Going on a vacation? Book a photoshoot!
The most unforgettable souvenir to bring home from your travels in Asia is a photo experience. The photo tourism industry has been booming over the last year with professional photographers being fully booked months in advance. A major contributor leading to the increased popularity are tourists sharing their shoot experiences on TikTok.
The experiences range from just showing up and a photographer doing street style photoshoots by a popular landmark, to a photo studio that includes a magazine worthy production by including hair, makeup and costume with a photographer coordinating every pose.
Not only are the photoshoots a great souvenir to look back on, they take away the headache of getting the perfect shot of yourself especially if you are a solo traveler. I personally have booked one of these experiences during a recent solo trip to Japan and could not recommend it more.
Here are four photo experiences that you can book on your next trip.
- PPGAL Club Tokyo, Japan
Ppgal club is a photo studio created by @pp_p_pumpkin on Instagram that specializes in gyaru makeovers and street shoots. Gyaru, which translates to “gal,” is a Japanese subculture dating back to the 1990’s characterized by bleached hair, tanned or fake tanned skin, flashy nails, and heavy makeup.
Participants can opt for either a gyaru makeover to a makeover and a 60 minute fisheye photoshoot on the streets of Shibuya.
You can book this experience via dm on instagram @PPGAL_club
2. Studio Esperanto Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan
Studio Esperanto is a full service photo studio entering their 12th year of operation. While booking, you have the options of an array of shoot styles. You can do a traditional kimono shoot, a shoot very popular for tourists visiting Japan, or you can opt for an array of more daring shoots like a cyberpunk makeover. The set design of the shoot options transport you into another world.
After check in, you’re guided into the hair and makeup studio. A professional makeup artist transforms you with the options of choosing how unrecognizable you want to be in the shoot.
You are then guided into the changing room where they help dress you into the costume of your choice and walked up to the photo studio. Every studio set is a fully imagined fantasy world of its own. And no need to worry about posing because the photographer sets you up for the perfect pose during the whole shoot.
You can book this experience on www.studioesperanto.com
3. Motorbike Video Shoot Chongqing, China
The motorbike video shoot in Chongqing, China has surged in popularity over the past few months with people rushing to recreate the cinematic viral TikToks. The videos have a similar script: you and the mysterious helmeted driver slowly strut towards the camera. The video cuts to slow-mo shot of him rushing across the screen and sweeping you off your feet. You are then behind him on the motorbike zooming down a highway. The experience is fully customizable with the choice of motorcycle, driver and cinematic action.
You can book this experience on https://hughchongqing.com/motorbike-videography/
4. Hanging Realm Chongqing, China
For an experience that looks more dangerous than it really is, try the Hanging Realm photoshoot in Chogqing, China. Clients hang off a skyscraper with glowing glasses with a cyberpunk city background.
You can book this experience on https://hughchongqing.com/photography-videography/hanging-realm/
