All the tips in this article come from my personal photographer’s experience. I’ve been doing flying dress photoshoots since 2019, and I’ve seen a lot, learned a lot, and now I want to share with you all the tips & tricks that make this photoshoot go smoothly and become an enjoyable experience!
Without much wordy distraction, let’s go straight into the tips.
How to prepare for a flying dress photoshoot
- Seamless and strapless bra will be a huge advantage. I can edit many things in Photoshop, but it has its limits. Plus, extra editing comes with an additional price. So please invest a little extra $$ in seamless & strapless lingerie. It will make the whole experience easier and elevate the final result.
- Bring some tissue paper or napkins. You’ll need them to remove extra shine from your skin, especially if you’re doing a flying dress photoshoot in Atlanta during the summer months or a tropical destination with high humidity.
Shoes. “Should I bring heels?” – that’s probably one of the top questions I get from clients. It’s a very personal decision that depends on your comfort level with wearing heels.
If heels are uncomfortable for you, no worries, just wear some beautiful flats. Another option is to bring both: wear flats while walking or changing locations, and switch into heels only during the actual flying dress photoshoot.
Here’s the most important thing: flying dress photoshoots (like most photoshoots) are naturally a bit uncomfortable for non-professional models. There will be moments when you’ll feel self-conscious at the beginning of the session. That’s why it’s so important to maximize comfort wherever you can.
If heels make you feel very uncomfotable – don’t wear them! They won’t make the photos better, they’ll only distract you from enjoying the experience and affect your mood negatively. Remember, this flying dress photoshoot is about celebrating and empowering you. If heels don’t make you feel beautiful and comfortable, skip them. What works for one person doesn’t have to work for everyone. Do what makes you feel amazing!
- Bring at least the main items from your makeup collection. Powder and lipstick are a must for quick touch-ups. If you’re planning on wearing false eyelashes, don’t forget the glue! I’ve seen many times how lashes start to lift during the shoot and trust me, that’s not the look you want in photos. Having glue on hand lets us fix it right away. Also, pack some hairspray to control flyaways if needed.
- Handheld USB fan. You’ll love having one during your flying dress photoshoot! Between posing or while taking a break, sipping water, this little fan blowing on your face is priceless. I’ve seen true magic happen when a client used it on a super warm day, it instantly refreshed her. Check this handheld USB fan here.
- Get a good night’s sleep before the photoshoot. Easier said than done, I know! Life gets hectic, and with a million things on your to-do list, sleep is often the first thing sacrificed. But try to make an exception this time. Flying dress photoshoots are usually booked for something special—an anniversary, a birthday “Flying Dress Photoshoot a 40th Birthday Gift Ideas for Women”, or during a vacation “Flying dress photoshoot at the beach in Cancun”. Treat it as the celebration it is and give yourself 7–8 hours of rest the night before. You’ll thank yourself later!
- Posing. Don’t stress, I’ll guide you every step of the way. I’ll show you how to position your hands, how to look at the camera, where to turn your head, and how to hold your posture. But if you’d like some extra encouragement beforehand, I’ve created a posing guide just for you. Download it here.
- Bring a friend. Emotional support can be wonderful during a shoot! If you’d like to bring a friend or relative for encouragement, you’re welcome to. Just make sure they don’t interfere with the flying dress photoshoot process. Please note that while I allow one friend to accompany you, I no longer take group photos. I tried it in the past, but I realized I couldn’t dedicate the same energy and attention to creating a beautiful experience for one person when working with multiple people. Individual sessions allow me to focus completely on you and help you shine.
- Patience. Posing in a flying dress photoshoot takes time. The gowns are gorgeous, but the long trains need adjusting to create that famous flying effect. Sometimes you’ll need to hold a pose for a couple of minutes while we get the dress just right. Embrace it, feel the power of the fabric, the liberating energy it shares with you. Use that moment to think about your proudest achievements, your victories, and everything you’ve overcome. This is your time to shine!
Above all – have FUN!
Enjoy every minute of this empowering, colorful experience. I encourage you to watch one of my videos where I share a very important positive-thinking tip: it’s often not about your physical look, but about how you feel. And when you feel amazing, that’s what will shine through in your final photos.
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All images in this article were taken by Elena Sullivan, ArsVie Photo Studio and are protected by copyright. If you are interested in using any of the them, please contact me for permission. Thank you for understanding!
