How to take photos like Slim Aarons

Slim Aarons was a one-of-a-kind talent, most known for his work spanning the 1950s through the 1980s, during which time he documented the glamorous lifestyles of the international elite in their homes, at parties and on vacation. The beauty of his craft stemmed from an innate ability to capture both elegance and raw authenticity. Looking back on his work today draws us into a nostalgic world of leisure, luxury, and the subtle art of ‘good vibes and good times’.

While villas, yachts, pools and grand architectural backdrops form the basis of the society photographer’s vast portfolio, it’s perhaps the simplicity of the frame that endures most. Airbrushing and touch-ups are now considered the norm, but in Slim Aarons’ world, art direction relied on his eye and skill with a camera – and his subjects. There’s nothing strained or overtly posed about the people he photographed. It’s clear they feel relaxed in his presence.

Think of his work as capturing a moment in time – one suspended in the intimacy of the everyday. To emulate his style, you must evoke the photographer’s bravura by combining beautiful backdrops with effortless glamour and classic style. While the glitterati, jet-set lifestyle was often central to his panache, you don’t need to know a socialite to master his aesthetic.

During the summer of 2025, I photographed Slim Aarons hotspots including Portofino, Lake Como, the Amalfi Coast and Monte Argentario. These parts of Italy form the backdrop to some of his most well-known work, where he captured the European aristocracy and global jet set – later immortalised in his book of beautiful locales, La Dolce Vita. From glitzy pool parties at Hotel Il Pellicano to seaside scenes at Hotel Santa Caterina and Hotel Il San Pietro di Positano, these settings celebrate Italy’s golden age of leisure, documenting, as the man himself said, “attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places”. It was the ultimate celebration of sun-drenched hedonism, revelling in summertime innocence, aspirational escapism and midcentury glamour.

To achieve the Slim Aarons look, mastering natural light is essential. Avoid harsh midday sun, which creates strong shadows and highlights. Instead, shoot at sunrise or close to sunset, using the soft, warm light of golden hour to add depth and feeling. Setting is everything. Like you, your subject exists within a wider world. Avoid getting too close; allow the landscape to do the talking. Let architecture, props and location – beaches, mountains, pools – carry part of the narrative, giving your subjects context and dialogue within the frame. Think in terms of depth. If you’re travelling through Europe, use parasols, plants or furniture to frame your shot and add layers of storytelling. If you’re working without props, rely on colour. Rich neutrals juxtaposed with vibrant hues work best – turquoise seas or swimming pools add instant atmosphere.

Aesthetics matter, too. Think of Lana Del Rey and the vintage Americana iconography she embodies. Cocktails, poolside floats, vintage cars, sunbeds, palms, outdoor showers and hot tubs all add context. Sun-drenched glamour and the interplay of luxury and leisure gave Slim Aarons’ work its edge, grounded by the everyday. To achieve a vintage feel in post-production, reduce contrast, lift the blacks and lower the whites to create a gently faded look. Add grain, saturate bold colours, increase clarity and sharpness, and introduce warmth to mimic film stock and that unmistakable “Hollywood glow”.

Preparation is key. Beaches and hotels are busy spaces, especially in peak summer. Pack a range of lenses – wide-angle and telephoto are essential – and avoid using filters. The more natural the image, the easier it is to refine in post. If, like me, you prefer a slightly darker aesthetic, increase the f-stop to limit the light entering the aperture. Less light creates greater depth of field, making it easier to emphasise sharpness and background blur. Lens hoods are useful in harsh sunset light, and if you’re shooting on the water – say, from a boat along the Amalfi Coast – switch to shutter-priority mode (1/250 second or faster) to capture passing yachts and speedboats crisply. 

And finally, discretion is key. Find a comfortable vantage point and photograph people in their natural state. If you focus on a particular person or group, always ask permission before taking the shot.