90s Photo Shoot Ideas

The 90s were a decade that oozed grittiness and authenticity. Are you looking to recreate that in a photo shoot? You can accomplish this in several ways, from the clothes, setting and props used to how you go about editing your images. I’m sharing several 90s photo shoot ideas as well as some notes on what types of fashion and props you could utilize as you create the best look and feel for that retro shoot.

As you read through these, keep in mind that the best ones are oftentimes the result of on-set inspiration, so make sure to have a blend of planning thoroughly for your 90s photo shoot (e.g. mood-board ideas) mixed in with being flexible and embracing potentially stunning new ideas once you start shooting with your camera.

You might also want to step out of the box some and take candid photo shoot poses and consider embracing creative lighting ideas that come to mind.

Fashion

There are several ways that a fashion photographer‘s models can show off a 90s aesthetic through what they wear. Consider these options as 90s fashion inspiration for you.

Bright Colors

Bright colors were in throughout the 90s, and neon colors were especially popular, such as bright yellow, hot pink and lime green. So was combining contrasting bright colors in an outfit or piece of furniture or simply having colorful backgrounds.

Sneakers

Sneakers were quite popular in the 90s, especially Air Jordans. Having your models wear 90s-inspired sneakers can really add an element of authenticity to your throwback-theme photo shoot.

Denim

Contrasting with bright colors was how prevalent denim was worn in the 90s. Consider using some acid-washed denim jackets, baggy or high-waisted jeans or a denim skirt.

And there were even denim-on-denim looks then, such as a denim jacket combined with denim jeans. Another vintage-aesthetic option that you can try is to have your model wear those same jeans but pair them with a flannel shirt.

Large Belt Buckle

Adding a large belt buckle to an outfit will accentuate the 90s theme that you’re looking to perfect in your photo shoot. Note that this can fit casual teen, punk and grunge fashion, a wide variety.

Layered Tops

Another look that was popular in this decade was the use of layered tops. Have a model wear a tank top or sundress over a t-shirt, that t-shirt over a long-sleeve shirt or a different combination of layered tops to perfect that 90s look.

Scrunchies and High Ponytails

Scrunchies and high ponytails also shout 90s fashion as they created an energetic look for those adorning them, and your photos will share that energy. Also note that scrunchies that were used in the 90s were usually adorned in bright colors.

Bandanas

A bandana can really add to those nostalgic vibes, especially if your model’s already sporting a grunge, hip-hop or skater style.

Baseball Caps

Baseball caps could give your photo shoot a real 90s theme as they add a laid-back, casual tone reminiscent of that era.

Chokers

Chokers can be combined with various types of 90s-inspired outfits although the most common ones that best fit are denim- and flannel-based. Chokers also work well with concert t-shirts.

Mood Rings

Teens in the 90s loved mood rings, and having these bright and eye-catching accessories worn in your 90s photo shoot could be perfect for setting the, well, mood.

Body Glitter

A great way to create a fun, party look is to add body glitter to the scene. This can consist of loose glitter, or it may be mixed with lotion or gel. However, do keep in mind that glitter can get messy. For that reason, you may want to use glitter that’s mixed with lotion or gel.

General Props

Deciding to shoot with props is one of the best ways to create 90s-inspired scenes.

Boomboxes, Cassette and CD Players and Cassettes and CDs

Including a boombox, cassette or CD player or individual cassettes or CDs can give your 90s photo shoot that vintage look that you’re looking for.

Old Computer, Floppy Discs and “Bricks”

If it fits your photo shoot’s overall look, consider adding a 90s-era computer and some floppy discs to the scene as reminders of the days before social media platforms. A mobile phone from the era – i.e. a “brick” – could complete the scene.

Vintage Magazines

Vintage magazines from the 90s can really add authenticity to your retro-vibe photo shoot. Examples include Seventeen, Vogue, Rolling Stone, Tiger Beat and Entertainment Weekly. Even better would be finding ones with the Spice Girls or other 90s-era celebrities on the covers.

Setting Ideas

There are several general studio-backdrop ideas and other setting options that you can take advantage of as you create an amazing 90s photo shoot scene and stunning environmental shots.

Music-Related Options

If you want to recreate a music-based setting, consider famous album covers from the 90s.

