Today we’d like to introduce you to Stefan And Leticia Olson
Stefan and Leticia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My husband, Stefan Olson, and I, Leticia Olson, started Backcountry Portraits from a shared love of the outdoors, a deep appreciation for nontraditional wedding experiences, and a strong value for experiences over material things.
We’re both photographers and adventurers at heart—Stefan holds a major in commercial photography and a master’s in media and production. Early in our careers, we were drawn to weddings in spectacular locations, from national parks to remote spots with breathtaking views. We found that intimate, authentic ceremonies in these settings captured the true essence of a wedding day without the stress and complexities of a large, traditional celebration. Working together was something we both loved for its energy and creativity, so one day, we decided to make it our full-time focus.
Starting out was a mix of learning, experimenting, and, honestly, a bit of struggle. In an industry shaped by traditional wedding photography, we had to carve out a voice and a niche that spoke to couples looking for something different. When COVID hit, many people leaned toward this route, looking for a deeper connection to nature and a wedding experience that felt true to who they were as a couple. That’s where we came in, offering couples an adventurous, beautiful, and meaningful alternative to the norm.
Over the last few years, we’ve refined our craft, grown our brand, and connected with like-minded couples who value experiences over things. We now work with couples from all over the world, primarily in Utah and the western United States, but we are often traveling to Europe and South America, where I am from and we are looking to eventually expand our services internationally. Whether we’re hiking up a mountain, skiing down a slope, or finding a quiet, off-the-beaten-path location, each elopement we capture has its own unique magic. It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re grateful to have built something that combines our passions and allows us to connect deeply with the couples we serve.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest was simply stepping away from traditional wedding photography, which was more familiar and predictable in terms of demand. We knew there was an audience out there for what we wanted to do, but finding it and carving out a niche took time. It felt a bit like diving into the unknown, and there was always that question: “Will people actually get what we’re trying to do here?”
Another struggle has been the logistical side of elopement photography. When your “venue” is a mountainside or a hidden forest clearing, it comes with a lot of planning. We need to be mindful of permits (for national or state parks, or public land), weather, and accessibility, all while ensuring that the couple has a memorable, seamless experience. We’ve even had to navigate mountain storms, route changes, and unexpected closures, which require us to stay adaptable and creative under pressure.
And of course, there’s the balancing act of running a business and maintaining a personal life, especially as a husband-and-wife team. It can be tough to draw the line between work and downtime when the person you work with is also your partner. But each challenge has taught us something valuable, either about ourselves, our work, or the couples we serve.
As you know, we’re big fans of Backcountry Portratis. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are all about planning and capturing one-of-a-kind wedding experiences for couples who are looking for something intimate, adventurous, and connected to nature. We specialize in nature-inspired adventure weddings, think small ceremonies on mountain peaks, secluded forest clearings, or desert landscapes. Our work is deeply inspired by the wild beauty of these places and the freedom of celebrating love in such raw, beautiful surroundings.
One of the things that makes us unique is that we’re a husband-and-wife team, so we bring a very personal touch to our work. We know firsthand how powerful it is to share a meaningful experience together, and that perspective shapes how we approach every elopement we capture. Our clients feel that connection—they’re not just hiring a photographer, but also gaining a duo who genuinely cares about their story and experience.
We’re proud to have built a brand that emphasizes experience over formality. Our clients aren’t looking for a traditional, big wedding—they want an intimate day that feels true to who they are. We take that to heart, helping them plan every part of the experience, whether it’s picking out breathtaking locations, working with local vendors who share their values, or navigating the logistics so that they can focus on the moment.
For readers looking to break away from traditional wedding expectations and celebrate in a way that’s intimate, beautiful, and maybe a little adventurous, we’re here to help bring that vision to life. Whether it’s hiking, skiing, or just finding a quiet spot with an amazing view, we’re passionate about helping couples create memories that feel just as epic as the landscapes they love.
How do you define success?
For us, success is all about having the freedom to do what we love most—spending time outdoors, exploring new places, and capturing stories for couples who share that love of adventure. It’s not just about running a successful business; it’s about creating a lifestyle that lets us immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature, while also helping couples create meaningful memories in those spaces.
Ultimately, success for us is when our business allows us to live authentically, doing work we’re passionate about, while still having the time and energy to explore, grow, and be present for each other. It’s the freedom to shape our lives around what we love, both in work and outside of it.
Pricing:
- Elopement Photography Packages: Starting at $3,500 Includes 3 hours of photography coverage. Perfect for couples wanting a short hike or single-location shoot.
- Full-Day Adventure Packages: Starting at $5,200 6-8 hours of coverage for those wanting a full-day experience with multiple locations. Ideal for those looking to get away from the crowds, with options to hike, snowshoe, off-road, and create an unforgettable day from sunrise to sunset.
- Multi-Day Packages: Custom pricing available For couples seeking an extended adventure with multi-day coverage. Great for elopements in more remote destinations or those looking for an engagement session add-on.
- All packages include: A personalized planning experience to help couples choose the best locations, timeline, and vendors. Travel expenses within the primary states we serve (Utah, Montana, and Wyoming). A beautifully curated online gallery with high-resolution, downloadable images.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.backcountryphotographers.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountryportraits
- Other: https://pin.it/1E41OVZIm
