I Paid For a Pro Travel Photoshoot and Here’s What I Learned

This website contains affiliate links from trusted partners. If you purchase through a link on this site, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my Privacy Policy for more information.

When I say the word “travel photoshoot”, you might have a variety of thoughts pop into your head:

• Isn’t that just for models?
• That sounds terrifying.
• Nah, I got my phone and a random stranger! 

However, if you are interested in any way shape, or form for creating seriously cool travel photos, I would highly recommend that you reconsider! 

This is a giant leap out of the majority of people’s comfort zone (including mine), but the result can truly capture a memory of you traveling/checking something off of your bucket list.

As a full time adventure content creator and photographer, I have been on countless photoshoots since this one!

I am here to help you with all things “travel photoshoot” so you know if it is right for you, things to keep in mind, and how to slay in front of that camera!

Please note: in some of my pictures that I got during my travel photoshoot experience in Budapest, Hungary, I put myself in some dangerous positions. I am fully aware that I’m a bit wild, but I am comfortable doing these things. Please DO NOT compromise your safety or do anything that you are not comfortable doing. Please read my disclaimer for more information.

Inspired? Share Your Photos!

Why invest in a Travel Photoshoot?

You might be thinking that it is easier just to take your phone and either set up a tripod or coach a stranger how to achieve the greatest travel photo. 

There is nothing wrong with this and I have done this more times than I can even count. 

However, there are certain circumstances that are cause for a little extra spending in order to capture the moment.

Here are some situations that I believe are cause to take part in these legendary photoshoots: 

If you don’t see yourself traveling there again or anytime in the near future

If this destination has been on your bucket list forever but you don’t think that you will make it back for any reason, then why not get some photos that you can take with you forever? 

With this photoshoot highlighted here, I was in a very intense school in Budapest and was quite upset that I didn’t get to see the fun parts of the city (especially the Castle Hill area).

It was a really unique and interesting way to site-see and the pictures are jawdropping!

If you are celebrating a once-in-a-lifetime event

This is obvious, but if you are going through a once-in-a-lifetime event such as a proposal, baby, or major life event, then it goes to say that you might not want it taken on your iPhone or android.

Such events deserve the recognition of a proper photoshoot! 

If you don’t want the added stress of getting the photos yourself

I don’t know about you, but it is kinda frustrating to have a photo idea in your head. So you dress up, go to the location, give a stranger your phone, and give them specific instructions. 

When I took a flower bath in Bali or dressed up in kimonos in Tokyo, I got very lucky with the photography abilities of strangers. But that isn’t always the case…

When you look back at the photo the angle is wrong, your head is cropped out of the photo, the quality is terrible or it just wasn’t what you want it! 

Sometimes it is less stressful to have someone who actually knows how to pose people and how to work a camera.

When you have less stress, you have a better time traveling and better photos to show! 

There are also times when you physically can’t take your own photos. For example, if you were bungee jumping, skydiving, or staying on the side of a cliff! 

If you are interested in become a better travel photographer, I have a FREE cheat sheet for you👇

If you want to step up your social media game

You are more likely to grow on social media when you put out crisp, clear, interesting, and visually pleasing content. 

Although it is possible to take this kind of content with your phone…it falls short when compared to a nicely composed travel image with a professional camera.

Keep in mind that I am all for mobile phone photography and learning about the capabilities and limitations, but even I can admit when the occasion calls for a better camera.

Where to Find Photographers for Your Travel Photoshoot

Find a friend with a camera

Sometimes you are lucky enough to have a friend that has and knows how to work a camera.

If you trust their artistic ability, it can be a very fun event for both of you! 

If you are traveling solo this can be tricky, but you might have better chances if you travel with a group.

Experience Apps

I actually found my photographer on Airbnb. I also, surprisingly, found a multitude of people offering photographic services!

This might vary depending on the city and place that you are going to.

Also, this will probably decrease in number the farther outside of popular cities you are (for example, a photographer probably isn’t going to hike with you to that mountain top unless that is his MO). 

I found fewer options on Viator, but there were still some “tours” that you could take that involved a photoshoot! 

