My Localgrapher experience was provided as a complimentary service. All words and opinions are my own. See full disclosure statement here.
Photographs make the best travel souvenirs. They don’t break and they don’t have an expiration date. Even during a pandemic like we’re experiencing today, photographs allow us to look back at happy memories long after the trip ends. It is for this reason I make it a point to capture as many photos as possible when I travel. The only problem is, other than the awkward selfie, I usually don’t make it into the photos. I know I’m not the only one this happens to! You may have even thought, “Wouldn’t it be grand if a photographer could follow us around while we travel so we ALL can make it into the photos?” Guess what – it’s a thing and it’s called Localgrapher!
How it works
Localgrapher offers photography and videography services in more than 900 destinations around the world. Here’s how it works:
- Select a travel destination and plan a trip.
- Find the best Localgrapher (local photographer – get it?) in your travel destination.
- Discuss with your Localgrapher before your trip about the best photo spots in your destination, including any special requests.
- Travel to your destination and enjoy your personalized, private photo shoot!
Within four days of your photo shoot, you will receive your edited HD photos (two weeks for videos). They’re yours to keep forever, perfect for when you need a quick reminder of happier times.
Why Localgrapher?
The underlying premise of Localgrapher is to offer a way to capture and record our travel memories for us. Localgrapher also covers all sorts of occasions, like destination weddings, proposals, and honeymoons. Localgrapher is perfect not only for couples but also for families where mom (or dad) is the one ALWAYS taking the photos and never in any of them. Or, even for a bit of fun when traveling with friends!
Booking my photo shoot
The past year has been one of many changes for my family and me. I have not traveled nearly as much as in previous years. That was a huge adjustment for me, but it was more important for me to stay close to home and my children. I did have one big trip on the horizon, however: a return to Dublin, Ireland, in January for Temple Bar TradFest 2020. If you’ll recall, I traveled to Dublin in January 2019 for the traditional music festival and had the time of my life! So when the Temple Bar Company invited me back for the 2020 event, I didn’t even have to think twice about it.
Yes, TradFest is great fun and the music is exceptional. More than that, though, Dublin has carved out its own little space in my heart. Because of the fantastic time I had there in 2019, and because of the incredible friends I’ve made in Dublin, the city has become a very special place for me. And on this trip in 2020, I would be sharing the city with someone who is also very special to me.
One of the big changes that took place over the last year is I started a new relationship. This someone special is named Tom, and Tom would be joining me in Dublin for TradFest 2020. I was so excited to share Dublin with him! Plus, it was our first “big” trip together. It was even more meaningful for Tom as it was his first time traveling outside of the U.S. We had plenty of reason to commemorate our trip to Dublin so I booked a couple’s photo shoot with Localgrapher for us.
In the weeks prior to our departure, I worked with Localgrapher to select our photographer of the professionals available in Dublin. We chose Camila and Localgrapher put us directly in touch so Camila and I could coordinate logistics. All of our communication with Localgrapher and Camila were professional and straightforward and, in no time at all, our photo shoot was scheduled!
Our Dublin photo spots
Part of my pre-trip conversations with Camila was about where exactly in Dublin we’d like to have our photos taken. Because I’d been to Dublin before, I had some locations in mind. Camila lives in Dublin so she offered her advice as a local. She took into consideration the time of day we’d be shooting and how crowded some places might be. I had a couple of must-dos, though, and Camila was very supportive of my ideas.
I knew I wanted photos taken in Love Lane. Sounds corny, I know, but it’s a really cute alleyway in Temple Bar that has been transformed into an open-air gallery by artist Anna Doran. Using stencils and tiles engraved with quotes and song lyrics about love, Anna turned Love Lane into quite a bright spot – and an Instagram favorite.
The objective of both of my trips to Dublin was to share my experiences in Temple Bar and at TradFest. Therefore, I knew we needed to have some photos taken on the streets of Temple Bar. For those who may not know, the historic Temple Bar area is Dublin’s cultural quarter. Many original buildings have been preserved, along with the charming cobblestone streets. Historical and cultural significance aside, Temple Bar is a lovely area for photographs.
And then there is TradFest, the center of both of my trips to Dublin. It is Ireland’s largest festival of traditional music and beyond. Music, especially traditional and roots music, is another of my passions. In fact, in 2018, I launched another travel blog, Roots Music Rambler, as an outlet for me to explore roots music around the world and how it ties in with travel. Music is also significant in my relationship with Tom. We originally met at a live performance by one of our favorite singer/songwriters, Jason Isbell. Our Localgrapher photo shoot was scheduled for the anniversary of the day we met. We had to tie in the day’s significance as well as our appreciation for Jason Isbell, for it was his music that brought Tom and me together.
Lastly, Tom and I really like to drink beer. I mean, he’s from Wisconsin and I’m a self-proclaimed beer snob. Having our photos taken while enjoying a pint in an Irish pub was the right thing for us to do.
Our Localgrapher experience
Camila took our requests and ideas and worked out a plan to include all of them. She also suggested taking photos on the famed Ha’Penny Bridge and along the River Liffey. Both spots see a great deal of foot traffic, even on a blustery January day. But Camila worked diligently to capture candid photos of Tom and me with as few passersby in the shots as possible. We are more than delighted with the results.
Working with Camila was a delight. Our photo shoot involved a good deal of walking. Since it was a chilly day, I was wearing a coat but didn’t want to have it on in the photos. So, Camila tied my coat and my purse to her backpack, and held on to them while she took the photos. She really went above and beyond! Camila also made sure to work in our Jason Isbell photos, allowing us to change into concert t-shirts for a couple of shots. It meant the world to us.
All in all, our Localgrapher photo shoot was a perfect way for Tom and me to celebrate and commemorate the trip and our array of travel milestones. We will look back fondly at these photos for a long time to come.
Booking your Localgrapher shoot
As I write this, our world is in the midst of a terrifying pandemic. The future of travel is uncertain in that we WILL travel again, we just don’t know when. Now is a perfect time for us to talk with our loved ones and plan those dream trips. Consider including Localgrapher in your travel plans by purchasing a gift card now for future use and take advantage of the offer of 10% off all gift cards.
I’m so glad that you had this experience with Tom before the world came to a halt! The photos are great, not only capturing the pretty places in Dublin, but the joy that is obvious when looking at you two. And to think I almost crashed that party! I hope you’ll have another chance to travel with your man soon. I know it will involve music and a few pints, am I right? 🙂