Review for booking a flying dress shoot in Santorini. Here is what to expect and tips on how to prepare for the day.
What is a Flying Dress Shoot in Santorini?
On Instagram when scrolling through travel content, you may have caught images from photoshoots on Greek islands, with bright-coloured flying dresses. This is an honest review of my booking of a flying dress shoot in Santorini.
When I first came across these shoots, I assumed they are photos from influencers who were following a trend. However, when my husband planned my birthday getaway. He had booked me a birthday treat to have a shoot done on the island of Santorini. Complete with a bright yellow flying dress.
You can do this in couples, groups or solo. I wanted to include my husband in the pictures with me.
How Much Does it Cost?
There are a number of providers around the island who provide similar services. My husband used Viator to ensure he had a secure booking with a reputable supplier. In total, we payed around $500 (£350) for the whole experience which included:
- Private transportation
- 40 Digital edited photos
- Dress from our selection (XS-XXL)
- Personal assistant that will help making the dress fly
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
What to Expect on the Day
We were picked up at our villa after breakfast on the day of our shoot. Firstly, you are taken to the first location for the shoot. The dress picked was a yellow one before the day and asked to pop it on in the back of a van.
The van had blacked-out windows but it was really difficult to undress. It felt quite uncomfortable so it is best to wear perhaps leggings and a tee that can be quickly whipped off.
Your hair and makeup should be ready. Bring a little makeup bag and compact mirror if you want to powder your face, and put lip gloss/lipstick back on throughout the shoot.
Remember that the island is quite windy so your hair should be pinned if you fear it getting in your face. My hair was bob-style so it actually looked terrible for the shoot as it ended up looking quite frazzled in the wind.
You are often taken to 2/3 locations depending on how many tourists are packed into the island. We travelled off-peak so we got to visit three locations, including the iconic shot of the Blue Domes of Oia.
The shoot took a couple of hours. I imagine it takes a lot longer to get the shots during busier seasons. If you fear heights I recommend letting your photographer know beforehand. As many of the poses are stood on ledges looking over the clifftops. Some of the spots have severe drops so you can still injure yourself if you tumble.
There is quite a bit of walking involved, especially uphill when in Oia, so be ready to walk in a long dress and have appropriate footwear.
What Should I Wear Underneath Dress?
Lastly, I wish I had known prior how to dress for the day. I felt a little tubby on the day but only had regular underwear. If you feel self-conscious like me. Then I would recommend wearing some shape-wear. However only wear a thong or brief style otherwise any thigh shapers will show through the high slits of the dress.
If you are a busty lady, I recommend wearing a strapless bra to keep your boobs in place. However, if you are a smaller cup size and if you are comfortable. You can get away with not wearing a bra.
In terms of footwear, I recommend either doing the shoot barefoot or wearing nude-coloured shoes if you don’t want to be barefoot. The dress is the centrepiece so footwear is unnecessary.
What Should I Take With Me on a Flying Dress Shoot in Santorini?
Further recommendations after my unprepared experience:
- Blotting paper/powder
- Small makeup bag for any makeup that you sweat-off
- Flip-flops if planning to do a barefoot shoot
- Small compact mirror
- Compact hairbrush
- Phone for video shots
- Confidence!
