Smile Tour Guide - Your client is photo crazy

Photography and travel go hand in hand. Landscape, portrait, architecture, animals and plants… there are so many things to be shot on the tour. Some people do not take photos at all, but most travelers do. People tend to take more photos when visiting a new place/city. They are not necessarily photographers, but photo–lovers in various ways. As a frequent visitor, tour guides can assist photo-lovers with greater production.

Identify what type of photo-lover your client is and treat differently. Is she a typical tourist, taking photos of all famous scenic spots? Then a tour guide shall introduce the best-known spots, where he can find a nicer angel or a better view. For instance, in Baryon Temple of Siem Reap, Cambodian tour guides usually tell an interesting place where tourists can take a photo of “kissing the Buddha”. If the tourist wants to take things with their own observation, leave some free time at each stop. Let he explore by himself. If you are guiding an expert photographer, you probably leave them more space to shot what they want.

Do mind the tour arrangement though. Some photo-lovers may be so absorbed in one place that they forget the following schedules. A tour guide shall take care of the time. Kindly remind your clients of the original plan. If they would like to make changes, agree with the practical adjustment. But if such photo-lover is in a group with other travelers, you shall remind them of the time and carry on with the next destination.

Do remind your clients of no-photography moments. Some museums and art galleries forbid photo-taking. In some regions, local people are strongly against being captured in the photo. In activities like whitewater rafting, it is not safe to take pictures and may cause damage to the camera.

Let your client be creative. Do not try to be a master who knows where all good pictures are. A tour guide can know every corner of the city, but photo-taking is somewhat personal. You can’t dominate traveler’s perspective. Moreover, there are moving pictures and unpredictable moments. So suggest, but do not manipulate. Let your clients enjoy their own photos of the tour. Happy Exploring!