Airbnb for Photoshoots?
Credit: Nina Meeger
Everyone loves travel photos. Taking them, seeing the ones your friends and family took on their vacation, whatever it may be - travel photos bring me so much joy. If you’ve seen my Instagram, however, you’d see that I’m not in all that many of the photos I post.
If you travel solo a lot as I do, it can be difficult to get photos of yourself wherever you’re visiting. Bringing a tripod and remote shutter to take your own photos is stressful, even before you get to the worry of someone swiping your camera on a busy street. I’ve gone down a couple of different routes for getting travel photos: finding photographers on Instagram and booking directly, asking strangers, and googling professional photographers to hire. But with the emergence of Airbnb experiences, there’s yet another way to make those travel Instagram dreams come true.
There are many photographers across the world that have started using Airbnb experiences as a way to get more business, and it’s a great avenue for photo-seeking travelers. Just like regular Airbnb listings, experiences have information on the host, a description of what is included (i.e. is it a photo walk with a small group or a private photoshoot, etc), and reviews from other travelers who have booked that experience.
Photo credit (Left to Right): Florencia Jadia, Karolina Kopeć, L & L Photography
I’ve done multiple kinds of Airbnb experiences, from walking tours to a luxury canal cruise in Amsterdam (linked here), lunch on a London riverboat (post linked here), and a number of different photoshoots. In fact, all the photos on this post are from Airbnb photoshoots!
Credit: Karolina Kopeć
Of course, photographers vary in shooting and editing styles, and there is a range of experience levels out there, so you want to be aware of that and set appropriate expectations. I’ve found that it’s a great way to see a new city and get photos at the same time, but it’s also a great way to see a city you’ve been to before in a NEW way and get some recommendations for activities and whatnot from someone who lives there.
One thing to note: Airbnb takes a huge chunk of the fee from photographers (and other hosts). If you can, after you find a photographer you want to work with, consider booking directly with them.
If you’re traveling alone or maybe your travel buddies aren’t into photography, definitely consider using Airbnb to connect with a local photographer!
As always, stay safe, wash your hands, and stay hydrated! It’s hot out there.