Treat Yo Self: Hiring a Photographer as a Birthday Gift from Me to Me

This blog is no doubt a testament to my love of dressing up and taking pretty photos. For my birthday this year, which often coincides with Lunar New Year, I hired a photographer from Airbnb Experiences in San Francisco to photograph myself and my partner throughout Chinatown and the Painted Ladies.

We had an incredible photographer named Ann who picked out the perfect backdrops and poses. Even though I’m a Bay Area local, I experienced new parts of the city with Ann’s photo journey including the first fortune cookie factory, located in SF’s own Chinatown, and Alamo Square. Ann took photos for two hours including individual and couples shots and an outfit change!

Perhaps best of all, Ann completed all the edits day of, returning 112 pristinely edited photos on a timescale made for those like myself who love instant gratification. I’ve hired a few photographers through Airbnb Experiences in the past either as a birthday/holiday treat or a tool for getting great travel photos when traveling solo. Although I’ve enjoyed all of my photo experiences over the years (including a mermaid photoshoot in San Diego, complete with mermaid tail on the beach), my experience was by far the best I have ever had in all respects: best value for money, prettiest vignettes, most and best backdrops, best posing instruction, best editing, and best turn around time.

If you’re looking to capture a special moment while traveling, for a special occasion, or even just because, I totally recommend hiring a photographer (from Airbnb Experiences or otherwise) to help you capture some beautiful memories to treasure!