Thinking about a professional travel photoshoot? Here’s my Flytographer review.
“Let’s take a practice shot,” Gaetan said as he backed into the square. “Just lean up against that column there.”
I walked to the nearest column.
It was at least 20 feet high and led up to one of a series of archways lining the Placa Massena, a public square in Nice, France.
It was a populated area, right across from a large shopping center, which is probably why my photographer, Gaetan, had planned to meet at 9am.
Yet here we were, at 11:15am.
Apparently, some parking lots in Cannes turn into pumpkins overnight–literally. I awoke to find a farmer’s market where my car should have been and realized my car had been towed.
€123 and a sincere plea later, I managed to squeeze into Gaeten’s already full schedule later in the day.
He was gracious about my misfortune and somehow managed to capture great shots despite a serious case of stress frizz.
I walked gingerly because, while Gaeten warned me to wear comfortable shoes, I was stubborn and insisted on going in heels for the sake of looking just a little but taller, a constant struggle as a 5’2″ woman.
In the future, I would heed his warning!
My day in Nice started off rocky, but my photo shoot with Gaeten and the resulting pictures made it all worthwhile.
If you’re thinking of booking a travel photo shoot, here’s my Flytographer review!
Taking pictures when traveling alone
I constantly struggle as a traveler with getting good pictures.
Typically, I’m limited to one of three options:
- Setting up a tripod and enduring weird looks from people passing by;
- Handing my precious (and still financed) iPhone to a stranger while hoping they don’t take off and have some semblance of photography skills, or;
- Taking a selfie.
I had no idea that there was a fourth option. Then I discovered Flytographer.
I’m here to tell all my fellow solo travelers, there is a better way.
What is Flytographer?
Flytographer began as a way to capture proposals and has expanded to include photography for all peoples, groups and occasions while traveling domestically or abroad.
It is the perfect solution to the problem of not having anyone to take a picture of you. Visitors to a destination can ditch the selfie stick and hire a local pro instead.
They have a database of photographers around the world. Their portfolios are listed online and you can browse to see those available at your destination.
Each photographer has at least 2 years experience and a conversation level of English.
You request to book with the photographer of your choice and, if confirmed, you coordinate on a location ahead of time with them directly depending on your shoot and style preferences.
There’s nothing like having a professional photographer accompanying you through the streets of a their home city.
They know locations you don’t, are familiar with the best angles and can capture you in the best light, literally and figuratively.
In my case, Gaetan’s eye for details and familiarity with Nice made it seem like I had the city all to myself, when in reality nothing could have been farther from the truth.
How much does Flytographer cost?
This was a bit of a splurge for me, but then again so was going to France in peak season to see the lavender fields.
The way I see it, go big or go home! For me, there’s no better investment than memories. That’s why I travel to begin with.
Shoot prices start at $250 for a half hour and include access to an online gallery of your best images, usually 20-30 out of the hundreds that are taken during your shoot.
To ensure a quick turnaround on your photos you’re not able to go through each and every one.
It is in the photographer’s discretion to choose and edit the best stills.
You can order prints afterwards but it’s convenient to have the digital images to share on social media almost immediately. Pictures are usually sent about a week after your shoot.
You can get $25 off your first session by clicking the link below.
BOOK THROUGH THIS LINK TO GET $25 OFF YOUR FLYTOGRAPHER PHOTO SHOOT
Who has rights to Flytographer images?
In their terms of service, Flytographer indicates that the photos are meant for personal and not commercial use.
They have separate packages available if you want to schedule a commercial photo shoot.
You will have the right to reprint the photos as you see fit, at your local Walgreens for instance.
The photographer retains the copyright to your photos.
How to prepare for your Flytographer photo shoot
As I mentioned earlier, comfortable shoes are a smart move.
Chances are you’ll be walking to a few photo locations so if you must wear heels, at least make sure they’re broken in.
Anytime you’re in front of the camera you want to err on the side of more makeup rather than less.
I also recommend getting your hair professionally blown out, especially if you’re going to a humid location.
As for time of day, you want to aim either for early in the morning when people are still asleep so you have minimal folk in the background of your pictures, or twilight for the “golden hour” when you’ll look flawless with the setting sun behind you.
I would not aim for mid-day as the light is too bright and not flattering, unless your shoot will be indoors.
Bring a cash tip for your photographer — it may seem like a lot but remember that Flytographer is taking a cut of their profits and these are usually freelance employees.
Flytographer gift cards
Good news! You can stop racking your brain for the perfect gift.
Flytographer has gift cards available if you need a unique present for a wedding, anniversary, graduation or birthday.
The person planning the photo shoot can redeem it directly online when making their reservation, or you can schedule and pay for the whole shoot yourself with the photographer if you want it to be a surprise.
Would I book with Flytographer again? Absolutely! I’m already planning my next photo shoot.
*Flytographer provided a media discount for me on the photo shoot but all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.
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Till next time, safe travels!
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This is awesome! We used Flytographer for our trip to Paris a few months ago and we loved the experience so much that we’re doing Flytographer in Maui in a few weeks for a big family reunion trip! Definitely would be a great way to get nice photos if traveling solo. I love that we have photos of my whole family that look natural and un-staged.
I absolutely LOVE this idea, and it is definitely something I’ll look into when I take my first solo trip in a few months time. The images are absolutely stunning!
Wow! These photos are beautiful! Flyphotographer did a really good job. And I’m sorry to hear about the misadventure with your car!
The photos are fit for a travel coffeetable book ? Although a little too expensive for me, every now and then it’s good to treat yourself 🙂 now I’m wondering if I could be a flytographer too ?
I had never heard of Flytographer before, but your pictures turned out fabulously! Clearly very professional. Such a bummer that you had to pay so much to get your car back, but it sounds like the rest of the day went so well with the photo shoot!
I struggle with the same problems when I’m not travelling with my husband, so this article was interesting because I kept seeing myself in your shoes! The Flytographer service seems to be particularly good, I’ll note it for later use!
You look amazing! Such a fun thing to do while traveling.
This can be a great idea as a local business for the option is very limited in India! Loved your photos. For me, generally the BAE does the trick or a selfie stick.
Incredible! I’m totally going to do this now. I think I’m a decent photographer, but there’s nothing like having someone take pictures of you, so you’re not setting up the tripod and awkwardly taking a picture of yourself. Completely agree with you too, memories are the best investment.
This is one amazing product. Maybe i should join them!
Beautiful pictures! Way better than handing phone or camera to a stranger!
Good luck on your solo travels. What a lovely photo shoot too!
I didn’t know this existed! Thanks for bringing it to light, could be handy in the future. Great blog ?
Oh my!!! I was just in search of a photographer on IG to ask them to help me with this exact need! Thank you!!
Beautiful photos and a great way to capture a wonderful trip! Will have to give them a try!
Super cool! I’m guessing this would be a great job prospect for portrait photographers as well. He has a good eye!
What a great Photoshoot! Loved your pics 🙂
you’re cute girl. hopefully we can kick it in Toronto 😛
Gorgeous pictures!
What fab pictures and the dress your wearing is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing a great post xx
Omgg I love this idea.
And you’re one hell of a gorgeous woman ?
Thank you Fatima!