5 Foolproof Tips
To Selecting A
Vacation Photographer
I know, I know – as someone who loves bringing her camera and tripod everywhere, why do I even have a post dedicated to 5 Foolproof Tips to Selecting a Vacation Photographer?
Well although I’m a big fan of using my own equipment, I also love to splurge on a vacation photography session when I’m able. I initially only started doing this purely out of anxiety before I took my first solo trip. Anxiety over the possibility of having my camera equipment stolen the second I stepped away from my tripod in a large crowd. I soon learned it’s not only the best way to have some peace of mind during your trip, but it’s also the easiest way to make a local friend, get insider recommendations and take great photos efficiently so you can fully explore your destination to your heart’s content.
vacation photographer tips
Figure Out Your Budget
The first step in picking out your vacation photographer is deciding how much you’re willing to spend on a session. This may seem like an obvious step, but a crucial one. Photography pricing varies by the length of the session (typically requiring more time for more places and people in your group and also by booking platform.
Where To Book?
LUXURY: Flytographer – Prices have increased quite a bit since I last booked Flytographer, but their customer service and photographers are top notch. I recommend booking through Flytographer if you have the budget to spare and would like the all-star treatment.
MID-RANGE: Angle– Formerly, Shoot My Travel, Angle is my favorite of the bunch. I was so impressed when I booked with them in Rome. While some of their packages leave you with less photos than you might get with Flytographer, their customer service and quality of talent is phenomenal.
The best part? Even a few years after my Rome booking, I still have access to my session link and can purchase additional photos at my leisure, when I can afford them.
BUDGET: Airbnb Experiences – This one can be hit-or-miss. That said, if you find a photographer you like, you’re probably scoring an amazing deal. I also booked an Airbnb Experiences session for my Roman Holiday, and my photographer went above and beyond, even sending me the ENTIRE photo session afterward. I truly had my pick of the bunch.
WILD CARDS: Instagram and TikTok. There’s so many freelance travel photographers on social media. Search hashtags that are specific to your destination like #RomePhotographer. If you find someone you like, send them a message! However, since you’ll be booking direct, a word of caution: confirm everything included in your session before booking and paying. If possible, see if the photographer has ties to one of the sites above or another reputable booking company.
vacation photographer tips
Find Your Style
Every photographer has a different style. Some are more raw, some are more editorial. Some specialize in portraits, some in lifestyle. Before booking just anyone, take a look at their portfolio to see what types of photos they typically take and how you’d like your photos to look. If your styles align, you may just have found your photographer match!
vacation photographer tips
Choose Your Time Wisely
So you’ve found a photographer… now what? Time to book!
Photo sessions can fill up quickly and be difficult to reschedule, especially when traveling. The best way to avoid any problems is to schedule your session in advance, planning for it to hit at least a full day or two after arrival. This will not only help you avoid cancellations due to potential flight delays, but also give you a day or two to acclimate to your new location and recover from jet lag.
As far as what time of day? I always recommend sunrise. If I’m traveling solo, I’m probably not staying out late anyway, so sunrise is a great option for me. Also, having that early wake up call allows me to get those epic snaps without any crowds and during golden hour, when the lighting is still soft and not directly overhead.
vacation photographer tips
Location, Location, Location
Typically, I recommend shooting with a photographer at the most popular or highly foot-trafficked sight that you’ll visit. Why?
When you’re maneuvering the crowds, where it can be easy to lose someone or something, the last thing you’ll want to worry about is setting up a tripod or handing over your camera or phone to the wrong person.
Having a photographer will also help you nail the shot more quickly and efficiently. If you’re in a crowded place taking photos with a photographer versus a tripod setup, people are more likely to recognize that you’re actually taking a photo and give you space to get that shot.
vacation photographer tips
Plan Your Best Fit
Once I have my location narrowed down, my final step is to figure out my outfit and, for this, I have a foolproof system:
- Practicality – I’m a fan of a flowing dress as much as anyone else, but there are times when wearing your fanciest outfit just isn’t practical.
- At a mountain peak in the great outdoors? Wandering the city in below 30 degrees Fahrenheit? Sure, you can always plan an impromptu quick outfit change once you get there (and I seriously applaud anyone who can manage this), but for me, it just isn’t practical and sometimes, comes across as inauthentic in photos.
- Again, Location is Key – If you’ve booked your session, you’ll already know the sites you’ll be photographed at, or at least know the general route you and your photographer will take. From there, look up pictures of those locations and plan to wear an outfit with some color contrast.
So you want a video tossing a coin into the off-white travertine Trevi Fountain? Wear a chic black or dark-colored outfit. What about some photos exploring the earthy sandstone ruins of Ancient Egypt? Try a warm and bright pop of color, like green, instead.
Main takeaway? Plan an outfit that lets you stand out rather than blend in to your location. - Make sure you’re comfortable – Now I don’t necessarily mean wear sweatpants and a giant sweatshirt… although…. But in all seriousness, really do ask yourself if what you’re wearing feels like you.
Does it make you feel self conscious? Or does it make you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself? If the latter, that will really shine through in your session, giving you some epic photos you’ll love to look back on and remember for years to come.