As a blogger or influencer, planning a vacation can be stressful. You want to make the most of the trip and capitalize on content opportunities while you’re there! I’ve put together some tips and tricks that have helped me get the perfect shot and balance my blog while on vacation.
Pack smart
Plan your outfits, but also leave some room for exploration. Think of ways you can reuse, rewear and reconfigure. Add a different pair of shoes or jacket with the same basics underneath to maximize your wardrobe. Staples + a few statement pieces should do the trick.
Link everything on LIKEtoKNOW.it ahead of time
Prep for easy posting – whether that be on Instagram feed, stories or blog post – by linking everything you packed on LIKEtoKNOW.it. Categorize everything into a trip folder so it’s easy to locate and easy to link! All this prep will save on precious trip time and keep you agile on the posting front.
Research photo locations
Google best photo locations and keep a note in your phone. Do your best to make sure these locations line up with actual activities on your travel list. First and foremost, you should be a tourist! Whatever you do, don’t focus too much on photo opportunities. Make sure to open yourself up to authentic, undisturbed experience… with a few fantastic photo opps on the side!
Get inspired on Instagram
A week or two before your trip, start researching hashtags on Instagram. Search hashtags like #sanfranciscoblogger or #lasvegashotography or #denverphotographer and make sure to follow the hashtags that interest you! Leading up to your trip, your feed will be sprinkled with content ideas and inspirational creators. For bonus points, interact with those posts! This will set you up for success and some connections when you post your shots later on.
Browse other bloggers in the area using hashtags on Instagram. Get inspired by poses, locations, shot angles, outfit combinations, etc. Save inspirational images to your saved images for quick inspo on the spot. Name it something trip related so it’s easy to access. Oh, and don’t be afraid to save your own photos if you want to remember a certain pose or angle!
Bring a tripod
Sometimes you can’t get the right shot. Rather than asking your travel companions over and over again, sometimes it’s better to just run off with your tripod and do it yourself. Obviously, it’s important to read the situation. Use your best judgement to keep the positive vibes going and not detract from the experience.
Pick “the shot” you can’t live without
You’re going to have to make some sacrifices. It’s important to prioritize to avoid disappointment. Remember, the point of the trip is NOT to take photos! It’s to live in the moment and experience life to its fullest! I’ve found it helpful to pick “the shot” you can’t live without. The quintessential travel photo in your ideal location. The one photo opportunity all your friends will understand and help you achieve. “The shot” will usually line up with an activity or location you’re already visiting, but it could also require a special trip. Once you’ve got “the shot,” you can sit back, relax and know you’ve done your blogger duties. It’s important to know exactly which photo(s) make up the sundae and which photos are the cherry on top!
Meet up with a photographer in the area
This step can be a little awkward and totally outside most people’s comfort zones… that’s okay!! Obviously use caution when it comes to meeting up with strangers. Use your best judgement, do your research, meet and shoot in a public location, and make sure your travel companions know exactly where you are and who you’re meeting. It’s best if you bring a friend along! Also, bringing friends could present a great opportunity to get a professional photo taken of your group! Make sure to let your photographer know if you’d like a photo with other people, as that could affect pricing.
The first time I met up with a random photographer was on my girls’ trip to Vegas. I DM’ed a bunch of photographers on Instagram, but one stood out to me. I messaged Cassie Arthur (of the iris image) and she was so sweet, plus she had such an affordable rate for bloggers, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. I loved her editing style and had this feeling in my gut she was a safe bet.
That’s how I got these gorgeous photos! I have no regrets – it was a fantastic and fun experience, and I’d highly recommend trying it!
*photos by the iris image
When looking for potential photographers, be realistic. The partnership should be mutually beneficial for both parties! Find someone with a similar following where exposure would benefit both parties.
Here’s a template message to send to photographers:
Hey there! I came across your feed and I’m digging your shots! Do you ever collab with bloggers? I’ll be in Las Vegas [dates] and am looking for a photographer who’d be down to shoot with me. Let me know!
Don’t stress and live in the moment
I can’t emphasize this enough! Blogging is only as fun as the experiences! Snap as many pics as you like, but remember to enjoy the moment as it comes. You only get to live it once!
