What I like about photographs is that they capture a moment that’s gone forever, impossible to reproduce.
Karl Lagerfeld
Diamonds? Mansions? Private Jets? For some, the finer things in life are all material. For me, the memories created while traveling are the most precious possessions a person can have. The only problem is memories fade!
Personally, with all the chaos coloring my days, asking my tired brain to hold on to even one more thing feels like an impossible task. That’s why hiring a personal photographer is this travel professional’s best kept secret.
I discovered the value of personal vacation photographers the hard way: countless vacations fighting through the fog of tourists all eager to get the same iconic shots. Finally, I decided to call in the experts. So, on my last vacation, I did just that and discovered the benefits extended far beyond fantastic photos.
Because our photographer was a local, she knew all the secret spots. We’re talking hidden gems, holes-in-the-walls, and the kind of city hallmarks we would never find on our maps. It was like getting an ultra-personal local tour without the constant worry of camera quality or distraction that accompanies my attempts to get “the perfect picture.” With a professional capturing all our major moments, we didn’t have to miss a moment of excitement.
And I haven’t even told you the best part yet: the cherry on the top of it all actually comes at the culmination of my travels. Post-vacation blues are a thing of the past now that I have tons of top-notch pictures to look forward to perusing at the end of each trip. Now, instead of lamenting having to return back to business as usually, I eagerly await bragging about my adventures by showing off the galleries of gorgeous photos the photographer took of me.
Where to find a personal photographer?
Though finding a professional photographer may sound like a daunting task, it’s as simple as doing some light online digging. Many travel photography companies have global catalogs of recommended photographers, so no matter where you’re headed, you’ll find a plethora of professionals waiting to immortalize your memories. Some of my favorite online resources include Localgrapher and Flytographer, two companies that specialize in sourcing photographers by location.
On a budget? Be sure to tailor your search to your financial needs and consider all the available options. For example, Localgrapher offers packages based on time, photo quantity and even offers the addition of videos while Flytographer allows for customizations based on how many locations you’d like to stop at for photos. Generally speaking, photoshoots can be as low as $150 or as high as $700, depending upon what combination of choices you land on.
I’ve also found Airbnb Experiences to be another great resource for photography services, as well as other unique things to do in the travel destination of your choice. As always, plan ahead as much as possible. Booking windows may vary based on photographers’ availability and companies’ response rates, so getting your request in at least a month in advance is the best way to ensure you get your first choice of photographer in time for your trip.
When scouting the perfect photographer, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Think about it like speed dating! You may have to kiss a couple of frogs before you find your prince, so basing your decision on someone’s bio alone is a risk I wouldn’t recommend taking. Remember, you’ll be spending a significant amount of time (and money) with this person, so you want to spark the kinds of conversations that will leave you confident in their compatibility.
Some examples of effective prompts are:
How long have you been a photographer?
What do you like to photograph?
What are some photography spots in the area to recommend?
What’s your photography style?
Cover your bases even more by asking to see samples of their work and rates. The point of investing in a professional photographer is to cultivate your perfect trip, so probe thoroughly.
Great Locations to Hire a Professional Photographer
There are too many places on my travel bucket list to county, but I’ve managed to narrow down a few places that are especially photogenic.
Madrid
From its grand collection of galleries and museums to the famed tree-lined boulevards, parks and squares, the capital of Spain is striking in every way.
For your photography tour of Madrid, start by strolling through the Sol-Gran Via area of the city to the Plaza Mayor to the Royal Palace of Madrid. Your personal paparazzo will have a plethora of street performers, souvenir shops and locals imbibing al fresco to feature. After a quick saunter to Mercado de San Miguel, you will behold a bustling market of food stalls bursting with everything from the famous jamon iberico to fresh fish and cheese.
As your promenade proceeds, the old iconic wooden doors and cobblestone streets will provide supremely scenic backgrounds. Finish out your photoshoot at one of the city’s most popular attractions: The Royal Palace. A golden hour session in their gardens will leave you with a gallery that is positively regal.
Santorini
If you’re a social media scroller like me, you’ve probably seen enough pictures of stunning blue roofs atop pristine white buildings to put Santorini at the top of your travel wish list. This small Grecian island in the Aegean Sea is truly a photographer’s paradise. Between the color palette and luscious landscapes, the town of Oia will provide quintessential scenery you’re after. Cobblestone roads and steep stone staircases will lead you to panoramic views unlike any other. But beware: all that beauty comes at a cost. You won’t be the only photo-tourist on the scene. The town does get populated, so strategizing a schedule with your photographer will be vital.
Another town with timeless architecture is Fira. This popular cruise port is perhaps most well-documented in viral flying dress photoshoots. Hire a photographer who can overcome the crowds to capture one of these famous shots.
If hordes of tourists are turning you off from those towns, a city on the opposite side of the island is the serene yet scenic spot. Akrotiri’s amazing hotels and restaurants sit on the edge of the island with vistas of the sea and sunsets that will set your camera on fire.
Wave “hello” to Oia from a distance and set off on a whirlwind photo tour of wineries, world famous archeological sites, and walks to the mesmerizing red beach.
Sydney
The capital of new South Wales is home to some of the world’s most unbelievable sites or architectural and natural wonder. There are the obvious and iconic spots such as the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach and the Royal Botanical Gardens to capture. The less crowded sites of Sydney are just as stunning. The views of Sydney Harbour from Observatory Hill and the Pylon Lookout observation deck will have your photographer (and you) drooling, while Hornby Lighthouse will stand in as the candy-striped subject of your portraiture dreams. Don’t miss The Grounds of Alexandria, a sprawling cafe/bar/garden/event hub offering the kind of immersive experiences that have crowned the urban oasis one of Australia’s top 10 most Instagrammable locations.
No matter where you go, one thing is clear: a travel photographer is the key to capturing stunning and memorable photos for you to carry with you for years to come. Whether immortalizing the most famous landmarks or historic hidden gems, a travel photographer will release you to live your most explored life and leave you with enough photographic evidence of your adventures to fill a museum of your own!
