Crested Butte offers majestic scenic backdrops for high school senior photos. Many locations include wildflower fields aspen forest and river and lake access with Mountain views.

• June is best for nice 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 mountains or trails are best for senior photos?

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

• the Wood Walk with its meadows and aspen forest and view of Mt. Crested Butte
• the Lower Loop with it’s easy access path, meadows, and river
• the CB Campground with a sweeping wildflower meadow and 360° mountain views

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 Mountaineer Square Lodge- big windows, soft couches
• the Crested Butte Heritage Museum- unique local flare
• the Secret Stash- funky pizza joint with big windows

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

Is urban or town backdrops best for senior photos?

Crested Butte has a charming downtown with historic mining cabins and alleyways. High school senior photos are often taken on Elk Avenue with its colorful buildings the alleyways with the historic mining cabins or Totem Pole Park with its cute bridge and access to Coal Creek River.

Where can you find dramatic lighting for mountain senior photos?

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 are the CB Campground the top of Prospect Road and Gunsight Bridge.

Are there spots safe for climbing or adventure senior photos?

Crested Butte is a perfect location for adventurous photos. Taylor Canyon is a very popular location for rock climbers. The Upper Loop has several bouldering locations and a beautiful aspen forest to hike through- perfect for climbing photos. There are many hiking trails with aspen and pine forests and spectacular views. The Green Lakes Trail is a long and strenuous hike to a beautiful green lake and peaks of several mountains. Paddle boarding and kayaking are popular at Irwin Lake or down the Slate River.

Do sunsets or sunrises work better in summer vs fall?

Photos are beautiful at any time of the year in Crested Butte. In the summer sunrise is at 5 AM and sunset is at 7 PM. In the fall sunrise can be as late as 6 AM and sunset is at 6 PM. In the winter sunrise is between 630 and 7:30 AM and sunset is between three and 4:30 PM. Depending on how early you are willing to wake up and get to your location the summer fall or winter will offer different time frames and be best at different locations.

Seasonal senior photo ideas in Crested Butte: summer, fall, winter

Crested Butte is a magical place for photographs. It’s orange aspen trees in September and expensive wildflower fields in the summer make for perfect backdrops for any senior photo session. The snow covered ground and majestic mountains make for beautiful winter senior photo sessions. Some seasonal photo ideas include:

• wildflower fields in June the sunflower fields in July
• Emerald lake in August
• Kebler pass aspen grove in September
• top of red lady lift in February

What flowers bloom in summer for senior photos?

The best and most accessible flower field are the CB campground, the sunflower fields on Washington Gulch and the fireweed flowers alongside Slate River Road.

• Mid June: the lupine fields
• mid July: the sunflower fields
• mid August: the fireweed flower

Which trails show the best fall colors?

Kepler pass is the most popular aspen grove for fall foliage. The Woods Walk is an easily accessible trail through an aspen grove with a great view of Mt. Crested Butte. The Lower Loop trail is a double wide along the slate river with fantastic views of Mt. Crested Butte and Paradise Divide mountains.

Which trails have scenic overlooks for photos?

Many trails in Crested Butte are scenic with views of the surrounding mountains. The Woods Walk trail has a popular meadow with a scenic view of Mt. Crested Butte. The Lower Loop has several scenic locations to view Mt. Crested Butte and Paradise Divide. CB campground is a very popular scenic location with lupine or sunflower field and 360° views of the mountains. The caves trail has a great scenic overlook of Crested Butte South.

How to capture snow and winter light effectively?

Winter is a magical time to take photos in Crested Butte. Although access is much more limited in the winter, there are several spots that provide beautiful backdrop and easy access.

• Take a lift ride and get endless mountain views.
• Downtown with its colorful buildings against the white snow can be the perfect backdrop for seniors.

It is best to hire a local photographer who knows the area and the light in the winter.

Are there seasonal events to include in portraits?

Crested Butte is known for its costume events throughout the year. Locals dress up for the last day of the ski season in April, for the Vinotak celebration in September, for Mardi Gras in March, for Fourth of July parade and for Flaushank in April. These colorful and festive events can make for unique backdrops.

What should I wear for senior photos in Crested Butte?

Crested Butte town stands at 8887 feet above sea level. This creates some extreme weather conditions and unusual weather patterns. The mornings are often cool throughout the summer and once the sun sets behind the mountain ridge, cool temps will settle in. It is best to be prepared with appropriate footwear and layers.

What colors work best for mountain backdrops?

Neutral earthy colors, denim, reds, purples, and blues are the best options for mountain backdrops. Stay away from neon colors, logos and many patterns.

What shoes are best for uneven terrain?

Shoes with good support and a small heel lift are best for uneven terrain. Bring along fancier shoes and change at your photo session location. Sneakers, boots, or well fitting stray sandals are best.

How to prepare for a senior session in the 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 to 5 outfits. Footwear that is comfortable and easy to navigate rocky terrain is important.

Should seniors bring props or sports equipment?

It is always fun to showcase a high school seniors hobbies and activities in their photos. This could include:

• balls and sticks
• instruments
• art supplies
• team jackets
• sporting footwear

How to style hair and makeup for outdoor shoots?

Outdoor photo shoots in Crested Butte 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.

Senior pictures in Crested Butte are a great way to memorialize your senior in their special time of their lives. This blog is part of my Senior Guide for more questions answered! Visit Tips for Sensational Senior Photos for more info on great senior sessions!