Look on google

A tried and true method: google. Most professional photographers will have a website that is dedicated to their business and you can look at their gallery and services.

If you just google “(your location) photoshoot/photographer” then that should get you the results that you need to find your photographer. 

💡 Bonus tip: if this does not work, I would try to look at Instagram hashtags (ex. #budapestphotoshoot and see where everyone is going to get their pictures)

Step-by-Step Travel Photoshoot Planning Timeline

Some of you might be models or photo experts, but this is for those of you who are not (aka me because I am so awkward in front of the camera).

Here are a few things that you can expect so that you can go into this experience with total confidence! 

Two Weeks (or more) Before Your Travel Photoshoot

• Book your photographer: Look for portfolios that match your aesthetic -think natural light, dreamy edits, or bold adventure vibes.
• Choose your location: Consider where you’ll be and what kind of mood you want (e.g., romantic castle, wild jungle, dreamy beach).
• Plan your outfits: Pick 2–3 options that work with the scenery (more on that below).
• Research permits: Some iconic locations may require a photography permit – better to find out now than get kicked out mid-pose.
• Create a mood board: Pinterest, baby! Gather inspiration for poses, colors, and vibes to share with your photographer.
• Read the fine print: It’ll save you from any awkward surprises later (like realizing you only get 5 edited photos instead of 50 🙃).

My Experience & Advice

Here’s how I found my photographer: I googled “photo experience Budapest” and ended up discovering Airbnb Experiences. Jackpot!

There were tons of local photographers listed, so I narrowed it down by checking who had an Instagram or website portfolio.

I wanted to see the vibes before committing – and that helped me choose someone whose style matched the dreamy, wanderlust-y look I was going for.

If Airbnb Experiences isn’t your thing, no worries! Here are some other places you can find amazing photographers and photo tours around the world👇

If you are wondering who took these lovely photos, you can check out more of his work.

One Week Before the Travel Photoshoot

• Finalize shoot time: Early mornings = soft light and fewer tourists. Golden hour is your bestie.
• Send a shot list: Photographers love knowing what you’re envisioning—include solo shots, close-ups, and fun details like your gelato or journal.
• Prep props if needed: A hat, a journal, your travel backpack—anything that tells your story.

My Experience

Once I booked the photographer through Airbnb Experiences, we started chatting right in the app.

We went over everything – weather conditions, the vibe we wanted, location options, and even outfit choices. I felt like I was planning a mini movie shoot.

I am a bit more spontaneous than most, but my biggest regret is that I didn’t plan it out more and communicate with the photographer before the photoshoot.

Day Of Your Travel Photoshoot

• Arrive early: Especially in crowded destinations – parking and navigating new places always take longer than you think.
• Hydrate and snack: Being “hangry” is not the vibe.
• Relax and have fun: This isn’t Vogue – it’s your adventure!

My Experience

The morning of the shoot, I dragged myself out of bed at 5:30 AM. Brutal? Yes. Worth it? Also yes. 

If you’re aiming for those postcard-perfect shots without 200 tourists in the background, you gotta beat the crowds. Sunrise it is!

We shared a ride to our chosen location: the dreamy Buda Castle district. Our first stop? The iconic Fisherman’s Bastion around 7 AM.

The timing was perfect – magical lighting, no people, and that early-morning stillness that feels a little bit like a fairytale.

My photographer was amazing. He knew all the hidden gems and guided us through the best photo route like a true local pro.

For about an hour and a half, we wandered, posed, laughed, and got creative. I was super nervous at first, but he helped with poses and direction the entire time, which made me feel totally at ease.

After the Travel PhotoShoot:

• Give credit: If you’re sharing online, tag your photographer! It’s good travel karma.
• Pick your favorites quickly: Many photographers deliver proofs via an online gallery. Stay on schedule by picking your selects promptly.

My Experience

After our session wrapped, we parted ways – and not even 24 hours later, he uploaded a proof gallery to an external site.

I got to choose my favorite shots, and he edited the final picks. Easy, breezy, and honestly…kind of magical.

In the end, I picked out about 85 photos that I loved! 

He spent about a week editing the photos and when he was ready he sent me to another external link where I could download the raw and web version of each picture. 

