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Tourists seek professional photography services to capture memories in Helsinki

Wednesday 24th 2024 on 06:12 in  
Finland

On a sunny July day, Helsinki’s Senate Square is bustling with tourists, many equipped with selfie sticks or cameras. A Slovenian family carefully positions their phone between a fence and an umbrella near the statue of Alexander II, smiling with the church in the background as the self-timer snaps their photo. Not everyone settles for selfies or shots seized by passersby; some opt to hire professionals to capture their vacation moments. Italian photographer Emiliano Verrocchio offers such services in Helsinki, having started photographing tourists through the Flytographer platform in 2017.

Verrocchio has observed a growing interest in his services, especially after a dip during the pandemic. He now conducts about a dozen photo shoots annually. His clientele is diverse, predominantly consisting of young couples, families, business travelers, and increasingly, solo travelers and influencers.

Most clients hail from the U.S. and Canada, with a rising number from Asia. Verrocchio typically charges around 300 euros for a couple of hours of shooting, depending on the booking source. Tourists frequently request iconic Helsinki landmarks or recognizable Finnish elements in their photos.

Verrocchio notes that some tourists seek professional photography for practical reasons, wanting to ensure quality memories of rare journeys. He also highlights a trend of displaying authentic experiences on social media, moving away from the allure of perfect shots.

With the rise of social media, travel photography has transformed, and many travelers are willing to invest in professional services to make their experiences unique. The perception of “special” versus “ordinary” moments in travel is becoming increasingly blurred, leading many to rethink the traditional portrayal of their journeys.

Source 
(via yle.fi)