Why Us? - How We're Different
We're not like other travel companies.
We're local photography specialists that act in your best interests.
We're local photography specialists that act in your best interests.
Photographers ❤ our...
❤ Unique Tailor Made Itineraries
All our itineraries are designed for each individual. We have no one-size-fits-all solution. In this area it's essential to know the best times to visit each place: where and when the fields are irrigated, and flowers bloom, when the farmers work in the fields, and water buffaloes are out, what time returning cows cross the streams. We design a trip around your photography style and format, and plan locations and routes accordingly.
❤ Expert Knowledge
All itineraries are individually crafted by a person with extensive knowledge of photography and live in the Guilin area. Our guides design the itinerary and take into consideration time of day, direction of light, etc. They are also completely customized to your personality, fitness, budget and time frame. Famous photographers such as Trey Ratcliff know we are the local experts.
❤ Dealing 1-1 with a Guilin Photographer
We do not have sales or office bound personnel, which means you can deal directly with someone in the know. Get the facts straight from the horses mouth. Avoid the sales talk, bluffs and misinformation.
❤ Transparent Pricing
We do not work for commissions; we are on your side. Unlike all other agencies we offer a transparent price for every component, if you want a breakdown just ask. This allows you to see clearly what you’re paying for, and easily remove or add services.
❤ Flexible & Adaptable Guides
Stuck in the traffic? Let’s get out of the car and start shooting. Weather misty? Let’s go to see our real friends in the village for a portrait session and try the landscape shots later in the day. Our guides are willing and able to change the itinerary with you, unlike most who only move within their comfort zones or stick to the agencies prescribed plan. If you want to spend more time in a specific location, we will not rush you. Our goal is that you get great pictures, and we do our very best to help you make that happen.
❤ Western Level 'Extra Mile' Attitude
We understand a trip to Guilin is a special experience and your time is often short. So we are happy to climb the mountain at 4am and stay out in the mountains until after sunset, catching the blue light hour. We have hunted long and hard and carefully selected drivers that are happy to work long hours, which is a big challenge in China.
❤ Integrity & Authenticity
We don't take you to contrived shows, fake experiences, or shops unless you specifically ask. We will tell you if something was reconstructed or repaired, you won't get a tour guide's ‘this is 1000 years old’ line with us.
❤ Photograph our Local Friends
The friends we introduce are locals that we have come to know over the years. If you want them to model they are happy to do this, or be photographed at home as they share their stories or cook. The families are also very interested in your life. As we take you to real local families (not shows) we are unable to guarantee this experience. However, based on our past trips about 9 out of 10 times, it is possible to visit.
❤ Photographers Eye
Our photo guides will tell you if there is something unusual approaching so you can prepare. We will converse with local people in Chinese and be the distraction, so you get a natural expression instead of a posed look. We are always thinking about you. A recent customer requested a last minute change to see a 'dusty industrial area' for a photography competition he wanted to enter; we are happy to adapt when possible. If the driver needs to charge an extra mileage cost we will make that clear.
❤ Value
Our rates per hour are very reasonable; especially considering the hours spent planning together with Mia, the epic long guiding hours, sometimes we are guiding from 4am until 9pm at night. We make sure you get the most out of your time with us in Guilin. You'll see and experience more in 3 days with us than 5-6 with a vanilla local agency. Not to mention the hours in emailing, chatting and designing your perfect trip.
We run trips for pros and photography tour companies that typically charge between 4,000 to 10,000 dollars per person, for 6-8 days with us. We are a fraction of this cost, and you will be 1-1 with our local photo guides, rather than shooing with 12-16 other photographers.
❤ Up-to-Date Research
We have spent many winter months finding new places and checking familiar locations. We want to stay the best in the area, and develop our location portfolio constantly. We also understand China is developing fast, and it requires a guide to stay up to speed on construction, access roads, and possible obstructions. We know for a fact that we invest more time and money in research than Guilin's largest tour operator.
❤ We Love Photography
We guide because we love it! The whole team loves photography and are delighted to help other photographers discover their hometown or adopted home.
