13 Unique Swimsuit Photoshoot Ideas

Planning a swimsuit photoshoot, either for yourself or someone else? Here are 13 unique swimsuit photoshoot ideas that will ensure your photoshoot stands out from the crowd.

1. For added privacy, rent a beach location by the hour through Peerspace

Let’s say you’re hoping to have your swimsuit photoshoot on a beach (the classic choice!), but you want to make sure your photoshoot is as private as possible, so you’re avoiding public beaches. In that case, why not rent a Peerspace location that includes a beach of its own?

For instance, this beautiful new cottage on Lake Wylie in Charlotte, NC is an excellent choice for a photoshoot. It has “a dock facing the sunset, and a beautiful back screened-in-porch to enjoy the golden hours,” as well as “180 degrees of waterfront views” from the cottage. To quote one of the 20+ happy reviewers, “This space was absolutely AMAZING! Very well decorated, and the outdoor area was ideal for photos.” There are tons of beach rentals on Peerspace, so be sure to check if there are any in your area that would work well for your photoshoot.

2. Choose the right poses

To maximize your confidence during the photoshoot, it’s a good idea to come prepared with some poses you’ve practiced in the mirror so you know you’re comfortable with them. If you need ideas, Expert Photography has a guide to bikini poses that’s a perfect place to begin planning.

3. Start with a swimsuit that fits comfortably

The Zoe Report has a guide on “how to find a swimsuit that truly fits, according to designers.” Ideally, you want a swimsuit that not only looks great, but that “can remain comfortable whether you’re playing volleyball or making a dent in your beach read.” The more comfortably your swimsuit fits, and the less you’re tugging and pulling at it to keep it in place, the more confident you’ll look in your photos.

Check out more beach rental spaces available on Peerspace here!

4. Accessorize your swimsuit

Just because you’re wearing a swimsuit for your photoshoot doesn’t mean that has to be the only thing you wear. Consider adding accessories like jewelry, sunglasses, hats, and even swim cover-ups to your ensemble. This can bring an extra layer of elegance to your look that will make your photos that much better!

5. Don’t be afraid to move around

Adding movement to your photos is a swimsuit photoshoot idea that we’d strongly recommend. Taking some photos simply sitting, standing, or lying down is fine, but you’ll probably also want to incorporate a few where you’re splashing in water, walking or dancing around, or doing any other activities that up the visual interest.

6. Take some photos in the water

If you’re taking photos near a body of water that you can swim in and the weather allows, be sure to snap some photos where you’re actually in the water, whether you’re wading up to your ankles, submerged up to your waist, or floating on your back enjoying the warmth of the sun.

7. Wear your hair up

One of our swimsuit photoshoot ideas that you might not have considered is to wear your hair up in at least a few of the photos to draw attention to your swimwear, rather than your gorgeous locks. For an extra sultry and flattering pose, you can have some photos taken of you with your fingers in your hair pulling it back, with your arms stretched up, and your shoulders back.

8. Have a spa day

For a truly unique photoshoot idea, have a day of relaxation at home and make it a real spa day, snapping pics with face masks on and perhaps even some photos with cucumbers over your eyes.

9. Retro swimsuit photoshoot

Buy a retro-style swimsuit and have your photos taken in that for an instant throwback vibe. Even better, do your hair (or have your hair done!) in a style that matches the era of your suit. A great place to buy retro-style suits is from Modcloth, but these styles are super popular, so you’ll find a ton of options online.

10. Best friend swimsuit photoshoot

Consider doing a swimsuit photoshoot with your friend or a group of friends! It’s a great excuse to get together with your best pals and spend a few hours at the beach, and the photos of all of you having fun together will be especially awesome keepsakes.

Need some inspiration for this one? Then check out our friend photoshoot ideas!

11. Golden hour photoshoot

For the most flattering possible lighting, have your photoshoot during the golden hour, which Photography Mad describes as “roughly the first hour of light after sunrise, and the last hour of light before sunset.” Why have your photoshoot then? Because “during these times the sun is low in the sky, producing a soft, diffused light which is much more flattering than the harsh midday sun that so many of us are used to shooting in.” The golden hour will look especially beautiful at a beach or other natural setting!

12. The elevated mirror selfie

For a really low-effort, potentially high-reward swimsuit photoshoot, simply put on your favorite suit or suits and take some photos of yourself in a nice mirror (a standing mirror will probably look best if you have one). If you have a real camera, you can use that, but these days even smartphone cameras are high-quality enough to do the job on their own.

13. Rent a boudoir-style location for your photoshoot

If you’re seeking a swimsuit photoshoot idea that will make your photos as sexy as possible, finding a location that’s styled for boudoir photography is one way to really up the ante. We’d recommend somewhere like this luxury boudoir photography studio in Denver, Colorado. It has more than 150 positive reviews for a reason: it “has an amazing tufted leather couch, claw foot tub, and vintage bed and 6 breathtaking chandeliers,” among other fabulous features.

Or if you’re closer Chicago, IL, and prefer a more stylized aesthetic for your photos, there’s this pink boudoir with “a unique blend of vintage and modern design elements nestled in a 1910 building in the heart of Chicago’s Northside neighborhood.” It’s an absolutely stunning space, and your photos here will definitely stand out from the crowd!

Find unique photoshoot locations on Peerspace