Recently I have seen many people book their photographer thru platforms, I want to share my thoughts whether it makes sense to book a photographer directly or thru platforms.

Choose your own photographer

It is your trip, your memory and your experience! If you’re going to spend a few hours and hundreds of dollars to capture your memory, it makes sense choose your own photographer to ensure their style suits yours and will deliver the best results to fit your need/ concept you have in mind. When you book through a platform, in most cases you will be assigned to the ‘available photographers’ in the pool. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a professional photographer, if not, you might get a student with camera. There are differences between a professional photographer versus someone with a camera.

All photos personally edited

Every photo for every client will be personally selected and edited by myself. Do you know that some platforms actually outsources photo editing to low cost countries? This is how they can offer low price. In this case you will get mass ‘preset’ photos like everyone’s else. Those presets do not work in situations such as in the evening (Shibuya, Shinjuku) or harsh light. Platforms also do not provide any fine/ micro editing service. Examples below this page.

No hidden cost, get more photos

Unlike platforms which try to up-sell clients after the shoot with extra photos, I don’t charge extra for more photos. Any good, unique photos will be given to you at no additional cost. The price you pay will be the final price which includes everything. With some platforms charging upwards of $5 per extra photos, the extra photos you order could easily end up being more expensive than the session fee, especially important consideration when you travel with a group of friends or want to get a lot of photos. 

Be careful that platforms may also charge up to US$50 for changing your schedule. For direct clients, if there is a circumstance for us to change the schedule, we can do it with no penalty fee (subject to both of my availability and T&C). 

The best schedule reserved for direct clients

Timing is very important to get the best lighting in order to achieve the best photo! I reserve the best time slots only for my direct clients. 

Highly flexible, no middle person between us

No platform can offer a split day & night package as well as other flexibility. Through platforms, photographers are often required to submit many shots regardless of quality. With direct clients, I will focus on ‘quality’ and ‘moments’ to create your unique, timeless story. It’s like taking a bus tour versus a custom, private tour.

At the end of the day, it is not only about the price, but the overall experience and value you will get for what you pay for. Choose the best option that suits you 👍

Example 1:

— Platform Edit —

— My Edit —

Example 2:

— Platform edit —

— my edit —

Let’s stay connected!