Finding a local snap photographer when you travel: Seoul, Tokyo and Hong Kong
- Search for photographers by the city you'll shoot in, not the country you live in.
- Book the shoot early in your trip so you can reshoot later in the trip if it rains.
- Confirm the currency, how to pay the deposit and how you'll receive the photos in writing when you first inquire.
A Japanese couple visiting Seoul wants Korean-style wedding snaps; a Korean couple wants anniversary photos in Tokyo. Someone living in Hong Kong looks for a photographer for couple snaps right there. Travel snaps differ from shoots at home in three ways: client and photographer speak different languages, the schedule is short and you can't choose the weather.
How to find a photographer
- Start with the city — Look for photographers who can shoot in that city, not photographers from your own country. Both locals and photographers staying in the city during your dates are candidates.
- Language — If you don't share a language, decide whether to use a translation app or English. What matters is whether short directions during the shoot (‘a little to the left’, ‘look at each other’) get through.
- Photos from that city — Even a good photographer may pick locations less well in a city they don't know. Ask to see a set shot in that city.
- Reading the portfolio — The criteria are the same as at home. See finding the right snap photographer.
Scheduling
- Early in the trip — Book the first or second day and you can move to a later day if it rains. Avoid the last day.
- Time of day — Tourist spots are quietest early in the morning. Factor in sunset time and travel from your accommodation.
- Use local time — Write dates and times in the shoot location's local time in your messages to avoid confusion.
- Outfits — Choose clothes that don't crease easily and ask whether there's somewhere to change. If you're renting a hanbok or kimono, build the return time into the plan.
Payment and delivery
| Check | Sample question |
|---|---|
| Currency | Which currency is the price in? Which date's exchange rate do you use? |
| Deposit | How much is the deposit and how do I send it? Do you accept overseas cards or international transfers? |
| Balance | Is the balance paid in cash on the day, or transferred in advance? |
| Cancellation and postponement | Can we change the date if it rains? What happens to the deposit if my trip is cancelled? |
| Delivery | Will I receive the photos by link? Can I still get them after I go home? For how many days can I download them? |
If the photographer is visiting from another country
Sometimes the photographer is the one visiting: ‘I'm in Tokyo for two weeks.’ Many countries restrict foreigners staying as tourists from working for pay. In Japan, for example, the Temporary Visitor status does not allow paid activities. Checking which status they shoot under is the photographer's job, but it's reasonable to ask once before you book.
Indoor places for rainy days
Photographers often arrange an indoor backup for rain, but sometimes you'll need to find one yourself. ROKE is starting with shoot locations in Seoul and is gathering places in Tokyo, Osaka and other cities. How to book a Korean place from abroad is covered in booking a Korean studio from abroad. For spots by city, see snap shoot spots in Japan and snap shoot spots in Hong Kong and Hawaii.
Put ‘city, local date and time, number of people, language, and budget with currency’ in your first message and the photographer can tell you right away whether they're available.
General points for snap shoots abroad, put together by the ROKE editorial team. The Japanese residence status information is based on descriptions of the ‘Temporary Visitor’ status in Japan's immigration system. For individual cases, check with the relevant immigration authority or a professional.