I stared at them for a while because they were…well…EPIC! 

I seriously contemplated how much it would be for a photographer to just follow me around everywhere. Too much for now? Maybe one day! 

What Should I Wear to a Travel Photoshoot?

This is probably the biggest question that I get! So, here are a few quick tips to help inspire you for your outfit during your photoshoot! 

General Outfit Ideas for a Travel Photoshoot

Outfits matter, but you don’t have to be a fashion blogger to dress the part. Here’s how to nail the look:

• Dress for the location: Flowy dresses look epic in Santorini, but maybe skip them for a windy cliffside hike.
• Think color contrast: If you’re shooting in a desert, wear something bright. In a lush jungle? Lighter tones pop better.
• Layers are gold: You can change up your look mid-shoot with a jacket, scarf, or hat.
• Comfort = confidence: If you’re hiking, squatting, or sitting on rocks, make sure your outfit lets you move.
• Avoid big logos or super trendy patterns: They can distract from the scene and look dated fast.
• Pack a tote bag with flip-flops (for walking between shots), water, and lip balm. You’ll thank me later.

Still with me? Here are some things to think about when dressing for a travel photoshoot👇

Think about where you are going to be and dress for that location

If you are going on a hike, maybe steer clear away from a heavy ballgown (unless that is your thing, and if it is…please share it with me).

Your outfit can make or break your travel photos. You want something that pops on camera but also makes sense for where you’re shooting.

And, of course, don’t forget to make it you!

dress in cultural apparel

There are so many opportunities to pay respect to the culture that you are experiencing.

If this is something that appeals to you, dressing in traditional cultural clothes makes for an eye-catching photo.

For example, check out this article about dressing in kimonos in Tokyo. 

Step out of your comfort zone

A fun and flattering photo shoot combine the beauty of the location and the beauty of you! No matter what you wear, it will be amazing!

But this is an amazing excuse to wear something that you would not normally wear, step out of your comfort zone, and take an amazing photo! 

Think about what will make you stand out in the photo

Another way of thinking about what to wear would be to think to yourself, “What outfit would complement this photo? What would make it pleasing to look at?”

For example, I knew that I was going to a very old castle structure on the banks of the Danube in Budapest.

I stepped out of my comfort zone and thought that a modern take on an outfit with a traditional corset might complement the overall tone of the photos…and I was really happy with how they turned out!

Tips for Posing and Composition for a Travel Photoshoot

Practice Poses in the Mirror First

I know, I know. Picturing yourself posing in front of the mirror is hella cringy.

Trust me and trust the process. If you don’t like the way a pose looks in the mirror, you won’t like it in a photo.

Plus, the last you want to do is waste money and energy on a photoshoot for pictures you hate.

Save yourself some money and tears. Be cringy. Pose in front of the mirror until you feel confident to do it in front of a lens.

Look at Photographer’s previous work and pick out the poses that you like

Try to recreate poses that you like! If you are not a model and have no clue how to pose for cute pictures (aka me!), then don’t panic!

What I did that really helped was, once I choose my photographer, I looked at his work.

There were certain pictures that I was drawn to and wanted something similar.

I then asked tried to keep those poses in mind and practiced a few before. If I got stuck, I knew that I could ask the photographer to help me get my desired photo. 

Look up Travel Creators and try to recreate their poses with Your Own Twist

If you want something different than what the photographer has already done, I think that there are a lot of resources that you can use to get inspiration.

My personal favorite is Pinterest. If you search for your destination there, it will give you and the photographer tons of inspiration for your perfect photos. 

Do dynamic poses; don’t just stand there

A lot of the photos that I got during my shoot were created by me just moving.

This helped make me feel more comfortable and created more interesting photos that didn’t make me look like I was standing there.

Some inspiration could include: trying to walk down a corridor while he snaps photos in action or flipping your hair/dress/outfit. 

Take this with a grain of salt and don’t move TOO much so that they cannot get the shot.

I would recommend talking with your photographer and asking what they is comfortable with and if they would mind moving slowly to get the shot. 

Communicate with the photographer and ask for help if you feel lost

Most professional photographers are very well knowledgeable about good photo composition. Such knowledge is often accompanied by the ability to pose their subject in a flattering way.

