My Recommendation for Vacation Photographers: Flytographer (Review)

We receive a lot of inquiries from clients about vacation photographers in San Diego and other destinations that we book. I highly recommend Flytographer. I’ve booked one twice myself, once in Hong Kong and once here at home in La Jolla. Their network covers more than 350 cities, and the whole thing is a low-lift experience that doesn’t carve much time out of a vacation.

Flytographer photographers shoot families, couples, and solo travelers, and they’re especially good at marking an occasion: anniversaries, honeymoons, engagements, pre-wedding sessions, and proposals. The style is candid and shot in natural light, though if you’d rather strike a pose or two, they’re all for it.

If you can set aside 30 minutes, it may be the best souvenir you bring home. Here’s how both of my sessions went, how the service works, how to book, and what a Flytographer photo shoot costs right now.

My Flytographer Experience

Hong Kong

First, there is no selfie stick in the world that could take a photo like this. And, I’m in a phase of my life where I don’t need or want “things” anymore. It’s memories that I seek.

I figured there was no better place to capture memories, thanks to Flytographer, then at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong since it’s much more than just a luxury hotel to us. This Four Seasons was our home for four years and my daughter’s first home. I don’t have very many family pictures here that are outside of our hotel apartment.

I have to say that we’re not an easy family to photograph (my husband was not on this trip with us). Someone is always fidgeting or uncooperative. My daughter is incredibly camera-shy and shy, in general, so I usually spend my time in front of the camera, desperately trying to bring out her smile, which can wind up looking awkward in photos.

She was already uneasy about the whole idea, and it nearly came apart over what to wear. I had opinions. She wanted the hat that had taken on a wild color bleed after an upended water bucket in Kota Kinabalu. She wore the hat, she was visibly more comfortable for it, and I’ve stopped fighting those battles since.

With the help of our local Flytographer, Keith, and a comfortable location for her, it turned out that she was more-or-less fine. Her smiles took a lot less effort on my part. I give his cool demeanor credit for that. The same held for me. I was running on very little sleep after a late night out with friends, and you would never know it from the photos.

Would we book again? Totally. I think the photos speak for themselves, but let me tell you this. I carried a DSLR and three lenses, a GoPro, my iPhone, and a point-and-shoot on this vacation. I was so tired of juggling equipment, and it was so nice to have someone else take the pictures for once.

Don’t always be the one behind the camera! And, if you’re ever in Hong Kong, here is Keith’s Flytographer info. He’s really great with kids and easy to work with.

La Jolla

To get a feel for how Flytographer works close to home, even though I wasn’t technically on vacation, I opted to have my second shoot near the Scripps Pier. La Jolla is one of the most popular places for vacation photography anyway, and I wanted to see the experience through a client’s eyes, not just recommend it secondhand.

How Flytographer Works

My traveling friends have been raving about Flytographer for some time. It is a service through which you can book an on-location, professional vacation photographer for 30 minutes to 2 hours to document your holiday in one or two locations. Flytographers are located worldwide in more than 350 cities, including San Diego.

• Session lengths run 30 minutes to 2 hours, in one or two locations
• You choose your photographer from portfolios in your destination
• Book a week or more ahead, ideally closer to four weeks if your dates are flexible
• Photos arrive as an online gallery within five business days

A Flytographer shoot is a low-stress experience. You’ll be surprised by how many fantastic shots can come out of a 30-minute session, though it’s possible to book a longer shoot if you want more locations or a bigger group.

You’ll work with your shoot concierge on location, vision, and any other essential details once you’ve picked your photographer.

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There won’t be a ton of posing, which is handy for fidgety kids or those who simply aren’t comfortable in front of a camera. The photos are lifestyle in nature… you, your family, significant other or friends doing what you do best from walking on the beach to cracking jokes. The Flytographer discreetly snaps photos along the way while providing a little direction here and there when needed.

In fact, if you like this candid style of photography, why not hire a Flytographer to capture special moments in your own city? Talk about an awesome Christmas card photo.

