The most photographed image of Mykonos is a figure in a long, flowing dress against a white wall, blue door or sea view, with the fabric streaming out in the wind. A flying dress photoshoot lets you create that image yourself. A photographer meets you at a location in Chora or on the island, supplies or advises on the dress, and guides you through poses that make the fabric catch the wind. The result is a set of professional images that look like fashion photography, taken in front of some of the prettiest backdrops in the Aegean. You do not need to be a model. The photographer gives directions, and the wind, which is a constant on Mykonos, does most of the work. The session is popular with couples on a honeymoon, groups of friends, solo travellers and families who want something better than a phone selfie. Locations typically include the narrow lanes of Chora, the windmills, Little Venice or a quiet chapel, and the best sessions begin early in the morning or in the golden hour before sunset, when the light is soft and the lanes are quiet. After the shoot, the photographs are edited and delivered digitally, and many people use them for years as holiday memories, wedding invitations or social media posts.
How it works
You book a date and a time, meet the photographer at the agreed spot and begin the session, which lasts a set amount of time and includes a number of edited photographs. The dress and, in some cases, a second outfit are supplied or arranged, and the photographer guides your poses and locations. Check the length of the shoot, the number of photographs, the delivery time, the dress options, the meeting point and the cancellation terms on your ticket, as these differ between photographers.
Season and weather
The shoot runs in the warm season, roughly April to October, and the best light is in the early morning and the last hour before sunset. In July and August, the lanes of Chora are crowded by mid-morning, so an early start gives you empty backdrops. Wind is a help for a flying dress, but a very strong north wind can make the fabric hard to control, and the photographer may move the session to a more sheltered spot or change the time. If the weather is poor, ask about rescheduling.
Making the most of it
Choose your hair and make-up for wind and heat, wear comfortable shoes for walking the lanes between locations, and bring a swimsuit or neutral underlayer to wear beneath the dress. Tell the photographer what style you like, such as romantic, playful or editorial, and share any ideas from social media.
Give yourself time for the session, as a rushed shoot shows in the pictures. Coordinate your outfit with the colour of the dress, and ask about extra options such as a second location or a video clip. Book early for July, August and September, when photographers fill up.
Good to know
Respect other visitors and residents in the lanes, because Chora is a living town, and avoid blocking doors and steps. The photographer will choose spots and times that work, and many keep a back-up location in case a favourite corner is busy, so be flexible and enjoy the process rather than chasing one particular frame.
What to expect
The experience
A guided photoshoot with a professional photographer in a flying dress at scenic locations in Mykonos.
Best time
Early morning or the golden hour before sunset, from May to October.
How long
About one to two hours.
Tips
Start early to avoid crowds, wear comfortable shoes, choose hair and make-up for wind and tell the photographer your preferred style.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples, friends and solo travellers who want professional photographs of their Mykonos trip.
- Families
- Possible for teenagers and families who want a group image, but check the photographer’s policy on children.
- Couples
- A popular choice for honeymoons, anniversaries and proposals, with a quiet start for the best light.
- Pair with
- A sunset at Little Venice and a long dinner in Chora.
- Time needed
- An hour or two.
Good questions
Do I need modelling experience?+
No. The photographer directs the poses and the wind does most of the work with the dress.
Is the dress provided?+
The shoot is sold with a flying dress. Check the colour options and whether a second outfit is available.
How many photographs will I get?+
This depends on the package. Check the number of edited images and the delivery time when you book.
When is the best time of day?+
Early morning and the golden hour before sunset have the softest light and fewer crowds.
What happens if the weather is bad?+
The photographer may change the time or location or reschedule the shoot. Ask about the policy when you book.