❤ Unique Tailor Made Itineraries
All our itineraries are designed for each individual. We have no one-size-fits-all solution. In this area it's essential to know the best times to visit each place: where and when the fields are irrigated, and flowers bloom, when the farmers work in the fields, and water buffaloes are out, what time returning cows cross the streams. We design a trip around your photography style and format, and plan locations and routes accordingly.
❤ Expert Knowledge
All itineraries are individually crafted by a person with extensive knowledge of photography and live in the Guilin area. Our guides design the itinerary and take into consideration time of day, direction of light, etc. They are also completely customized to your personality, fitness, budget and time frame. Famous photographers such as Trey Ratcliff know we are the local experts.
❤ Dealing 1-1 with a Guilin Photographer
We do not have sales or office bound personnel, which means you can deal directly with someone in the know. Get the facts straight from the horses mouth. Avoid the sales talk, bluffs and misinformation.
❤ Transparent Pricing
We do not work for commissions; we are on your side. Unlike all other agencies we offer a transparent price for every component, if you want a breakdown just ask. This allows you to see clearly what you’re paying for, and easily remove or add services.
❤ Flexible & Adaptable Guides
Stuck in the traffic? Let’s get out of the car and start shooting. Weather misty? Let’s go to see our real friends in the village for a portrait session and try the landscape shots later in the day. Our guides are willing and able to change the itinerary with you, unlike most who only move within their comfort zones or stick to the agencies prescribed plan. If you want to spend more time in a specific location, we will not rush you. Our goal is that you get great pictures, and we do our very best to help you make that happen.
❤ Western Level 'Extra Mile' Attitude
We understand a trip to Guilin is a special experience and your time is often short. So we are happy to climb the mountain at 4am and stay out in the mountains until after sunset, catching the blue light hour. We have hunted long and hard and carefully selected drivers that are happy to work long hours, which is a big challenge in China.
❤ Integrity & Authenticity
We don't take you to contrived shows, fake experiences, or shops unless you specifically ask. We will tell you if something was reconstructed or repaired, you won't get a tour guide's ‘this is 1000 years old’ line with us.
❤ Photograph our Local Friends
The friends we introduce are locals that we have come to know over the years. If you want them to model they are happy to do this, or be photographed at home as they share their stories or cook. The families are also very interested in your life. As we take you to real local families (not shows) we are unable to guarantee this experience. However, based on our past trips about 9 out of 10 times, it is possible to visit.
❤ Photographers Eye
Our photo guides will tell you if there is something unusual approaching so you can prepare. We will converse with local people in Chinese and be the distraction, so you get a natural expression instead of a posed look. We are always thinking about you. A recent customer requested a last minute change to see a 'dusty industrial area' for a photography competition he wanted to enter; we are happy to adapt when possible. If the driver needs to charge an extra mileage cost we will make that clear.
❤ Value
Our rates per hour are very reasonable; especially considering the hours spent planning together with Mia, the epic long guiding hours, sometimes we are guiding from 4am until 9pm at night. We make sure you get the most out of your time with us in Guilin. You'll see and experience more in 3 days with us than 5-6 with a vanilla local agency. Not to mention the hours in emailing, chatting and designing your perfect trip.
We run trips for pros and photography tour companies that typically charge between 4,000 to 10,000 dollars per person, for 6-8 days with us. We are a fraction of this cost, and you will be 1-1 with our local photo guides, rather than shooing with 12-16 other photographers.
❤ Up-to-Date Research
We have spent many winter months finding new places and checking familiar locations. We want to stay the best in the area, and develop our location portfolio constantly. We also understand China is developing fast, and it requires a guide to stay up to speed on construction, access roads, and possible obstructions. We know for a fact that we invest more time and money in research than Guilin's largest tour operator.
❤ We Love Photography
We guide because we love it! The whole team loves photography and are delighted to help other photographers discover their hometown or adopted home.
Don't take our word for it...
Take a look at our reviews or you might want to take a look at what top pros like Trey Ratcliff, Jim Hamer, Rick Sammon, Neil Dankoff, Nick Page, Ken Koskela, and many others say about us.
