Top Tips for Pulling Off a 1920s Themed Photo Shoot

The 1920s, also known as the Roaring Twenties, is one of the most iconic eras there is in terms of fashion trends and aesthetics. With the end of the war came a time of affluence, which resulted in hedonistic lifestyles. People grew tired of the rigidity of traditions and embraced freedom in the form of lavish parties, more relaxed outfits, and the rise of speakeasies—secret bars where people could drink uninhibited—despite growing regulations in alcohol consumption.

Seeing how brightly this era shines in many literature and movies, the most famous of which being The Great Gatsby, the 1920s has become a popular theme for many photoshoots. Many wanted to recapture Roaring Twenties’ sense of glamour and rebellion, allowing themselves to take part in the bygone era if only through photos. In short, any photographer would do well to know the tricks in pulling off a stunning 1920s-themed photoshoot.

To that end, here are some tips to make your Roaring Twenties-themed photos look positively dazzling.

 

1 — Incorporate a Signature 1920s Setting

The first step toward setting up a successful 1920s-themed photoshoot is to create the perfect setting to evoke the era. There are various ways to go about this, such as finding a dimly lit bar or historic building that will let you hold your photoshoot in their premises. You can also just rent a studio and build your setting from there. A quick search of “photo studio near me” online can yield various studios for hire that you can transform into your own slice of the 1920s.

If you’re going by the studio route, then you may want to have plush velvet seating and vintage bar counters to showcase a jazz club vibe. To make this much easier, try to look for studios that already have a 1920s setup or even just locations that have geometric wall patterns, stained glass, or elaborate staircases to function as an elegant backdrop.

 

2 — Highlight Iconic Fashion and Accessories

For a roaring 1920s photoshoot, see to it that your models are dressed in iconic fashion. In particular, women may want to adopt flapper fashion, which consists of knee-length dresses with a loose, drop-waist cut. Then, to add some extra flair, encourage them to accessorise with fringes, sequins, and beads. The most popular colour choices for clothing and accessories during the era were black, gold, and silver, although your models can also go for pastels if they want their photos to have a softer look.

Meanwhile, men should aim to look sharp and classy with high-waisted, wide-legged trousers paired with a fitted suit jacket or vest. Ask them to add a bow tie, suspenders, or a fedora or flat cap to their outfit to complete the look. Accessories such as pocket watches and cufflinks can also add an air of sophistication.

 

3 — Capture Authentic 1920s Poses and Expressions

To complement the setting and costumes perfectly, coach your models to capture 1920s poses and expressions. Remember that this was an era filled with elegance but also of freedom and mystique. The ladies can try playful and charming poses, such as tilting their heads coyly or wearing big smiles while dancing. As for the gentlemen, they can aim to look suave in the photos by casually leaning on a cane or resting a hand in a pocket.

Arrange group poses as well to capture the lavish party scenes that were so popular in the era. You can suggest your models to toast champagne glasses or simply gather around a bar with carefree smiles while chatting.

 

4 — Experiment with Black and White or Sepia Filters

Another tip to give your photos a 1920s feel is to try black and white or sepia filters. This can be done post-production, so your models have the choice whether they prefer coloured photos or the vintage-looking ones. Adding a touch of grain or noise on your photos also makes them look like they were shot on old film, which adds to the authenticity of the theme.

 

5 — Focus on Vintage Lighting for Atmosphere

During your shoot, use warm and soft lighting to evoke the mysterious allure of jazz clubs and speakeasies. You can either dim lights in the studio or use vintage-style lamps with feathered or silk lampshades for softer shadows. Another option would be to add warm lighting or filters in post-prcessing to enhance your photos’ vintage look.

 

6 — Use Music to Get Everyone In Character

Music is a vital part of the Roaring Twenties, considering the rise of blues and jazz in the era. While the music won’t show in the photos, you can still use it to ease your models into playing their characters, thus making for more natural shots. You can even encourage them to dance to the tunes to capture more dynamic photos.

Setting up a successful 1920s-themed photoshoot can certainly be a breeze, so long as you take into account the elements discussed above. In addition to the setting and costumes, don’t forget to also just let your models enjoy the moment—as the youth of the Roaring Twenties did—and you’ll be sure to get natural and stunning photos.