I think it’s time to clear the fog and talk honestly about the role of a flying dress assistant.

Throughout my career as a flying dress photographer, I’ve worked with many different assistants and met plenty of photographers who choose to work without one, usually to keep costs low.

But here’s the truth: a flying dress assistant is an absolute necessity and should never be skipped.

What Does a Flying Dress Assistant Actually Do?

One of the harmless myths about Santorini flying dress photoshoots is that the dress flies naturally on its own.
Well, things are a bit different in reality.

That magical movement of the fabric happens thanks to the assistant’s skill, the perfect timing of tossing the dress into the air, creating that dramatic, flowing effect you see in photos.

But the assistant does much more than that. They’re not just the person who throws the dress — they’re your support, guide, and friend throughout the photoshoot.

They are usually the first person you meet before the shoot begins, and their role starts with helping you feel comfortable and confident.
Not only that, but they assist you in putting on the dress, make sure it fits perfectly, adjust it between shots, fix your accessories, and ensure your hair stays beautiful even when the wind picks up.

A good assistant gives you a sense of security and helps you relax, something that always shows in the final photos.
They’re also an extra pair of eyes, noticing small details I might miss while focusing on composition or lighting, like a twisted strap, uneven fabric, or a small shadow.

Should a Dress Assistant Be Experienced, or Can Anyone Do It?

A flying dress assistant should be well-trained and experienced to deliver the best results.
It may sound easy, but in practice, throwing a dress beautifully into the air and timing it perfectly for the camera takes skill.

A good assistant also needs to:

• Speak clear English and know how to behave professionally during the shoot.
• Understand light and angles, helping anticipate how each pose will look on camera.
• Maintain patience and focus even during long sessions or windy conditions.

All these skills come only with experience. That’s why I prefer to work with a few trusted, professional assistants, even if it costs more than hiring someone new or untrained.

Who Is Better, Male or Female Assistants?

Over the years, I’ve worked with both male and female assistants.
Both can do a great job, but personally, I’ve found that female assistants are often the best choice for flying dress photoshoots.

While male assistants can be strong and helpful in carrying equipment or moving quickly when needed, female assistants usually make clients, especially women, feel more comfortable and relaxed.

There’s often a natural connection that helps create a more enjoyable experience.
A female assistant can understand small, personal requests quietly and intuitively, helping the client feel confident and beautiful throughout the shoot.

Epilogue

I hope this post helped you understand how important a flying dress assistant is during a photoshoot.

When you’re looking for a photographer, I strongly recommend asking about the assistant’s experience as well.
Personally, I would never suggest booking a photographer without an assistant, even if the price looks tempting.

The assistant isn’t just an extra cost, they’re a key part of creating that magical flying dress moment and making sure you enjoy every second of your experience.

The post Flying Dress Assistant: Essential Help or Unnecessary Cost Riser? appeared first on Yannis Vysotsky.

Capturing the perfect shot is a team effort. Many clients ask me, “Yannis, what can I do to get the best results?” In this post, I’m sharing 7 of my top photoshoot tips, drawn from 15 years of experience, to help you get stunning photos and enjoy a smooth, stress-free experience.

Tip 1. Comfortable Footwear:

You’ve probably noticed that in my flying dress photos, everyone is barefoot. This is intentional posing on tiptoes creates elegance in the shots. In some locations, like beautiful white rooftops, we want to capture the best angles without causing any damage or leaving marks.

I recommend bringing easy-to-remove shoes, like flip-flops or flats. If you have beautiful heels you’d like to wear, you can bring them along for a few special shots. For partners, regular shoes work perfectly — just make sure they match the outfit style for a polished look in photos.

Tip 2. Bring a Towel:

Greek summers are famous for their heat, especially in July and August, when temperatures can rise early in the day. During the shoot, we may take short breaks to make sure you look your best and manage any sweat. While we always carry paper towels, they’re not ideal, tiny fibers can stick to the skin.

It’s a good idea to bring a few small, soft towels with you so you can easily handle any sweat and stay comfortable throughout the shoot.

 Tip 3. Travel Light:

During a single photoshoot, we’re constantly on the move. I prefer to shoot a little at many different locations to give you a variety of views, poses, and angles within a limited time.

For this reason, I recommend coming light with only the essentials. Carrying too many items can slow us down and reduce the time we have for capturing beautiful shots.

Tip 4. Watch those tine lines:

Strong tan lines are one of the most common challenges during photoshoots. Many of the dresses in our flying dresses catalog feature bareback & halter designs, leaving your back and arms exposed. Prominent tan lines, especially from sportswear, can make editing more time-consuming and challenging.

To avoid this, I recommend gradually exposing your back to the sun in the weeks leading up to the shoot. Also, be mindful of smartwatch or bracelet tan lines, it’s best to remove them during the shoot to ensure clean, flawless photos.

Tip 5. Rest Well

Being ready and comfortable in front of the camera is key to a successful photoshoot. Make sure to get a good night’s rest before your session, and try to avoid consuming large amounts of alcohol the night before. This will help you feel energized, relaxed, and confident during the shoot.

Tip 6. Bring a Spare Shirt

As mentioned earlier, summers here can get quite hot. For men joining the photoshoot, I recommend bringing a spare shirt to change into midway. This helps you stay comfortable and look fresh throughout the session.

Tip 7. Be on Time

Arriving on time ensures a smooth start and allows for a relaxed, unrushed photoshoot. I recommend planning to arrive about 10 minutes early.

If you’re renting a car, give yourself an extra 20 minutes to find parking, as delays are common. And if for any reason you realize you’ll be late, letting us know at least 15 minutes in advance helps us adjust the schedule and keep everything running smoothly.

Final Thoughts

A great photoshoot is all about preparation, comfort, and teamwork. By following these simple tips from bringing the right footwear and a small towel, to resting well and arriving on time, you’ll set yourself up for stunning photos and a smooth experience. And before we say goodbye, I want to thank you for reading this post till the end. If you would like to have more details on how the photoshoot process works from start till the final photos are delivered, feel free to check your what to expect page.

The post 7 Photoshoot Tips to Make Your Experience Stress-Free and Fun appeared first on Yannis Vysotsky.