Responsible travel and photography

What is responsible travel? It is the commitment to making a positive impact on the places we visit both for the local community and fellow travellers. How does photography relate to ecotourism? Photos have the unique ability to transport us back in time and allow us to relive important memories and experiences in an incredible way. They help us remember otherwise-forgotten details, such as the exact shade of the shimmering turquoise ocean in Hawaii, the golden hues of the Italian buildings you wandered beneath on your morning strolls, or the exact smile on your daughter’s face when she saw the Eiffel Tower for the very first time. The ability to travel, to take photos anywhere and everywhere, and to experience local cultures around the world is a gift. As a travel photography company, we are asking ourselves: despite the fact that we can travel and take photos everywhere… should we? We are sharing 10 tips to travel more responsibly and reduce our environmental impact.

Mother and daughter photoshoot in Bangkok Thailand
Mother and daughter photoshoot in Bangkok Thailand

Photo: Natasha in Bangkok for Flytographer. Kaitlynn and their daughter capture memories on a trip to Bangkok with a family photoshoot.

1. Don’t do it for the ‘gram

Our job as travellers is to become students of the world. As we fall in love with each new destination we visit, we must remember that these are not just destinations for us. They are home to the locals who welcome us into their cities. 

Social media has changed the way we travel. It allows us to see the world through the eyes of millions, gather inspiration for our own future trips and reminds us that the world is smaller than ever. We can view live Instagram stories from the actual spots we want to visit, follow along with fellow travellers as they post about their own adventures, and read through beautifully written blogs for the best local tips and secret spots to add to our itineraries. 

At Flytographer, we connect travellers with local photographers who call these amazing places home, so we’ve gathered our photographers’ unique perspectives and advice on approaching travel and photography in this new landscape.

“It is a huge privilege to be in a position to travel and photograph unique destinations around the world. As photographers, it is our responsibility to increase awareness of treating our environment and subjects with respect. Working with Flytographer, I have been able to capture historic sites in Bangkok, and with that privilege comes great responsibility to bring awareness and educate visitors on how to respectfully and appropriately photograph these beautiful places.” Flytographer Natasha in Bangkok

lesbian couple photoshoot in santorini greece flytographer
lesbian couple photoshoot in santorini greece flytographer

Photo: Kimon in Santorini for Flytographer. Ayezza and their partner capture memories on a trip to Santorini with a couple photoshoot.

2. Respect private property

The stunning lavender fields of Provence enchant every visitor who wanders among the endless rows of these fragrant flowers. These fields have become the ultimate romantic backdrop for photos, and their popularity has exploded over the past few years.

“We are so lucky to have these huge fields open to anyone, and the farmers don’t charge you a dime to see this beauty. However, we have started seeing people’s negative behavior towards the fields, such as picking the flowers as if they were theirs, stepping on the flowers, and leaving the fields in critical condition. The farmers have posted signs saying ‘Please respect our work’ all over the fields.” – Flytographer Andrea in Provence

As we explore beautiful destinations across the world such as these fields, it is of the utmost importance to respect the private property that the owners have allowed visitors to enjoy. By abusing the generosity of the locals, we risk losing access to these beautiful experiences altogether. When in doubt, ask a local or choose to take photos elsewhere, even if you see other people doing so. This is an opportunity to become a leader and change-maker amongst other travellers.

family photo shoot in provence france flytographer
family photo shoot in provence france flytographer

Photo: Andrea & Cyril in Provence for Flytographer. Myrvi and their family capture memories on a trip to Provence with a family photoshoot.

3. Honour permits and legal fees

While many destinations are free to explore and photograph, it’s important to remember that not all places are. Securing the correct permits and fees ensures that the beautiful and historic places we love are cared for and will last for future generations to enjoy.

DC is probably one of the most strict cities when it comes to photography permits for shoots. That’s because most of its land is run by the National Park Service and they want to make sure these extremely important national sites are cared for and respected. As a photographer who loves her city, I believe it is paramount that travelers, and locals too, understand the importance of keeping our parks and monuments as pristine as they can be. And who are we kidding? The NPS is not swimming in cash, so I like to think of the permit fee as a donation to this institution.” – Flytographer Elisenda in Washington D.C.

