The folks at Philbrick Photography promise “Distinctive, Dramatic, Perfect.” And they ain’t playin’. They go to extra lengths — and heights — to do memorable photos that are one of a kind treasures.
Owned by Jay and Vicki Philbrick of North Conway, New Hampshire, Philbrick’s specializes in portraits of brides and models 350 feet above the floor of Mount Washington Valley. See below.
Jay Philbrick isn’t some yahoo out taking crazy photos. Before he started his business, he was a full time climbing guide and for 14 years, was a U.S. Air Force pilot. So climbing mountains and cliffs to take photos of ladies in pretty dresses is an easy day for him.
From Huffington Post:
“Let’s just say I have a healthy respect for heights,” the photographer told The Huffington Post. “I don’t run around a cliff without a fear in the world and I still get little butterflies for sure.”
“In my photography I had always been attracted to the contrast of a beautiful subject in a stark or unlikely location,” Philbrick said. “And the cliff ledges I had in mind [from guiding] seemed perfect for this.”
Philbrick’s first daring couple was actually a couple with climbing experience, but no customers since then have been climbers. However, he maintains that the shoots are completely safe.
“In fact, we are all probably at greater risk driving to and from the session than we are when cliffside,” he said. “The only issue we have really had has been with the weather, and unfortunately, we don’t have much control over that.”
Honestly, if someone is going to do something like this, it seems that he’s definitely the guy to do it with.
Philbrick doesn’t go in blind — or alone. He works with Marc Chauvin, a certified mountain guide, and together, they get up at 3:30 a.m. on the day of a shoot to “build anchors and raising and lowering systems we’ll need for the couple, myself and Marc.”
Photoshop is rarely used.
“There is no Photoshop whenever possible,” Philbrick adds. “Sometimes something sticks out a little due to an oversight and I remove it in post, but I try really hard to just have all the safety gear hidden.”
This is so crazy cool. Honestly, when I was a young woman and wildly adventurous, I’d have gone for it! Now? Not so much! But dang, these images are breathtaking, aren’t they? Enjoy them below and see more at Philbrick’s website.
Here are some photos of the photographer showing how it’s all done.
