How to Book a Photographer
go Beyond Selfies
How to Hire a Vacation Photographer
Capture your next trip with a custom photoshoot tailored to you.
You, Your Photographer, and Your Destination
5 easy steps for beautiful photos that capture you and your travel memories.
01
Inquire for Your Dates
Fill out a quick form check availability for your travel dates with photographers in any of our 200+ destinations.
02
Choose Your Photographer
Within 24 hours (usually much sooner!) we will let you know which photographers are available for your dates by email. Send a few last questions and then get ready to book your shoot!
03
Book Your Photoshoot
Tell us your shoot preferences, such as ‘must have’ photos and preferred time of day. At this step you’ll pay for the shoot in full, and your date is officially reserved with your photographer. The payment does not reach the photographer until you receive your photos.
04
Plan the Details & Shoot Day!
Collaborate directly with your photographer to finalize the start time and photo route. You will receive their phone number for any last minute changes.
It’s all about having FUN during your vacation photo session! Enjoy roaming the city while we capture your travel story.
05
Love Your Vacation Photos
Within 5 working days, you will get a link to your private gallery with all the best shots from your shoot. Pick your favorite photos to download and the memories are yours to treasure forever. Photos are edited for light, color, and composition and are delivered in an online gallery of high resolution JPG files.
Your travel memories deserve more than selfies and photos taken by strangers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about our products and services.
How much does a photoshoot cost?
Prices vary by city, ensuring you the best rates. Choose between 4 different photography packages that range from 30 minutes up to 2 hours. The high-resolution photos are professionally edited and delivered by email in a private online gallery within 5 business days. See pricing for your destination here.
What is a vacation photographer?
A local professional photographer who knows all the best photography spots, when the best light will be, and how to beat the crowds to capture magical moments without tons of other tourists in the background. Local Lens vacation photographers are artists that are handpicked for quality, style, & skill. Not only will they take amazing photos, but will edit them to be beautiful photo souvenirs you’ll treasure for years to come.
How will I receive my photos?
All photos are professionally edited and delivered in a private online gallery where you can download your favorite photos in high-resolution jpg format. Additional files and high-quality prints from our professional partner labs are also available for purchase. You should receive an email with your photography gallery link within five business days.
How far in advance should I book?
We’ll do our best to accommodate any last-minute bookings, but to ensure you get your preferred date, time, and photographer, we recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance.
Are there any extra fees?
There are no hidden fees when booking your shoot.
If your specific photoshoot vision requires extras such as:
props or special attire
photography permits for an exclusive location
entrance fees
travel fees for distant locations
Those fees will be paid in advance or directly to the photographer during or after the shoot. You are expected to cover any entrance fees/tickets to a location for the photographer in addition to yourself.
When is best time for light and crowds?
To avoid crowds, waking up early is worth it! We also love to shoot during ‘Golden Hour’, the first or last hour of sunlight which helps produce a softer and more warm light due to the indirect sunlight that is evenly diffused. AVOID anytime between noon and 3 pm, since they tend to be the busiest and brightest times of the day. Check out our Golden Hour Calculator here.
How do I hire a proposal photographer?
Your engagement is a story that you will never tire of telling. Capture it with beautiful professional photos that you’ll look back on for years to come. Request your dates and book your favorite photographer to begin. Choose your wedding proposal spot and the engagement photographer will be hidden and ready to capture the moment, paparazzi-style. Afterward, the proposal photographer will introduce themselves and you both can enjoy a fun engagement photoshoot to capture the post-engagement glow. These photos will be perfect for your official engagement announcement, wedding website, save-the-date cards, and wedding invitations!
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How many people can join the photoshoot?
All of our photography packages are time-based. 1 hour is usually perfect for a small family photographer session, but if you plan on having 6 or more people we normally recommend at least 90 minutes. However, the size of your party is ultimately up to you!
What if I need to cancel?
If you cancel more than 14 days before your shoot date, we will honor a 100% refund minus the 3% payment processor fee.
If you cancel 14 days or less before your shoot we will honor a 90% refund.
If you cancel 7 days or less before the shoot, we will honor a 75% refund
If you cancel 3 days or less before the shoot, we will honor a 50% refund
If you cancel 1 day or less before the shoot, or do not show up to a shoot, there is no refund.
We will attempt to accommodate any rescheduling requests free of charge, but we cannot guarantee we will be able to do so. Last-minute changes are also not guaranteed. Shoot time missed due to late arrivals may be forfeited, and the number of photos delivered can be adjusted to reflect the actual time spent together.
Same-day shoots are not guaranteed. If you book a shoot and then immediately cancel a shoot all within 24 hours, we will refund 50%.
All sales are final and there is no refund for canceled shoots within 24 hours of the shoot or ‘no-shows’.
In the case of bad weather, exploring the city under the rain can be very exciting, and it will make for great photos (trust us!). If the weather conditions are treacherous or dangerous, you can coordinate with your photographer to re-schedule or we will issue a full refund at our discretion.
What about transportation during the shoot?
You are responsible for your transportation to the shoot location. Transportaiton between shoot spots will cut into shoot time, so we recommend walkable shoot routes. Some transportation options can be great for photos – trolleys in Lisbon, subway in New York, and a tuk tuk in Bangkok are just a few examples!