Photoshoots

Who this page is for

For tourists, couples and families who want real photos to remember their trip by, not just selfies.

And for companies, bloggers and foreigners living here who need a portrait, content or event coverage.

What we do

We choose a photographer whose style matches your taste, and plan the location, the hour and getting around.

The photographer tells you their own rate and you settle with them directly. Our fee for helping is separate and is given to you before booking.

Why a professional photographer

Phone photos always miss one person - the one taking them.

A professional knows where you should stand, how to hold your hands and when to laugh so that it looks natural.

Two hours often produce the photos that end up framed on the wall at home.

Choosing a style

Some photographers create beautiful, planned poses; others catch movement and laughter as if they were never there.

Colour differs too: some love a bright, airy tone, others a rich, cinematic one.

We suggest three or four photographers and you choose whose pictures speak to you most.

Checking the work

We ask a photographer not only for their best shots but for the full result of a single session.

That shows what the ordinary photos look like, not just the top ten.

We also check whether they have experience with children, older people or business shoots.

Language

To feel at ease in front of the camera, you need to understand the photographer's directions.

Many photographers speak English or Russian, and some Turkish or other languages.

If there is no shared language, we send an interpreter or our coordinator.

How long it lasts

A mini-session is about an hour and takes place in one location.

A two-hour session fits two or three places and a change of clothes.

A full day makes sense when the shoot covers a tour or several towns.

Daylight

After sunrise and before sunset the light is soft and flattering.

At midday shadows are harsh, so at that time we choose shaded streets, courtyards or indoor spaces.

We set the exact hour with the photographer according to the season and location.

Early in the morning

The popular spots in Old Tbilisi are already crowded by ten o'clock.

At seven or eight in the morning the streets are almost empty, and only you are in the frame.

Getting up early is worth it, and breakfast after the shoot is the best reward.

Old Tbilisi

The domes of Abanotubani, carved wooden balconies and narrow lanes are a favourite backdrop for photographers.

In Sololaki the old entrance halls with painted ceilings and wooden staircases are a world of their own.

People live in these buildings, so we shoot there quietly and briefly, respecting the residents.

Modern Tbilisi

The Bridge of Peace, Rike Park and new architecture show another side of the city.

The courtyard of the former Fabrika, with its painted walls, is good for young, colourful shots.

Combining the old and new city in one session creates a varied gallery.

Mtskheta

The old capital is half an hour from Tbilisi, and its streets and churches make a lovely backdrop.

From Jvari Monastery you see the confluence of two rivers, which gives a panoramic shot.

When shooting around the churches we respect the dress rules.

Kazbegi

Gergeti Trinity Church against Mount Kazbek is one of Georgia's most famous views.

Mountain weather changes quickly, so we prepare warm clothes and a flexible plan.

A photoshoot in Kazbegi is often combined with a day tour.

Kakheti

Vineyards, the walls of Sighnaghi and the view over the Alazani Valley give warm, earthy colours.

In harvest season, bunches of grapes and the picking itself add a living story to the frame.

Shooting inside a wine cellar needs the host's permission, which we ask for in advance.

Svaneti

Svan towers against snowy peaks take you back to another age.

Ushguli and Mestia give quite different pictures in summer and in winter.

In Svaneti we choose a local photographer so no one has to make the long trip from Tbilisi.

Batumi and the sea

The boulevard, sunsets over the sea and modern buildings give a Batumi session its own character.

The Botanical Garden and green hills nearby offer a tropical backdrop.

In summer the seafront is crowded, so we choose the morning or late evening.

Semi-desert and monasteries

Around David Gareji, the coloured hills of the semi-desert show a completely different Georgia.

The site is a monastery complex close to the border, so we check the rules and the situation in advance.

In spring the hills are green, while summer is very hot, and we take this into account when planning.

A winter photoshoot

Gudauri, Bakuriani and Kazbegi give a clean white backdrop in winter.

In the cold a session is short, and we plan a warm place nearby.

Warm-coloured clothing stands out especially well against the snow.

Seasonal colours

In spring almond and cherry blossom paints towns and villages pink.

In autumn vineyards and forests turn yellow and red, especially in October.

We often choose the date of a photoshoot for exactly these colours.

A couple photoshoot

On an anniversary, a honeymoon or simply a trip, photos of the two of you are especially precious.

A good photographer lets the couple walk and talk, and shoots while they do.

That way the photos come out less posed and more genuine.

A proposal

A hidden photographer captures the moment of the proposal, and a short photoshoot can follow.

We agree the place and the exact moment in advance so nothing is missed.

We also write about arranging a proposal on the birthdays page.

A family photoshoot

At a family session the main thing is that everyone feels comfortable, especially the children.

The photographer uses play and walking to draw out natural emotion.

A photo of three generations together is often the most precious picture of the whole trip.

Children and the camera

Long shoots tire small children, so we keep a session to an hour at most.

We fit the time around the child's naps and meals.

A favourite toy or book can even make it into the frame, and it calms the child.

Travelling alone

Solo travellers almost always lack pictures of themselves, because they take every photo.

A one-hour session on a walk through the city solves this simply.

Many say they also learned a lot about the city while walking with the photographer.

A maternity photoshoot

Some couples mark a pregnancy with a trip and arrange a photoshoot too.

We plan such a session to be short and calm, in a shaded place with somewhere to sit nearby.

We choose a photographer with experience of this kind of shoot.

Older guests

For older guests we choose locations without many steps or long walks.

