Neon Photoshoot Ideas: ‘80s Inspired Looks, Creative Lighting & Posing Tips

What’s your favorite thing about the 1980s? Even if you weren’t born then, I bet you have something about the ‘80s that you love, whether it’s a piece of music, a fashion item, or a big hairstyle that keeps coming back.

The ‘80s never really went away, which is why they’re such a popular time period to explore in modern photoshoots. In particular, the bright, bold, brash hit of neon colors is a sure way to make branded photos pop or help influencers stand out.

Whether you’re taking photos for yourself or a client, these tips will help you lean into the brighter side of the ‘80s for images that take you back in time.

Why 80s Photo Shoots Are So Popular

The level of serious nostalgia for the 1980s is out of this world. Quite literally, sometimes, when you consider the love for shows like “Stranger Things.”

The ‘80s represent somewhat of a crossover decade for multiple generations. Boomers were having kids or were starting to have grandkids then, while Gen Xers were still growing up, and millennials were just being born or starting kindergarten.

With that in mind, the ‘80s have a uniquely wide appeal, which is why so many brands, influencers, and yes, even photographers love to stamp the ‘80s feel onto both amateur and professional photoshoots.

The neon look makes ‘80s photoshoots even more exciting. Whether you remember them firsthand or not, the ‘80s were uniquely colorful, with neon pinks, greens, yellows, and blues a massive part of the fashion scene.

When you book a 1980s shoot, you get to play with color and style in ways that simply don’t mesh with other photoshoot sessions. Get creative, and let go of any “less is more” constraints you might have for other styles of photography.

If your love of all things nostalgic goes beyond styling the photoshoot, take a look at this guide to buying vintage camcorders.

1. Neon On a Black Background

Sometimes, I find that nothing makes a bright color pop like a strong contrast. Neon against black, in particular, creates a stark yet appealing look that helps your model stand out.

A neon shell suit jacket and a pair of big shades combine into a classic ‘80s look. Consider bringing the hair up and away from the face, or deploy your hairspray to make it big and dramatic.

One advantage of this type of shot is that the background doesn’t matter too much, so you can shoot just about anywhere. However, lighting does matter.

Make sure your model isn’t in shadow, or the resulting image will be dull, even when edited. Natural light or a spotlight will bring out the neon colors better than post-shoot editing.

2. Experiment With Black Lights and Neon Makeup

An innovative way to work neon colors into your ‘80s style photo shoots is with fluorescent makeup. Lighting is a critical consideration here, because fluorescent, neon makeup only shows its “true colors” under a black light.

Of course, working in a pitch-black space with a couple of black lights can be difficult and dangerous, so make sure you have other lighting options for in between the shots. You could even use spotlights to create a well-lit area surrounding a shadowy area where your model sports the neon, glowing makeup.

Close-ups of the face work well for black light shots, as you don’t need to show up other areas of the space that might not be as consistently lit.

You can even experiment with body paint and long-exposure shots. I’ve used the technique where a model paints shapes on their arms and moves them quickly. Then, I use a long exposure, resulting in dynamic, neon streaks.

3. Embrace the Perm

Sometimes affectionately known as a poodle perm, the tight, curly perms of the ‘80s keep coming back in a big way. From defined waves to tight spirals, the curlier the hair, the more nostalgic it looks.

Complement your model’s hair with contrasting makeup, like bright or dark red lips with blonde hair, or paler lips with dark hair. Forget about the nude or clean makeup look; big, bright lips and dark mascara are the keys to a standout ‘80s look.

For a more neon look, you could add bright blue eyeshadow in sweeping arcs up to the temples. White and blue combined is a dramatic yet classic ‘80s look that works well with a perm that’s half up, half down.

Make sure the features of your model’s face show, even if the perm is huge. There’s no point spending time and effort on themed makeup if no one gets to see it.

Have your model tilt their head back or to the side, so their hair falls away from their face and accentuates their features.

4. Go For Even Bigger Hair

There was something about hair in the ‘80s. It had to be long, it had to be big, and often, it had to be colorful.

Gender was no issue. Everyone went big or went home, and for great ‘80s photos, you can do the same.

Work with models who aren’t afraid to experiment with different styling techniques, extensions, or even wigs. I have several “big hair” wigs, which are great for throwing together impromptu “band” shots or other styles that call for a dramatic ‘do.

Curly hair is the best for this, but not essential. A quick session of back-combing can make even perfectly straight hair fluff out.

Consider stocking some temporary hair colors in your styling kit. I’ve found that you can get some relatively inexpensive spray-on colors that are easy to apply and wash right out after the photoshoot.

5. Take the Shoot Outdoors

One of the best things about the ‘80s was the amount of fun everyone had outdoors. From beach volleyball to roller skating to BMXing, there was always something to do.

Of course, you can still do any of those things today, but the rise of screens means we tend to do fewer outdoor activities. So, a photoshoot that reembraces the outdoors, with a splash of ‘80s fashion, is pure nostalgia.

