weather?

In the case of bad weather during your high school senior photo session in Crested Butte indoor locations include:

• the Lodge at Mountaineer Square
• the Crested Butte Museum
• the Secret Stash

Most of the time you can wait out the afternoon thunderstorms or reschedule. Earlier mornings are often the best weather conditions.

How to prepare for a senior portrait session in Colorado mountains?

The first step to prepare for your Colorado high school senior session is to discuss ideas and outfits with your local photographer. Local photographers will be able to pre-plan be location, the timing and the best outfit for you. Bring layers and accessories with your 3-5 outfits. Footwear that is comfortable and easy to navigate rocky terrain is important.

Should seniors bring props or sports equipment?

Yes, it is always fun to showcase a high school senior’s hobbies and activities in their photos. This could include sporting balls, sticks, instruments, art supplies, team jackets and sporting footwear such as cleats or dance shoes.

How to style hair and makeup for outdoor shoots?

Outdoor photo shoots in Crested Butte will have a variety of weather conditions. Leaving hair completely down can be tricky in windy conditions. Having an alternative option to change your hairstyle halfway through a session is helpful. Make up either done by a professional or by the senior themselves should enhance but not overpower.

What time of day produces the best light?

late afternoon and early evening late is best for high school senior photos. Weather conditions in the afternoon can be unpredictable and crested Butte. Early morning light is equally as beautiful and can offer more predictable weather patterns.

How to practice posing before the session?

A professional photographer will help you pose throughout your senior session. Take some time before your session to explore poses on Pinterest and practice them in the mirror or read a guide from a professional photographer about posing tips.

FAQ About High School Senior Photography

Why should you chose a professional photographer?

Your senior year is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and your photos should feel just as real and beautiful as you are. A professional will know the best locations, will advise on weather patterns and help with outfit choses for each location.

What should my budget be for high school senior photos?

Senior sessions are an average of $300 for an hour, multiple locations, multiple outfits. Product prices will vary from $50 for individual gift prints to $3000+ for digital files and large wall art. Most professionals will offer packages of discounted products.

How much time do we need for senior photos?

Most sessions will be an hour, but for far away locations and more outfit options photographers will offer longer sessions.

When should we schedule?

Photographers in Crested Butte will schedule 4 weeks to 4 months in advance. Crested Butte has a short busy season from June through September so to get your choice of dates schedule as soon as possible.

What images that stand out for your senior photos? Check out Third Eye Photography and book to show off who you are!