Top 10 mistakes during a Flying Dress Photoshoot in Santorini

Santorini flying dress photoshoot – a dream for many girls. White or bright flowing dresses against blue domes, the volcano, and the sunset. But to get the results you want, you need to avoid typical traps. We have done over 3000 shoots and put together the top 10 mistakes.

1. ❌ Choosing the wrong time and place

Many think that just coming to Oia at any time will give you a masterpiece. Not true.

The mistake: Shooting in the center of Oia at 12:00 PM. Harsh shadows, crowds, and long queues for “that” view.

What to do instead:

• Fira – perfect for cruise ship visitors or those staying in Fira who don’t want to waste time moving around the island. Ideal light here is from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

• Imerovigli – best shooting time from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

• Oia – optimal time slots: 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM.

Tip: Don’t hesitate to ask your photographer or manager when planning your photoshoot – we will advise you on the exact light windows for each location.

2. ❌ Saving money on dress quality

The quality of your photos depends not only on the photographer but also on the quality of the dress fabric. Cheap polyester dresses:

• Do not hold volume (the train lies flat like a rag).

• Crease easily in the wind.

• Create glare and wrinkles on camera.

Solution: Choose a company that provides high‑quality fabrics, not one that cuts costs to offer a cheap service. The right dresses are shot with an assistant who arranges the fabric in the frame. In our service, we use only certified flying dresses with the “wing” effect.

3.❌ Choosing a “cheap” photographer in high season

This is one of the biggest mistakes when choosing a Flying Dress Photoshoot in Santorini. Budget offers for €200–250 for 1 hours sound tempting. But ask yourself:

• Does he work legally? 

• Does the photographer provide a contract that guarantees you will receive your photos after payment for the photoshoot?

• Is there a comfortable place for clients to change clothes, and a professionally trained assistant?

• Does he know how to handle shooting restrictions in Oia? (some locations require permits)

Result of the budget option: You will get 200 similar overexposed shots, half of them with the dress covering your face. Then you will spend another €300 to find a retoucher.

For more details on why it’s better to avoid the cheapest photographer, check out this article.

4. ❌ Not working with the wind

Santorini is an island of winds. If you ignore the wind direction, you will fight against the fabric instead of creating a masterpiece.

The mistake: Choosing a posed shot where the dress is strictly behind you, but the wind is blowing in your face.

Solution: A professional assistant always knows which side to stand on so that the dress “flies” perfectly in the frame. We will help you with posing – the wind will work for you!

5. ❌ Choosing a company without an experienced female assistant

This is one of the main problems with DIY or cheap shoots. Without a properly trained assistant, the flying dress can only reach 30% of its full potential.

Remember: One person in the frame, another behind the camera holding and tossing the skirt. Our Santorini flying dress photoshoot package always includes a personal assistant.

6. ❌ Bad preparation for a sunset shoot

A Santorini sunset lasts 25–35 minutes. There is no room for error.

Important: For sunset shoots, you should start shooting 1.5 hours before sunset – then the photos will be simply perfect.

Typical mistakes:

• Arriving late for the golden hour.

• Changing 3–4 locations during sunset – you will only have time to run.

Rule: Arrive early. All angles and poses should be rehearsed during the day on regular photos.

7. ❌ Not thinking about shoes and underwear

The island is cobblestones, pumice, stairs, and thresholds.

What we advise:

• If you want a photoshoot in high heels – bring them separately, and walk between locations in comfortable shoes (sneakers, flat sandals).

• If possible, wear seamless nude underwear – it won’t show through even in the wind.

  
  

8. ❌ Too much photo editing

In the pursuit of a “wow” effect, you can overdo the editing, and the photo will no longer look natural. Santorini is beautiful on its own. Overdone HDR, unnatural skin color, and cranked‑up contrast instantly scream cheap staging.

Our approach: Color correction in natural tones and magazine style, light dodge & burn, we only remove temporary imperfections (bruises, acne, trash on the ground). We always listen to your wishes and make corrections where needed.

9. ❌ Ignoring hair and makeup preparation

Many think: “Sea, wind, a messy look – that’s fine.” Wrong. Because of the wind, your hair can quickly get ruined, and because of the sun, your makeup may run.

What to do:

• Do your hair with strong hold (hairspray or wax).

• Try to use waterproof makeup.

• Bring a hair net and a fixing spray – the assistant will help fix your hair between shots.

Our advice: book makeup and hair styling with our partner makeup artist right before the shoot – you will look flawless.

10. ❌ Being nervous during the shoot

Nervousness in front of the camera is completely normal, especially when you are in a flying dress against the legendary Santorini sunset. But too much stress can ruin even the best‑planned shoot: stiff smile, tense shoulders, unnatural poses.

What we do to help you relax:

• Our photographer shows you all the moves and angles beforehand – you don’t have to invent anything.

• The assistant encourages you and tells you how to stand, where to look, how to breathe.

• We start with simple, static shots – after 10 minutes you will forget about the camera and just enjoy the moment.

Remember: You don’t have to be a professional model. We will help you with every pose – you will definitely be happy with your shoot. Your only job is to enjoy yourself and trust the team.

✅ Checklist for your perfect Flying Dress shoot in Santorini

✔ The right time chosen for your location

✔ Dress made of professional fabric (no budget cut)

✔ Strong hair and makeup done

✔ Wind is used to your advantage

✔ An experienced female assistant is present

✔ Sunset shoot starts 1.5 hours before sunset

✔ Comfortable walking shoes + separate heels for the shots

✔ Natural, magazine‑style retouching

✔ You trust the team and don’t get nervous

Ready for photos that will stop the scroll?

At Santorini Flying Dress Photoshoots, we take care of everything:

• 🎯 Personal location scouting according to your skin tone and time of day

• 👗 30+ premium flying dresses (all sizes up to 6XL)

• 💨 Professional female assistant with 5+ years of experience

• 📸 Photographer featured in Travel + Leisure and Brides

• 💄 Optional hair & makeup artist

We’d love to create magic with you!

📩 Just send us a message or click “Book Now”– tell us your preferred date and dress color, and we’ll reply with all the options.

Your flying dress is already waiting for the wind of the Aegean Sea!