Let me say that I’ve always had an appreciation for models. This grew even more so after I had the opportunity to do some amazingly beautiful photoshoots of my own. Some of the most beautiful photos captured meant awkward poses, battling Mother Nature, and whatever ad-hoc curve balls one could think of. I mentioned some of this during my travels in Ireland and Tanzania. I’ll walk you through some of the vastly different experiences. 

My first photoshoot experience abroad was in Johannesburg. I was looking at experiences on Airbnb and came across this. The pictures looked great, so I figured why not. I reached out to Tyler prior to arrival and she answered all of my questions as well as provided the information for the day of the shoot. She was an absolute gem. Despite running behind schedule due to traffic, Tyler’s patience and professionalism ensured that my photoshoot still turned out fantastic. I was overly enthused when I saw my picture on my booking link. She even included my photo in the list! As excited as I was, I didn’t quit my day job. 

By far, the most difficult photoshoot was underwater in Aruba. And no, there wasn’t any gear used.. I learned how difficult it is to pose underwater and that I can hold my breath much longer than I thought. I communicated my ideas with Jiten beforehand. Based on our discussion, it was great that he chose a private pool for the shoot. Despite the initial challenges, Jiten’s talent and expertise resulted in stunning photos that I was ecstatic with. It’s always amazing when a challenging experience yields such fantastic results!

While in Hawaii, I was aiming for a different look. Neon and I collaborated about my outfit, ideas, and the best place on the island to shoot. His lively and fun personality probably made the entire experience feel like you were a contestant on America’s Next Top Model! Despite the inevitable mishaps like tripping over my skirt and getting sand in my eyes, Neon’s talent and skill allowed him to capture the beauty of the island in just one hour. It’s amazing how a skilled photographer can turn even the quirkiest moments into stunning photographs!

My cousin sent me photos of the clear kayak experience in Turks and Caicos. Of course, I went a few weeks later and had to make this a part of my itinerary. I thought this would be short and sweet, but that wasn’t the case. First off, the staff were rockstars. It consisted of three guys…two who helped maneuver the kayak and the photographer. I slipped several times getting in and out of the kayak as well as changing positions. I wore sunglasses because the sun was beaming and completely unavoidable. The photographer gave me direction throughout the shoot, helping to diversify the pictures. In the end, the team advised me to choose a final look. I love to float, so I choose to do away with the kayak altogether and float in the ocean. It was great being able to add my personal touch..  

Photoshoots are truly the best of both worlds. Working with talented photographers is a fantastic experience because they have the skills and expertise to capture the true essence and authenticity of each location. Their knowledge of the area allows them to provide valuable information and historical context, enriching the entire experience. Plus, the quality of their work far surpasses what can be achieved with a smartphone camera, making each photoshoot a memorable and rewarding experience.

Tips For Photoshoots Abroad:

Reach out ahead of time. Coordinating with your photographer before the shoot is essential for getting the best results. It helps ensure that both of you are on the same page regarding the desired look and feel of the photoshoot. Additionally, your photographer can provide valuable advice on factors like location, lighting, and wardrobe choices that will enhance the overall outcome. This collaboration ensures a smoother and more successful photo session.

Planning ahead and giving yourself plenty of time to reach your destination is crucial, especially when you’re unaware of potential events like a biking marathon, protests, or traffic. By allowing extra time for unexpected delays, you can ensure that even if something unexpected occurs, you’ll still arrive at your destination on time and ready for your shoot.