A Flying Dress Photoshoot in Santorini is more than a photography session, it’s a dreamlike experience that blends fashion, elegance, and the breathtaking landscapes of Greece’s most iconic island. With its whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and endless views of the Aegean Sea, Santorini is the perfect setting to let your inner goddess shine.
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, treating yourself to a unique travel memory, or looking for stunning content, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan your perfect flying dress photoshoot.
What Is a Flying Dress Photoshoot?
A Flying Dress Photoshoot features a custom-designed gown with an extended, flowing train made from lightweight fabric, like chiffon or silk. When caught by the breeze or tossed by an assistant, the dress billows in the air, creating a dramatic and ethereal effect that’s both cinematic and empowering.
This type of photoshoot has become incredibly popular in Santorini, offering a chance to blend high fashion with the island’s surreal beauty. The result? Unforgettable images that look like they’ve been taken straight from a magazine editorial.
Flying dress sessions are popular for:
- Solo travelers celebrating themselves
- Birthday or anniversary gifts
- Maternity sessions
- Engagement and couple shoots
- Travel bloggers and fashion influencers
With the help of experienced photographers in flying dress photoshoots, like Chris Giantsis , your shoot becomes a smooth and enjoyable experience, one that captures not only beauty, but confidence and joy.
Dress Rental or Bring Your Own?
When it comes to the flying dress itself, most people opt to rent a professional flying dress designed specifically for these types of shoots. Here’s why:
Renting a Flying Dress
- Convenience: Dresses are ready for you on location, eliminating the hassle of packing and transporting bulky items.
- Design: These dresses are tailored to flow beautifully in the wind and come in a wide range of colors and sizes.
- Assistance Included: When you book through a professional service like Chris Giantsis Photography, an assistant helps manage the dress during the shoot, ensuring the best tosses and positioning.
- No Styling Worries: Rental dresses are camera-ready, and chosen to complement Santorini’s dramatic backdrop.
Bringing Your Own Dress
If you prefer to bring your own dress, make sure it’s made from light, flowing material. Avoid anything stiff or structured. Bright, solid colors work best, think red, royal blue, emerald green, or mustard yellow against the white buildings and deep blue sea.
Location & Time Suggestions
Choosing the right location and time is key to a successful flying dress photoshoot. Santorini is full of visually stunning spots, and each one offers a different kind of magic. Here are some top recommendations:
1. Imerovigli
Known as “The Balcony to the Aegean,” Imerovigli offers dramatic caldera views, white houses, blue domes, bougainvillea flowers, sea views with the volcano at the backdrop and a quieter atmosphere than Oia. The narrow pathways and views of Skaros Rock create a powerful and romantic backdrop. It’s ideal for golden hour or morning shots.
Changing Facilities for Your Photoshoot
To ensure your flying dress photoshoot experience is smooth and comfortable, we provide a convenient changing option at our main location. In Imerovigli, we offer access to a dedicated studio-changing room, located just a short walk from the most popular photo spots—perfect for getting ready in a relaxed and private environment.
2. Oia
Oia is the most famous village in Santorini, featuring iconic white houses, blue domes, and beautiful sea views. While stunning, it can be crowded—early morning (8:00 – 10:00 AM) is the best time to shoot here for softer light and fewer tourists. In Oia village, we provide a pop-up tent to change in a public area near to the shoot area.
3. Vlychada Beach
This beach looks like a lunar landscape, with volcanic cliffs and black sand offering a surreal and dramatic contrast to a brightly colored dress. Sunset is especially magical here, as the soft orange light reflects beautifully off the cliffs.
4. Prophet Elias Chapel, Imerovigli
A peaceful spot with a small blue-domed chapel and panoramic views over the caldera. The chapel and its surroundings offer a quiet, intimate setting perfect for sunset photos.
Best Time of Day for a Photoshoot:
- Morning (8:00 – 10:00 AM): Soft lighting, cool temperatures, and fewer crowds.
- Evening or Golden Hour (6:00 – 8:00 PM): Warm tones and romantic glow, ideal for beach or chapel locations.
What to Expect on Flying Dress Photoshoot Day
On the day of your flying dress photoshoot, everything is designed to be as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. Here’s how it typically unfolds:
- Meet Your Photographer and Assistant Arrive at the scheduled location and meet the photographer and assistant, who will show the way to our studio and will help you to wear the flying dress you have chosen.
- Changing and Preparation You’ll change into your dress on-site, either in our changing room-studio or portable changing tent. Final touches to hair and makeup can be done before the shoot begins.
- Start the Shoot The photographer will guide you through natural and elegant poses while the assistant helps position and toss the dress for maximum effect.
- Session Duration A typical flying dress photoshoot lasts 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the chosen package. This allows for multiple dress tosses, poses, and angles.
- After the Shoot You’ll receive a gallery of high-resolution, edited images. At Chris Giantsis Photography, a preview is typically sent within 5 days, and final edits within 14 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the dress heavy?
Not at all. Flying dresses are designed from lightweight fabrics like chiffon, so they move easily in the breeze and are comfortable to wear.
Do I need help holding or tossing the dress?
No need to worry—an assistant is always there during the shoot to handle the dress. They make sure it flies beautifully in the air and help with repositioning throughout the session.
Can I wear heels or go barefoot?
You can do either. Some clients choose heels for elegance, especially in village settings, while others prefer to go barefoot on beaches or rocky terrain for a more natural look.
How should I prepare for hair and makeup?
We recommend booking a professional makeup artist to ensure you look polished and photo-ready. Santorini’s light is strong and can be unflattering without the right touch. Some packages also offer makeup and hair styling upon request.
How many edited photos will I receive?
This depends on the package, but typically you’ll receive 10–30 professionally edited images, plus an optional short slow motion video perfect for social media.
Can I do the shoot with a friend or partner?
Absolutely! Many sessions are designed for 2 or more people, and dresses can be matched or coordinated. Couple shoots are especially stunning in Santorini’s romantic light.
What if it’s windy or cloudy?
Some wind is actually ideal for flying dresses! It helps the fabric move beautifully. Cloudy days can create softer light, which is flattering for skin tones. Shoots rarely need to be canceled unless there’s heavy rain.
Final Tips for a Perfect Flying Dress Shoot
- Book early: Peak season (May–October) fills up fast.
- Wear nude or skin-tone undergarments: Some dresses are sheer or open-back.
- Hydrate and bring sunscreen: Especially for morning or midday shoots.
- Choose colors that pop: Red, blue, yellow, pink and green contrast beautifully with Santorini’s landscape.
- Embrace the experience: Laugh, twirl, and enjoy the moment—the more fun you have, the more magical your photos will be.
A Flying Dress Photoshoot in Santorini is a celebration of beauty, freedom, and adventure. With the right preparation and a creative team like Chris Giantsis Photography, you’ll not only capture stunning images but also unforgettable memories.
Ready to let the dress fly? Explore packages and book your dream session at ChrisGiantsis.com.