We plan a rest and water in the middle of the shoot.

The photographer suggests poses that need no strain.

In Georgian costume

Being photographed in a chokha or a traditional Georgian dress is a special souvenir of the trip.

We hire the costume for the photoshoot and confirm sizes in advance.

Such shots look best in the old town or against a fortress.

A business portrait

A professional portrait is needed for a website, a social profile or a conference.

In one session we shoot several styles: formal, relaxed and against the city.

A company's whole team can be photographed too, in a consistent style.

Content for social media

Bloggers and content creators need a fast pace and many different shots.

The photographer shoots vertical video and photos at the same time, for different formats.

We plan the route so that one day takes in several contrasting locations.

Brand and product

Companies often use Georgia as a backdrop for campaigns, especially clothing and travel brands.

Such a shoot needs a stylist, models and permission for the location.

We set down the terms of a commercial shoot in writing in advance, including the rights.

Event coverage

At a conference, a birthday or a supra, the photographer follows the event from start to finish.

The documentary style works best here: emotions, speeches and guests.

For a large event a few photos can be delivered quickly the same evening, for the press.

Food and wine

Restaurants, wineries and food bloggers need their dishes photographed.

In such a shoot light, tableware and the freshness of the dish are decisive.

We choose a photographer who specialises in food.

Video

Alongside photos, a short video is often the most vivid memory of a trip.

A one- or two-minute clip with music is made for the family or for social media.

A videographer is a separate specialist, and we can hire both as one team.

Drones

An aerial shot gives a fortress, a vineyard or a coastline its full scale.

In certain zones, such as near airports and state facilities, flying is banned or needs permission.

The drone operator checks whether a flight is possible, and on windy days there is no flight.

Stylist and make-up artist

Professional make-up and hair look far better on camera than everyday ones.

The make-up artist comes to your hotel, and an hour before the shoot is enough.

For business and commercial shoots we invite a stylist separately.

What to wear

Plain, calm tones blend with the background better than fine patterns and logos.

For families we suggest colours that go together but do not match exactly.

The old town is cobbled, so comfortable shoes are essential, with heels only for the shot.

Props

Flowers, balloons, fruit or a bottle of wine add a story to the frame.

We choose props with the photographer so the frame is not overloaded.

A local detail, such as churchkhela or a handmade cup, ties the photo to Georgia.

Between locations

When a session covers several places, a driver takes you and the photographer together.

For a shoot outside the city transport saves time, and changes of clothes happen in the car.

We plan the route so the best light falls on the main location.

Churches and monasteries

Shooting outside a church is usually allowed; inside it is often restricted.

Women cover their heads and wear long skirts, and men do not go in wearing shorts.

We avoid shooting during services and, where needed, ask the priest's permission.

Private property

A courtyard, cellar, café or hotel is private property, and shooting there needs consent.

Some places charge a fee for commercial shoots, which we check in advance.

We always ask for consent, even for a short shoot.

Other people in the frame

Passers-by end up in the frame in the street, and the photographer does not make them the focus.

A portrait of a local person is taken only with their consent.

We do not photograph children without their family's permission.

Weather

Rain changes plans, but sometimes it gives the most atmospheric photos.

When planning your trip we put the photoshoot on an early day so a spare day remains.

We agree the rescheduling terms with the photographer in advance.

Selection and retouching

The photographer chooses the best frames and works on colour and light.

Deep retouching, such as changing skin or figure, is a separate service and not everyone does it.

The photographer states in advance how many photos you will receive.

Delivery time

Photos usually arrive in a digital gallery within one to three weeks.

A few photos can often be sent quickly, as soon as the next day.

We write the deadline into the agreement so the wait is never open-ended.

Rights

For personal use the photos are yours: at home, in the family and on social media.

A photographer sometimes wants to show photos in their portfolio, and you decide whether to agree.

Rights for commercial use are agreed separately and change the price.

Prints and albums

Photos can be printed and an album made in Georgia too.

We can send the finished album to your country by courier.

We check print quality with a sample before placing the full order.

A photoshoot on tour

On many tours a photographer follows one day or the whole route.

That way the photos tell the story of the tour, from morning to evening.

We describe tours in a separate section.

For people living here

Families living here often take an annual family photo, especially in autumn.

A new company or business needs photos of its team and office.

In that case we recommend a reliable photographer you can go back to many times.

Safety

The edge of a cliff, the roadway or a railway line are not worth the risk for a beautiful shot.

In the mountains we choose a photographer who knows the place and will not take chances.

If a spot is dangerous, we find a safe alternative angle.

Common mistakes

Shooting at a popular spot at midday, in a crowded street.

A photoshoot on the last day of the trip, with no spare time.

New, unworn shoes on the cobbles of the old town.

Timelines

A mini-session can often be arranged in a few days.

We book a well-known photographer, a stylist and commercial shoots weeks ahead.

In the spring and autumn season the best photographers fill up quickly.

Rescheduling and cancellation

Photographers hold a date for you by turning down other work, so a late cancellation often means losing the deposit.

Rescheduling because of weather is another matter, and we often agree it at no charge.

We send you all the terms in writing before booking.

What we need from you

Who is taking part, for what purpose and where you would like to shoot.

Your travel dates and your free hours.

A few examples of photos you like, so we understand the style.

Price

The price of a photoshoot depends on the length, the location, the photographer's experience and the number of photos.

The photographer sets and receives the rate, and we add nothing to it.

Our organising fee is agreed separately, before the shoot.