Opinion: Organized Photography Trips
Every now and then, I also have an opinion about what I see happening in the photography world. For those of you who aren't in the know: it's a world of its own. Just as an experiment, I thought I'd post one of my many ;) opinions here.
I’ve taken part in quite a few photography trips myself. And because I’ve become very selective about which ones I choose (I only do them anymore if they offer something I can’t organize on my own), it rarely happens to me anymore, but on Instagram it really stands out to me. The big names in the world of landscape photography who take the photos for their portfolios while leading a tour. Trips for which the asking price is now shamelessly climbing higher and higher and sometimes skyrocketing (€8,500 for a week in Iceland has apparently become quite normal, because Iceland is “expensive” (but really not that expensive, mind you)), and people are actually booking them. The exclusivity of these trips (and this hobby) is a topic for another opinion piece, but that’s beside the point. Back to the heart of my argument.
I see them popping up on social media every day. The most fantastic photos—even drone shots—from the trips they offer. Not taken in their own time, before or after a trip; no, WHILE they’re guiding clients. And one thing is clear: at that moment, under the best lighting conditions—especially when they’re flying a drone, since there’s very little room for multitasking—it’s not the photos of those high-paying customers that take priority, but their own photos.
Perhaps they might counter: what’s the harm if all the participants are having a good time? I only take my own photos once I’ve made sure everything is going well for them. They might say: I want to show future clients the kinds of photos they can take home—real photos, taken during the trips themselves.
To be honest, I usually manage just fine on my own, and of course I understand the enthusiasm when conditions are perfect—I know that feeling of ecstasy all too well. But isn’t that precisely the point, and shouldn’t it be a source of pride for them that their clients go home with the most beautiful, unique photos—and not themselves? Isn’t it true that, because they’re so busy themselves, they don’t even notice when a client is struggling to find a good composition? That they aren’t making the most of those fantastic conditions because stress gets the better of them? I’ve seen it happen so often around me, and with just a little guidance, that person would have come home with a photo on their memory card that they’d only been able to dream of until then.
No, the big names want to take that photo themselves—that Instagram reel could generate a lot of reach again. Many participants even give in and let them have the best spot for the most beautiful composition, because they look up to the accompanying photographer a bit (often the reason for booking in the first place). And before you’ve even had a chance to edit your photos, theirs are already online—because they need to make an impact, fill new tour dates, and attract new clients. Often with their own photos that are far more beautiful than the images their clients brought home—and which, upon seeing them, leave clients with the feeling that there was more potential there, that they would have loved to have captured that shot themselves. And yes, I’ve experienced that feeling of disappointment myself.
I don’t think that’s right. In fact, I find it highly unprofessional, especially among photographers who charge top dollar for their expertise. I think we, as clients, should speak up about this a little more often. Photo tour leaders aren’t participants; they’re paid for their expertise—to guide, instruct, and motivate—not to drop you off at a location, give a few quick tips, and then—as if they were participants themselves—fill their own portfolios. As far as I’m concerned, they should do that in their own time. And that’s why I’m very critical of those big-name tour operators with their expensive tours who spend your money taking their own photos—and you should be, too.
I realize that the opinion above is stated quite firmly, but nothing worthwhile comes without a struggle. Hopefully, this will be a good starting point to at least think about it—or, which I’d also love to see—leave your own opinion below!