While securing permits and permission for a professional photo session isn’t the most exciting task while planning a vacation, it is essential for sustaining important and historic landmarks and places that would otherwise fall into disrepair. These fees are an investment in maintaining our world history for future travellers. Don’t worry – when you book with Flytographer, we are your travel guide and make sure you have all of the necessary permits and legal fees are taken care of. 

proposal photo shoot in washington dc flytographer

Photo: Elisenda in Washington DC for Flytographer. Claire and their partner capture memories on a trip to DC with a couple photoshoot.

4. Take care of the land

From the dramatic Canadian Rockies, to the desolate icy landscape in Antarctica, to the colourful Great Barrier Reef in Australia, to the thousands of wildlife species in the Galapagos, there are so many irreplaceable natural wonders and incredible biodiversity across the globe. Visiting places like these have become bucket list items for many adventurous travellers, but getting the shots to showcase this beauty can easily become detrimental. The plants and animals that call these places home are not able to advocate for their space like humans are, so it’s more important than ever to respect the rules and regulations put in place to protect these vulnerable species.

Lake Louise in Banff Canada for Flytographer

Photo: Flytographer in Banff. Kamille and their family capture memories on a trip to Banff with a family photoshoot.

“In regards to respecting nature in the Canadian Rockies, one of the things that is strongly recommended (but hardly enforced) is sticking to the paths laid out by Parks Canada at any of the tourist spots. Moraine Lake’s Rockpile Trail constantly has people venturing off the paths trying to get the “perfect shot” where it appears the person pictured is secluded at this heavily populated lake. By going off the paths, the natural vegetation is being destroyed, and with 4.09 million (and climbing) visiting Banff National Park each year this severely affects our national park. 

At Johnston Canyon, there used to be the “Secret Cavern” that was slightly off the path and lots of people would trek down the dangerous slopes to see this natural wonder, but in 2019 Parks Canada roped off the path, as an endangered species of cave swallows were found nesting in the Secret Cavern. This is the only place in the world these birds are found so Parks Canada has now issued fines up to a max of $25,000 if you are found going off the path.”Flytographer Lyndsay in Banff

Not only could wandering off-path become dangerous for yourself and others, it could also cost you some serious cash. No photo is worth harming the environment, so remember to keep to the paths and just enjoy your time in nature!

couple photo shoot in Banff Alberta flytographer
couple photo shoot in Banff Alberta flytographer

Photo: Flytographer in Banff. Janet and their partner capture memories on a trip to Banff with a couple photoshoot.

5. Respect the culture

Travelling to new and far-off destinations is a life-changing experience for many, and immersing yourself in foreign cultures and customs allows you to have the most authentic experience possible. Be sure to spend time learning about specific customs or rules that you may not be aware of, such as being properly covered in holy places. These spots may not be the place to show off your cute-but-revealing travel outfit! 

“Temples are the heart of culture in Bali. They have become icons and landmarks for travellers, but there are a few things to consider if you want to have these temples in the background of your photos. First, you must wear a traditional sarong to enter the temples. It is a holy place. Second, the most iconic part of the temples is the front gate, so you don’t have to enter the temple to get good photos — unless you really want to enter and learn new things.”Flytographer Gusmank in Bali

Photo: Gusmank in Bali for Flytographer. Anand captures memories on a solo adventure to Bali with a modern headshot photoshoot.

6. Learn local customs

Immersing yourself in local customs also means educating yourself on whether you’re participating in cultural appropriation or cultural appreciation, and the main difference is maintaining respect for the culture. For example, it’s highly encouraged for visitors to rent and wear the traditional Korean dress, called hanbok, because it promotes appreciation for this historically and artistically significant clothing. However, altering the hanbok to fit Western trends or wearing it for Halloween, for example, would be cultural appropriation. When in doubt, ask a local for advice!

Family photo shoot in Seoul South Korea
Family photo shoot in Seoul South Korea

Photo: Allen in Seoul for Flytographer. Tasha and their family capture memories on a trip to Seoul with a family photoshoot.

7. Do your part to curb overtourism

Sometimes, the growing popularity of a place can do more harm than good. Cities that have become world-famous destinations can become over-touristed to the point where locals are pushed out of their space, and it can feel impossible to find a place for yourself to breathe.