An option would be to have your photo shoot feature a rave scene complete with a techno music look to it. In this scenario, you may want to use a dark space with neon-colored studio lights and perhaps a fog machine. If you can safely and legally shoot in an abandoned warehouse or other industrial space, that would only add to the authenticity of the scene. (Get property releases if you need to.)

Grunge music – think Nirvana and Soundgarden – was also a huge part of 90s culture, and recreating that type of look could make for a fascinating 90s-era photo shoot as well. As you do this, consider incorporating flannel shirts, a layered look and ripped jeans. As for where to shoot it, abandoned warehouses work here as well, and so do underpasses, garages, an unkept rehearsal space and a poster-adorned bedroom.

Boy bands and girl groups were quite popular in the 90s with the Spice Girls and the Backstreet Boys amongst the most known ones. You could create a vibe that fits this genre in general or one that’s more focused on one of those specific bands with outfits and poses to match. Setting options include recreating a classic album cover or music video and showing the band members (the models) on stage.

All of these music-related options could also feature moody portraits if that’s what you’re looking for.

Revisiting High School

So much of this culture found its start in high school hallways, and some of the most aesthetic 90s photo shoot ideas are in that vein.

As for specific high school-themed ideas, one to consider is a yearbook-like look. Have lockers in the background, and take some shots in a classroom filled with desks. The latter idea is made even better if you can feature an old-fashioned chalkboard in your photos. Another option is featuring a high school gymnasium or football field.

A great setting to consider would be one that’s inspired by “Clueless.” It can include the preppy fashion from that movie, such as plaid skirts and thigh-high socks, and upscale shopping areas are options for shooting scenes in addition to a high school that emanates a Beverly Hills vibe.

The following option isn’t related specifically to high school, but it does relate to what students often did after classes ended for the day. Have a photo shoot in a mall or mall-type setting, the more 90s the look, the better. For example, a record store, 90s-type food court and even fountains can really add to this setting.

90s-Themed Bedroom

A simpler 90s-themed setting that could work just as well would be a bedroom that’s plastered with posters of bands and movie posters from that decade.

Video Games and Arcade

Video games were quite popular in the 90s, and so were arcades, especially in the first half of the decade. Having your nostalgic photography shoot feature a Super Nintendo Entertainment System, a Sega Genesis, various home video games, a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arcade game or even a multi-game arcade could make for a really interesting, unique photo shoot.

Skateboard and Skatepark

Skateboarding was hugely popular in the 90s, and recreating this lifestyle with the use of a skateboard or a skatepark is another great option to consider. The focus of a skatepark photo shoot can be more so on streetwear photography or on other types of urban photo shoot ideas if you prefer.

Editing Notes

In general, it’s important to resist overediting 90s-era photos unless you’re doing so with the specific intent to recreate that perfect 90s aesthetic. That’s because a minimal editing style will usually result in a more authentic 90s look to your images.

Experiment some with your saturation settings as these can accentuate the bright or faded colors that are the focus of your photos. Also, your contrast settings can be adjusted in a manner that helps your colors really stand out. They can enhance or make less visible any shadows in your photos as well.

You may also want to make your photos grainier and 90s-like, like a Polaroid was used to shoot them. This can often be done through a “grain” feature.

Depending on your digital photo editing program, you’ll probably have some vintage filters available to use. Consider utilizing one or more of these retro filters to gently move the look of your photos back a few decades, potentially resulting in your images looking like they were taken as part of an analog photography shoot.

If you really want to give the images that you took that authentic 90s look, add a timestamp to the bottom right corner or have it feature a white border, including a bigger border at the bottom, the latter of which would give the impression that the photo was taken with a disposable film camera.

Hiring a Photographer for Your 90s Photo Shoot

If you’re looking to hire a Miami photographer for a 90s photo shoot, Daria Koso will bring the skills, experience, passion and artistry necessary to make it one to remember. And she’ll have that photo shoot either feature a light 90s touch to it, fully embrace that time period or something in-between, whichever you prefer. Even flash-on-camera looks could be included with the use of vintage camera gear.

Also keep in mind that a 90s photo shoot might be perfect for those wanting professionally done commercial or advertising photography as well as those preferring more casual lifestyle photography be done.