How to Book a Flytographer

Booking is straightforward and happens entirely online. Browse photographer portfolios for your destination, pick the one whose style you like, and submit your shoot request with your dates and preferred location. You’ll then work directly with your photographer, or a shoot concierge, to lock in the time, place, and any details worth flagging in advance, like specific shots you don’t want to miss.

• Book at the start of your trip, not the end. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, you’ll still have time to reschedule.
• Aim for early morning or the last hour or two before sunset. That’s when the light is best.
• Put some thought into location, then bounce your ideas off your photographer. They live there, they know where the light works, and they’ll tell you if a spot won’t photograph well.
• If you want to shoot inside a hotel or on private property, make sure it’s allowed first.
• Don’t stress about wardrobe, hair, or makeup. Wear what’s already in your suitcase and what you’re comfortable in. When you’re comfortable, it shows in your smile.
• Relax and have a good time. The less staged you are, the better these turn out.
• Ask your photographer for local tips. They usually know where to eat and what’s worth your time nearby.

What a Flytographer Shoot Costs

Pricing below is current as of this writing, pulled directly from Flytographer’s own booking page, but rates are set by Flytographer and are subject to change, so confirm the current price when you book.

• 30 minutes: $325 USD, 20 edited photos, up to 6 people
• 60 minutes: $425 USD, 35 edited photos, up to 10 people
• 90 minutes: $590 USD, 50 edited photos, up to 15 people
• 2 hours: $715 USD, 65 edited photos, up to 16+ people

Proposal-specific sessions run separately, roughly $425 to $815 USD depending on length, since they often involve more coordination with venues or accomplices. Every tier includes online gallery delivery within five business days.

Popular San Diego Photo Shoot Locations

People ask me about this constantly since I live here, so here’s the local rundown. San Diego is full of scenic locations for photoshoots, and the odds are that one or more are within walking distance of your hotel or at places you plan to visit anyway.

La Jolla

Scripps Pier

Scripps Pier is one of the most Instagrammed spots in all of San Diego. Many local families take professional photos here at golden hour. It’s within walking distance of La Jolla Shores Hotel and the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club.

Ellen Browning Scripps Park/La Jolla Cove

This is an excellent location for those staying at the Grande Colonial, La Valencia and other hotels in La Jolla Village. You can step on to the beach or take photos in the park on the grassy area near the famous wind-blown trees and in the green huts that line the boardwalk.

Windansea Beach

Windansea Beach is (usually) a quieter, locals beach famous for surfing. It’s a good choice as it’s not quite as busy. It’s within walking distance of vacation rentals and The Shoal.

See also: Where to take Photos in La Jolla

Coronado

The best place to take photos in Coronado is right in front of the Hotel Del Coronado. In addition to the gorgeous beach, the hotel’s iconic red roof serves as a scenic background. And, there is a small seawall that people commonly take photos on or near.

Alternatively, choose Coronado’s Centennial Park for photos that can include the downtown skyline.

Balboa Park

There are almost too many spots in Balboa Park to list. The Park’s Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and other newer buildings, multiple gardens and more provide excellent backdrops. Schedule this one for the morning before the museums open to avoid crowds (with the bonus of securing an excellent parking spot).

Ocean Beach

Sunset Cliffs Park is an incredibly popular choice for photos as is on the beach near the Ocean Beach Pier. There are a handful of motels and inns in this part of town in addition to vacation rentals.

Downtown San Diego

Guests of downtown San Diego hotels also have a variety of shoot locations to choose from that include the Gaslamp Quarter, Waterfront Park, the Embarcadero with ships and the bay as a backdrop, Seaport Village and more.

Carlsbad

If you’ve chosen one of our lovely Carlsbad hotels near LEGOLAND or the beach (such as Omni La Costa, Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara or Park Hyatt Aviara) there are a number of nearby picturesque locations.

The adobe buildings and succulents of the historic Leo Carillo Ranch are popular with locals and, of course, any beach in the area. If your visit coincides with spring when the Carlsbad Flower Fields are open, I’d highly suggest you consider this stunning location for a scene full of ranunculus flowers set against the ocean.

More Samples of Flytographer Shoots Worldwide