Your Santorini Photoshoot, Step by Step: What to Expect
From booking to your photos: what we send you, what happens on the day, how the dress flies, and how your photos arrive.
A session with a personal photographer is very different from a quick holiday snap. For half an hour to a few hours, someone's whole attention is on you: finding the light, choosing the angles and helping you feel at ease. If you have never done it before, here is what a flying dress photoshoot with us is like, from the moment you book to the day your photos arrive.
Before the day
When you book, you choose your package and your date, and secure the date with a 50% deposit. You can choose your dress at the same time or later, with our help, at least 3 days before your shoot; our guide to choosing your flying dress makes it easy. Tell us the occasion and the mood you want, and share a few photos you love: your answers shape the plan, the time of day and the spot.
One to two days before, we send you the exact meeting point on Google Maps. In Santorini we usually recommend Imerovigli, high on the caldera rim; the hour before sunset gives the warmest light, early morning the quietest paths. Our photoshoot checklist covers what to bring, from comfortable shoes to a hair clip.
On the day
Meeting. Your photographer meets you at the meeting point, with your dress. If you are late or lost, one message is enough; we are in touch by WhatsApp on the day.
Changing. You change into your flying dress at the start, which takes a few minutes, and you wear comfortable shoes between spots: most photos are taken barefoot or with your shoes out of frame.
The shoot. You don't need to know how to pose. Your photographer tells you where to stand, where to look and what to do with your hands, and shows you photos on the camera as you go so you can see what works. Keep the poses simple: the dress and the view are already dramatic. Our posing tips go into detail if you want to feel prepared.
The dress. Santorini's breeze does part of the work; the rest is timing. A personal assistant throws the train into the air at exactly the right moment, arranges it between shots and keeps your hair in place, so the dress flies higher and the session runs faster. The assistant is included in Marilyn, Happy Birthday, Mr. President, Diamonds, the Group and Cruise Day packages, and can be added to Jeane for €30.
Moving between spots. A one hour shoot usually covers several spots within walking distance: terraces, a blue domed church, a caldera path. Travel between villages takes time, so two villages in one shoot is only sometimes possible; ask us when you book.
After the shoot
All your photos arrive through Dropbox, color corrected and in full quality, within the time your package states, and they stay available there for 1 year.
You choose your favorites for retouching, within 6 months of your photoshoot. Light retouch cleans the background and smooths the dress; signature retouch adds detailed editing of skin, body, dress and background for magazine quality results. The number of each depends on your package, and the retouched photos follow within the time your package states, counted from the day you choose.
They are yours. Every package includes unlimited usage rights: share, print and publish them as you like.
If the weather changes
If it rains, we reschedule for later the same day or the next day when your plans allow it, and refund you if that isn't possible. If the wind is too strong for a spot, we change the village rather than cancel; a breeze, after all, is what makes the dress fly.
Is a personal photographer worth it?
If you want photos you will frame rather than scroll past, yes. You get the best light and spots, guidance that makes you look and feel natural, and the freedom to simply enjoy the moment. Not sure how to choose one? Read our guide on how to choose a photographer in Santorini, or compare our packages and prices.
Questions and answers
Do I need any experience in front of the camera?
No. Most of our clients have never had a professional photoshoot. Your photographer guides every pose, and the dress does a lot of the work.
Where do I change into the dress?
At the start of the shoot; it takes a few minutes. Wear comfortable shoes and the underwear each dress page recommends.
Who makes the dress fly?
The wind, your photographer's timing, and a personal assistant who throws the train at the right moment. The assistant is included in every package from Marilyn up and can be added to Jeane for €30.
How long after the shoot do I get my photos?
All photos arrive through Dropbox within the time your package states, then you choose your favorites and the retouched photos follow. The larger the package, the faster.