If you feel awkward or like your photos just aren’t working, I would encourage you to talk with the photographer and see what they recommend.

I would then trust their advice and let them work their magic! 

Ask to see the photos and fix what you don’t like

This tip is going to depend on what the photographer is comfortable with doing.

If they are willing, I found it very helpful to see the pictures that they had already taken on the spot to see if I could quickly fix anything there and then.

Travel Photoshoot Ideas

To get some inspiration flowing, here are some ideas to talk about with your photographer👇

Solo Travel Photography:

• Walking toward a scenic backdrop
• Close-up with a local dish or market stall
• Sitting with legs dangling from a viewpoint
• Candid “explorer” moments (maps, coffee, journal)

Couple Shots:

• Holding hands with the location in the background
• Forehead-to-forehead golden hour shot (classic, I know)
• Running or walking away from the camera
• Silhouettes at sunrise or sunset

Group Travel Photos:

• Jump shots or cheers with local drinks
• Laughing candid group moments
• Matching outfits or coordinated color themes
• Epic drone shot (if someone has one!)

Adventure Vibes:

• Hiking trails or mountaintop victory pose
• Snorkeling or underwater shots
• Bikes, surfboards, or local transport

Detail Shots:

• Close-ups of local textiles, signs, or street food
• Your hands holding a cup, flower, or trinket
• Unique doors, windows, and architectural elements
• Feet in the sand, grass, or cobblestones

What Should You Expect to Pay for a Travel Photoshoot?

This is LARGELY dependent on the country, city, and photographer.

In Budapest, where everything is generally cheaper, they ranged from $50-200. 

• I ended up paying about $95. 

Keep in mind that some photographers do an hourly rate and then charge for photo packages. They also might charge if they have to travel. 

Just going off of experience, the more professional the photographer, the more it is going to be. 

My experience was probably more cheap than going to a photography company. A company may charge for the original shoot as well as $300+ for the actual photos. 

My advice would be to start with your budget and then choose an option and photographer that fits that option.

If you are going for a cheaper option, I would try to find a friend or check out Viator.

If your budget is higher, I would check out google to try to find a photography company or individual photographer.

Travel Photoshoot Etiquette

You’re creating beautiful memories – but make sure your camera doesn’t become a cultural faux pas.

Be Respectful

• Ask for permission: Especially in markets or when photographing locals.
• Don’t block pathways or entrances: Be quick and courteous in public spaces.
• Use silent mode when appropriate: Some locations (temples, churches) require discretion.

Leave No Trace

• Stick to paths: That dream shot isn’t worth trampling fragile ecosystems.
• Don’t climb or hang from ruins/monuments: Common sense goes a long way.
• Take out what you bring in: Trash, props, snacks – yes, even glitter.

Be Culturally Aware

• Dress appropriately at sacred sites
• Respect photo restrictions (like no cameras indoors)
• Don’t treat people as props: Engaging authentically is key.

This Photoshoot vs My Favorite Travel Photoshoot

As you might know, I quit medical school to be a mermaid adventure travel blogger!

Since this photoshoot, I have gone on several professional travel photoshoots around the world!

I just want to share that this photoshoot by Royal Caribbean has been my favorite so far…

Final Shot: Is a Professional Photoshoot Worth It?

At the end of the day, paying for a professional travel photoshoot isn’t just about getting a few pretty pics for the ’gram (though, let’s be honest, that is a solid perk).

It’s about capturing a moment in your life that you’ll never get back – a trip, a feeling, or a vibe that deserves to be frozen in time flawlessly.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with your partner, or in a group, hiring a photographer gives you the freedom to be fully present while someone else takes care of the lighting, angles, and making you look like the absolute rockstar you are.

So do your research, pick someone whose style lights you up, dress the part, and go for it.

You’re not just investing in photos – you’re investing in memories that actually do your adventure justice.

Because let’s face it: your epic bucket list moments deserve better than blurry selfies and awkward tripod timers.

📸 Now go strike that pose – you’ve got stories to tell and photos to prove it.

More Luxury for your Bucket LIst