Thematic accessories and props are essential for this type of shot. Think neon-tinted roller skates, shiny bikes, and genuine retro boomboxes, the kind you could carry on your shoulder.

Consider the weather, light levels, and location. Trying to film an upbeat, neon shoot in a gloomy downpour will result in images that are more “Bladerunner” than “Back to the Future.”

Provide a range of outfits for your models to choose from. While some will rock biker shorts and cutoffs, some may be uncomfortable and prefer leggings or even shell suit pants.

I keep a well-stocked ‘80s wardrobe prop box, packed with neon jackets, pants, and accessories for occasions such as this. The addition of bright bangles and beads can be the perfect finishing touch to any ‘80s style outdoor shoot.

If you’re getting active outdoors, why not be prepared with this guide to photographing skateboarders?

6. The Boombox Pose

Complement your outdoor shoots with poses that are straight out of the ‘80s. The aforementioned boombox on the shoulder was a vibe more than a pose, and one that’s so easy to pull off.

The boombox represents musical independence, and was the precursor to the Walkman, which was a more private and, dare I say, less antisocial way to enjoy your own music.

Stomping along to the beat of whatever was playing in your ear was a real mood for plenty of ‘80s kids and teens. With that in mind, photos emulating this should exude joy and fierce independence.

Pose your model(s) in bright ‘80s clothes. Lean into the neon orange and pink, or go for double denim with bright pink accessories.

Let the model figure out which shoulder they prefer the boombox on. The more comfortable they are, the more natural they’ll look.

Try a few different angles for the pose. I find that shooting from below with the model looking forward but up and away from the camera while smiling is very impactful.

You can also try shots with the model walking away from you and looking back over their other shoulder, or simply jamming to the beat they love.

7. The ‘80s Diner Pose

The weird thing about retro ‘80s diners is that they were already retro, echoing the styling of ‘50s diners from three decades before. Thankfully, those types of diners have never really gone out of style, meaning you should find it easy enough to source a great location.

If you’re setting up shots in a diner, you do need to get permission from the owner or manager first. In most cases, if you agree to give the business a plug once the images are published, they’ll be fine with it.

A great diner pose is your model sipping on a shake, near the edge of the seat, as if they’re about to leave. The potential for movement makes this static shot surprisingly dynamic.

Consider taking a spotlight or other source of illumination in case the lighting in the diner or café is low. You really want any colors, like the red and white of retro seats, or the chrome of fixtures, to pop.

Check out the diner before you style your model, as it will help you choose a suitable outfit. You can opt for colors that either complement or contrast with the décor, but in most instances, the brighter the outfit, the better.

Other great diner poses include leaning against the counter, ch.oosing a song on a jukebox, or just walking in through an open door.

8. Show Off Your Big Earrings

Along with big hair and big color choices, the ‘80s were all about big earrings. Hoops, long danglers, and even neon lightning bolts were all fair game for ‘80s fashionistas.

For your photoshoot, consider finding some of the biggest, tackiest earrings you can. At least an inch in diameter is best, but even bigger if you can.

Get your model to style their hair in an updo, or use a head scarf or headband to move the hair back behind the ears.

Colors you can go for range from neon pink to black (to contrast with brighter outfits) to gold. For any metallic earrings, consider a carefully targeted spotlight to add sparkle and really highlight the reflective quality of the earrings.

Add other accessories as you see fit. Beads, bangles, rings, nose rings, and necklaces are all great ways to add ‘80s flair and break up outfits for added interest, color, and texture.

Top Tips for Successful 1980s-Style Neon Photoshoots

I think my top recommendation for any ‘80s-style photoshoot is to make sure your props kit and wardrobe are packed with color. Every shade of neon is, of course, a must. But remember other items that were big in the ‘80s:

• Huge shades, the bigger the better, with white or colorful frames
• Braces and dungarees
• Denim, denim, and more denim
• Leg warmers
• Leotards, shell suits, and other “leisurewear”
• Massive earrings, particularly colorful hoops
• Neck and head scarves in a range of neon colors
• Jackets and blazers with shoulder pads
• Plastic bangles, beads, and other inexpensive yet colorful accessories

Not sure if you’ve got the right type of clothes and accessories? Take a trip to any thrift store, and you’ll be surprised at what treasures you can unearth.

It can be inexpensive to stock your ‘80s wardrobe with genuine retro gear or ’80s-inspired fashions. For neon beads and accessories, your local accessories store will usually stock plenty, at bargain prices.

For inspiration, return to classic movies from the era, vintage magazines, or retro TV shows. You can learn a lot about the ‘80s and its style without having to dig very deep, and you’ll have fun while you research.

Final Thoughts

Neon-filled, brash ‘80s photoshoots are fun, no matter the reason for doing them. They’re also an excellent choice for brands or influencers trying to boost online engagement.

Nostalgia sells, and retro or vintage themes are sure to pause social media users mid-scroll. If you have the gear and the kit, an ‘80s style shoot can be a great way to boost your own online presence or impress your photography clients.