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.