“Taking a good ‘vacation’ picture in Barcelona can be a challenge, especially during the summer months. The most popular locations, such as the Gothic Quarter (which is very small) or Park Güell, get incredibly busy. I always recommend morning sessions for that reason, although in the summer it’s still hard. People usually want photos of famous landmarks, but the truth is that if you just move a little bit away from the tourist centre, you can get even better shots with equally beautiful surroundings. Some of the places I can recommend are the nearby beach town of Sitges or the Barceloneta district, which is equally as charming as the Gothic Quarter and way less popular with photographers!” – Flytographer Natalia in Barcelona

couple photo shoot in barcelona spain flytographer
couple photo shoot in barcelona spain flytographer

Photo: Natalia in Barcelona for Flytographer. Debbie and their family capture memories on a trip to Barcelona with a family photoshoot.

8. What is the best time to sightsee?

We recommend visiting the most popular destinations with your small group early in the morning before the crowds, or if it’s during busy times, ask a local or do research on off-the-beaten-path destinations. Our Flytographers are essentially local guides that have shared the very best places to photograph their cities away from the crowds (no one likes a photo bomber!). In fact, we recommend alternatives to “Insta-famous” photos and routes that everyone clamours for. Discovering pockets of the city that are less overrun will allow you to discover local secrets that are even more photogenic and tell the story of that destination in a more authentic way.

gay couple photo shoot in new york city flytographer

Photo: Marilyn in New York City for Flytographer. Sofiane and their partner capture memories in New York City with a couple photoshoot on the Brooklyn Bridge.

9. Try slow travel

Slow travel emphasizes the connection to local communities through people, culture, food and music. Whether you are en route to Bolivia, Thailand, or Peru – consider staying awhile if the option is available to you. The concept of slow travel is simply taking your time to gain a new perspective. Not only does your trip hold more meaning but your environmental footprint and local impact become exponentially more sustainable.

Ultimately, we believe that travelling is about education and expanding our horizons through learning about cultures different from our own, meeting local people and investing time in learning about new cultures and customs. When we use photography to promote sustainable travel practices, we’re acting as leaders in the ever-changing landscape of travel.

“Respect for others has been a core value at Flytographer since we launched seven years ago. This refers not only to how we treat our colleagues and clients but also our communities around the world. Our photographers bring insider knowledge on how to capture memories in ways that respect local landmarks, customs and people.” – Nicole Smith, Founder and CEO of Flytographer (Photographed below with her two sons)

family photo shoot for Nicole Smith in Venice Italy for Flytographer

Photo: Marta in Venice for Flytographer. Nicole Smith and her boys capture memories on a trip to Venice with a family photoshoot.

10. Sustainable travel checklist

Are you heading out on an adventure of your own and ready to capture the beauty of your travel destination? Practicing sustainable tourism doesn’t mean ditching your fancy hotel digs and living with no running water in a yurt in the desert for a week. In fact, small, actionable steps add up, like bringing a water bottle with you to avoid single-use plastic bottles while on the road. Here’s a checklist you can implement while planning your next trip to ensure a positive impact on the ecosystem, local communities, and the environment as a whole. Here are some things to consider before booking your next trip:

  1. Choose a green travel destination
  2. Find eco-friendly accommodations
  3. Pack sustainability essentials
  4. Consider your method of transportation
  5. Shop for food locally
  6. Research eco-friendly travel experiences
family photo shoot for Nicole Smith in Venice Italy for Flytographer

Photo: Deborah in Moscow for Flytographer. Jennifer and their family capture memories on a trip to Moscow with a family photoshoot.

The road to responsible tourism

We are all on this journey together as we educate each other and fight climate change. The tourism industry has a long way to go, but we believe that little steps in the right direction by everyone will go a long way. When you start booking your trips again, consider these 10 things while planning so we can all do our part. Don’t buy into overtourism, cheap souvenirs, or large tour operators. Do your part as a responsible traveller — opt for local experiences and take your time with slow travel. 

If you want to capture the magic of travel, get everyone in the photo, and learn local, insider tips about your destination, book a vacation shoot with one of our friendly local photographers around the world (plus you get a carbon-neutral, memorable souvenir while you are at it!).

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