How to Capture Beautiful Portraits in Mykonos

This summer, my boyfriend, Sam and I had the pleasure of spending a brief holiday in Mykonos, a paradise known for its stunning blue skies and beautiful light. Of course, I couldn’t resist taking my capture, especially with such a patient and photogenic subject by my side. Yes, I am bias! So, if you're also in Mykonos and want to take some memorable photos of your better half, here are my 5 top tips.

1. Get Up Early to Avoid the Crowds

Start your day early to enjoy the beauty of Mykonos without the crowds. Mykonos is a bustling island, especially in the popular areas like the Old Port town. To capture the charm of its narrow streets and picturesque buildings without the interference of tourists, set your alarm for the early morning. If you're especially early you'll get the soft, morning light which will also enhance the natural beauty of your photos, making it the perfect time for a photoshoot. That said, we don't like getting up early so we missed that soft light and got there for about 7.30 am which gave us just enough time before the crowds started to show up. We didn't have the town to ourselves though and still had to dodge people. Luckily there are endless cute little alleyways and corners to give lovely backdrops.

2. Avoid Clichés for Unique Shots

For me, the challenge of shooting in well known spots is to avoid clichés. And that's tricky. In Mykonos we want to capture iconic landmarks like the windmills and blue-and-white architecture but in unexpected ways.

While Mykonos is famous for its windmills and stunning blue-and-white buildings, strive to photograph these landmarks from unique angles. Look for unusual perspectives or compositions that can give a fresh twist to these well-known sights. This approach will make your portraits stand out and provide a new take on classic Mykonos imagery.

3. Use Shade as Well as Light

Incorporate shadows into your compositions for added depth and interest. Mykonos is renowned for its brilliant light, but don't overlook the creative potential of shadows. Where there is bright sunshine you'll also find shadows. Find pockets of shade and use them to create striking contrasts. Look for shadows on blank walls or use the interplay of light and shadow to frame your subject in an intriguing way. Experimenting with these elements can lead to abstract and visually compelling portraits.

4. Play with Scale and Composition

Place your subject in the frame in unconventional ways to create more engaging photos. Instead of making your subject the dominant focus of the image, try positioning them as a smaller element within a larger scene. This technique can make your portraits more interesting and visually appealing. Utilise the white walls, diagonal lines, blue skies, and other details to craft an abstract composition that still highlights your subject, but in a less conventional manner.

5. Make the Most of Golden Hour

Capture the magical light of golden hour for stunning, warm-toned portraits. We were fortunate to visit Scorpios, one of Mykonos’s famous beach clubs, where we discovered a secluded private beach perfect for an uninterrupted sunset shoot. Golden hour, the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset, provides a warm, soft light that enhances skin tones and adds a dreamy quality to photos. The long shadows and golden hues create a flattering, almost magical atmosphere, making it an ideal time for portrait photography. The serene environment and beautiful lighting at Scorpios allowed us to take some breathtaking shots as the sun set, casting a golden glow over everything, including Sam.

In summary

Enjoy the creative journey and let your passion for photography shine through. In other words, play! Photography is more than just capturing images; it's about expressing your creativity and passion. Even while on holiday, take the time to explore and experiment with your camera. Enjoy it!

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