8 Photography Tips for Tour Operators
A good photo helps a person be able to relive a memory, in fact it is a souvenir these days. As a tour operator, being able to capture a good photo will help you with creating content for you digital marketing, as well as provide something for your guests! Here are our 8 photography tips for tour operators, tourism businesses, and attractions.
1. Know the Place & Photo Opportunities
As a tour guide, it is your responsibility to know the place you are bringing your guests to. Know the heritage, culture, and to make things better – the best photo ops! Your guests will appreciate you knowing where to take them for the best photo, as well as taking the time to make sure they get a quality photograph.
2. Understand your device
A good photographer understands how to use its device, whether that is an iPhone, or a DSLR camera. If you're using a DSLR camera, it helps to have an understanding of the camera basics (exposure, shutter speed, aperture, etc). However, with technology these days the Auto function can get you some decent photos! If you're using a phone, sepdn some time testing out it's different camera functions.
3. Standing Still & Lighting
You want your guests to have a decent photo, so when you go to take their picture keep two things in mind – stand still and ensure good lighting. If your device has an auto function, it will compensate for the lighting as long as it's not too dark. Also, it seems obvious – but try not to move when taking a photo. Turn yourself into a human tripod, point the camera, make sure everyone is in focus, and click the button!
4. Patience Is Key
You won't get a perfect photo every time, even the worlds best professional photographers know this! Patience is key, especially as a tour guide. Sometimes it may take multiple shots to get the right one, and that's ok. Also, if your tours take guests to a famous location (for example the the Las Vegas Welcome sign) be patient with the crowd, everyone is there for their photo op!
5. Edit the Photos
Editing your photos gives it an extra wow factor. We're not saying you need to Photoshop people out of backgrounds, but adjusting the lighting or throwing a quick filter/preset on will make a huge difference! If you edit your photos the same way each time, this also helps with building your brand and its look.
6. Use Natural Lighting When Possible
Natural lighting is your best friend. As a tour operator or attraction, you can't always be dealing with flashes, soft boxes, and even more gear. A soft natural light is key when it comes to taking a quick, but good quality photo. Try to make sure there are not any harsh shadows on your guests faces when you're taking their photo, and if there is try to find a better spot or angle.
7. Frame It Right
When taking a photo of your guests, make sure to frame the photo right. Don't stand too far back to where you can barely distinguish your guests, and don't be up in their faces either. Try to aim for having at least the upper half of their bodies, with the attraction or tour site behind them in the shot.
8. Keep it Horizontal
For most purposes, hold your camera horizontally. The photos tend to look better, and will work more for a variety of platforms such as Instagram and your website. Plus, it helps capture your guests and the surrounding area that you've taken them to see.
Having good quality photos of your tours or attraction, plus photos of your guests will ensure that you have tons of content! Not only that, but your guests will appreciate the effort, and it helps encourage them to tag your business in their social posts. At AAMP Agency | Adventure & Activity Marketing Pros, we can help your tourism business or attraction with capturing high-quality photos. If you have any questions or would like us to snap some photos for you, contact us today!