Hey babes! 🌞 Okay, so confession time — last weekend I tried the most spontaneous Insta-worthy swimwear shoot at Byron Bay in my Stella Bikini – Red, and let’s just say… I glowed up in ways I didn’t even know were possible. Between dodging seagulls, chasing the golden hour, and trying not to ruin my perfect bikini two piece with rogue waves, I realised something: taking fab swim shots isn’t just about luck — it’s an art form.
So, whether you’re flexing your first summer bikini or showing off that curve-hugging black two piece bathing suit, I’ve got the ultimate swimwear photography tips to make every shot TikTok-worthy. Consider this your bestie-approved guide to looking like a main character on your beach vacay.
Why Swimwear Photography Is Harder Than It Looks
Let’s be real — buying swimwear online is stressful enough. You spend hours scrolling for the perfect set, obsessing over reviews, and then the postie finally delivers it… and suddenly, you’re expected to turn it into content that slays your feed? 😅 Yeah, not happening without a little know-how.
Here’s the thing: it’s not about being a professional photographer. It’s about knowing angles, light, and vibes — and a little sass never hurts. Think of it as your secret weapon for those reels and posts that actually get double-taps.
Tip #1: Golden Hour Is Your Bestie
Sunrise or sunset? Always. Golden hour is basically free Photoshop. It’s soft, flattering, and makes your skin look like you’re glowing from within (even if you just inhaled three donuts).
Pro tip: Position the sun behind you for that halo effect, or slightly to the side for moody shadows.
Works like magic on every Dekota Swim bikini, from the bold Brooklyn Bikini – Citron to the classic Penelope Bikini – Black.
If you want inspo, check out @ella.in.bali — she basically invented the “I woke up like this” golden hour reel in her bikini two piece.
Tip #2: Angles Are Everything
Nobody wants a flat, awkward photo. Play with angles:
Low angle shots make legs look longer (perfect for poolside lounging in your Maya Bikini – Aztec).
Overhead shots are perfect for flat lays of your beach essentials — yes, including that iced coffee you definitely brought.
Side poses = instant curve enhancement without even trying.
PS: Tilt your chin slightly up, shoulders back, and snap — instant main character energy.
Tip #3: Mind Your Background
I cannot stress this enough. You don’t need a luxury resort, babes. Minimalism works:
Clean sand, calm water, or vibrant street murals (shoutout to Bondi’s hidden graffiti lanes).
Avoid clutter — nobody wants a photobombing bin or rogue sunbather stealing the vibe.
I once shot my Lyra Bikini – Purple in a hidden cove, and the natural backdrop made it feel editorial. People were like, “Where’s this from?” and I was like, “Dekota Swim, babes — obviously.”
Tip #4: Accessorise, Don’t Overdo
Accessories are like sprinkles — they elevate without overpowering. Think:
Oversized straw hats
Chic sunglasses (bonus if they reflect a sunset)
A woven beach bag or towel with playful texture
For example, the Stella Bikini – Red paired with a gold anklet = instant vibey shot. And yes, layering is allowed, babes — scarves, kimonos, or your oversized linen shirt all look fab in motion.
Tip #5: Movement = Mood
Static poses are so 2019. Move, flip, twirl, dip, splash. Every movement adds energy, life, and TikTok-worthy vibes.
Toss your hair like @sydneybeachbabe for that effortless “caught-in-the-moment” shot.
Walk along the shoreline with your Penelope Bikini – Nude and let the waves interact naturally.
Movement is also key for showing off your swimwear properly. You want followers to see how your bikini brand Australia pieces hold up in action — not just on a mannequin.
Tip #6: Props Are Your Friend
Props = content accelerators. Bring:
Fresh fruit (hello, watermelon slice!)
Beach towels with fun patterns
Inflatable floats or even a retro boogie board
A classic example: shooting the Maya Bikini – Fruit Salad on a neon float in the pool = feed magic. Everyone will stop scrolling.
Tip #7: Edit, But Don’t Filter Your Personality
Editing apps are your ally — but stay true to your look. Adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation lightly. Let your personality shine. Bold colours like the Brooklyn Bikini – Peach pop more naturally with minor tweaks than heavy filters.
Tip #8: Play With Lenses
Your iPhone is powerful, but a portrait lens or wide-angle lens changes the game:
Portrait lens = soft background blur for professional vibes
Wide-angle = captures full-body shots without awkward cropping
Experiment and find your favourite style. I personally adore wide-angle shots of summer bikini collections for group beach days.
Tip #9: Pose With Confidence
Confidence is your ultimate accessory. If you feel it, it shows. No stiff poses allowed — sway, cross legs, sit, jump, splash. Embrace it all.
Pro move: always think about your angles before lifting your camera.
The Stella Bikini – Red? I promise it will slay every pose you throw at it.
Tip #10: Show Your Story
UGC and influencer content = storytelling gold. Capture not just your look, but your moment:
Snacking on a smoothie after surfing
Laughing with your besties on the sand
Sun-kissed post-swim vibes
Tag @dekotaswim.official when you pull this look — I’ll probably repost it, no cap. And trust me, nothing sells bikini two piece styles better than real moments.
Why a Bikini Model Bikini Makes a Difference
Okay babes, let’s get real. A bikini model bikini isn’t just for looking cute — it’s engineered to flatter every curve, support in the right places, and actually survive a wave or two. Think of the Penelope Bikini – Black or the Maya Bikini – Aztec: perfect cut, high-quality fabric, and main character energy.
What Makes a Sustainable Bathing Suit Better
Here’s our honest tea: at Dekota Swim, not every piece is made from recycled fabrics yet, but we prioritise swimwear made to last. That means:
Durable pieces = fewer replacements = less landfill
Timeless design = wear beyond the season
Small batch production = less waste
Plastic-free packaging = all the good vibes
If you want to check out our full sustainable swimwear range, you can explore it here.
FAQs
Q: Can I pull off swimwear photography solo?
Yes, babes! Self-timers, tripods, and Bluetooth remotes are your BFFs. Combine with golden hour and a killer pose — instant slay.
Q: Do I need expensive gear?
Nah. Your phone + natural light = majority of the magic. Only invest if you’re looking for editorial-level content.
Q: How do I make my swimwear pop?
Colour contrast is key. Bright bikinis like Brooklyn Bikini – Citron or Maya Bikini – Poppy against neutral sand or water = pure feed joy.
Final Thoughts
Babes, swimwear photography isn’t about perfection — it’s about play, sass, and confidence. Own your moments, twirl, splash, laugh, and yes… glow in your summer bikini like the main character you are.
🌊 Explore our full range of bikini two piece styles
✨ Learn about Dekota Swim’s story
Remember: your vibe attracts your tribe. Own it. Slay it. Share it. Tag me @dekotaswim.official when you pull this look — I’ll probably repost it, no cap.
