Flying Dress Photoshoot Training Page
On-site Dress Stylist Training Guide
Thank you for agreeing to be a dress stylist for the flying dress photoshoots! I am so grateful and looking forward to working with you. This guide includes a training video and many tips and tricks to make each clients experience the best.
The biggest thing to remember is that this guide is more than just “how to tie fabric.” It’s really about shaping confidence, understanding body composition, and learning how to create intentional silhouettes with the dress.
Wrap Styles
The dresses consists of a waistband material, a long train, multiple slits and infinity straps that can be wrapped in multiple styles over the clients torso.
The clients will be able to choose from the styles listed, but we also encourage creativity with each wrap that will flatter each client.
Conveniences Provided
- Satin Nipple Pasties — as most dress styles are not accommodating to bras
- Pop-Up Changing Tent
- Safety Pins & Scissors
- Travel First Aid Kit
- Bug spray & lotion
Training Video:
Please watch the workshop video below, led by lead stylist D'An Johnson!
3 goals of every wrap:
Balance the body
Identify:
- Waist placement
- Bust support
- Hip balance
- Shoulder width
- Height proportions
- Where fabric naturally collapses or gathers
Every wrap is not for every body type, and that’s okay. The goal is enhancement and balance!
Create shape intentionally
- Compression is NOT shape
- Over-tightening fabric creates bulges, digging, rolls, and discomfort
- Controlled draping photographs better than squeezing the body
Direct the eye
- Walk around the client instead of styling only from the front.
Before every flying shot, check:
- Exposure risks
- Wind direction
- Fabric transparency
- Slit placement
- Undergarment visibility
Dress for every body type
Plus Size Clients
Trouble Spot Coverage Techniques:
Solutions instead of “hiding flaws.”
Examples:
- Diagonal wraps slim visually
- Layered draping softens lower stomach areas
- Wider straps help smooth back and underarm areas
- Soft draping over hip dips photographs beautifully
- Strategic ruching helps create balance
Done with the SAME dress!
Straight Size Clients
Try not to:
- Flatten the bust too much
- Leave wraps too loose
- Remove all shape from the silhouette
- Sometimes slimmer bodies actually need MORE intentional shaping.
Client Communication
Avoid language like:
“Hide this”
“Cover that”
“Fix your stomach”
Instead say:
“Let’s create balance.”
“This wrap elongates beautifully.”
“This photographs really well on your shape.”
“This creates beautiful movement.”
Confidence matters just as much as the styling itself.
Posing + Movement
The body must work WITH the dress.
Encourage clients to have:
- Elongated neck
- Relaxed shoulders
- Soft hands
- Pointed toes
- Controlled torso twists
- Proper weight distribution
Bad posture ruins beautiful fabric movement.
Luxury Experience
The Goal is to make each client feel absolutely beautiful in her skin
- The dress is constantly moving, so adjustments throughout the shoot are normal and necessary.
- Encourage and uplift the client throughout the shoot with affirming words.
The difference between a basic flying dress shoot and a luxury editorial experience is usually:
- Fit
- Drape
- Posture
- Attention to detail
- Confidence
More Wrap Inspiration!
FAQs
How do we know when we are needed?
Near the end of the month, I will send the group upcoming sessions booked for next month that need a stylist. Based on your availability, just let me know which dates you would like to assist.
Once I have confirmed you for a date, please put the session date, time and location in your calendar!
What should I wear?
Please come comfortable! We will be doing a lot of walking and moving with the dresses. Wear shoes that are comfortable to walk in for sure.
What is the training process?
Before you are officially on the team, you will tag along to at least 3 sessions as an assistant to one of my stylists who are already on the team.
Think of this as a live "training". You will assist in wrapping, flying the dresses, and be able to ask the stylist or myself any questions you may have.
I will have another conversation with you on how confident you are feeling. And if we believe you are ready, you will be officially on the team!
What is in it for me?
At this time, this is a volunteer work. As I build and grow, I will be compensating you all for your time monetarily.
However, in the meantime, every one who joins the team will have 30 minute flying dress photoshoots for as long as you are a part of the team free of charge!
You also will be able to give friends that you refer 10% off their total if they book with me.