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This startup matches holidaymakers with freelance photographers so they can get better travel photos

This startup matches holidaymakers with freelance photographers so they can get better travel photos

Founder Jen Loong says her platform, called WanderSnap, also offers other photography services such as wedding shoots or product catalogue shoots

Instagram is one of my favourite apps because it is packed with travel photos collected from all over the world. I have done my fair share of backpacking as well and frequently upload my travel photos to Instagram.

While my (small number) of followers do ‘like’ my travel photos whenever I upload them, I know they will never be featured on a travel photo account or go viral. The reason is simple: they look nothing like the National Geographic-worthy or filter-laden/photoshopped pictures you see on many influencer accounts.

Unlike DSLRs, smartphone cameras only have the automatic image processing option. This allows folks to snap photos fast and dirty. So as long as the intended objects in the frame can be seen clearly, I’m usually pretty happy about it; I also rarely slap on filters because it distorts my memory of the scene.

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My approach to travel photos is that they are just a keepsake of my holiday experience; I would rather spend more time experiencing the place than capture the perfect photo.

That philosophy rings true for many other non-shutterbug travellers out there. Which is also why selfies are so popular. Not only are they easy to take (as opposed to approaching strangers for assistance) it lends a sort of intimacy and authenticity to them.

This phenomenon fascinated entrepreneur Jen Loong, Founder of on-demand photography service platform WanderSnap.

“I spent a lot of time on the road in my previous jobs, and everywhere I went, I couldn’t quite fathom why the selfie stick grew to superstardom popularity – and that perhaps the only justification was that it’s a vehicle for easy self-expression,” says Loong, in an interview with e27.

But Loong believes that consumer trends are always shifting. So while in recent years, holidaymakers have taken to using selfie sticks to take better selfies, she thinks this consumer segment will soon demand better quality photos — and be willing to pay marginally for that extra touch.

Loong knows a few things about consumer behaviour. Prior to founding WanderSnap, She helped to grow Groupon Hong Kong by leading strategy and creating new divisions in Groupon Macau, Groupon Goods and Groupon Travel.

She then also led Alipay’s US and Europe expansion at Alibaba shortly after. Loong also spent the last half-decade launching and growing brands like sports retailer lululemon and shoe store TOMS into China from Shanghai.

In her role launching brands into China’s hinterland, she gained the opportunity to observe underdeveloped communities firsthand. And through her observations, she saw an opportunity — a socially impactful business opportunity.

“Given my personal background running TOMS, we were privileged to spend time on the road in the field directly with our impact partners. I realized I never spent more than US$3 per day in low-opportunity areas, which covered basic meal and accommodation needs,” she says.

“Why then wouldn’t we want to connect these community groups by creating creative jobs as they capture images for eager tourists nearby in their hometowns? Creative freelancing shouldn’t be a luxury but an option for all.”

“This laid the foundation for our impact programme to create dignified jobs in tourist-ridden destinations,” she says.

Together with COO Evgeny Tchebotarev, who is also the co-Founder of premium photography marketplace 500px, they soft-launched WanderSnap in beta form in January this year.

On the WanderSnap platform, clients can book local photographers, or ‘snappers’ as they are referred to on the platform, at their holiday destinations to snap their travel photos.

The appeal of this platform is that it offers flexibility, variety and speed. Clients can book “last minute or weeks before” for photography services that include DSLR, mobile, aerial and underwater shots. WanderSnap’s photography packages start at US$25 per hour, which is relatively low compared to most professional photography services.

Once the photos have been taken, snappers will upload the edited photos a VPN-free server within 24 hours so clients can view or download them.

The WanderSnap platform provides its snappers with real-time calendar sync, Facebook Page reviews API, and identity verification. Clients can leave reviews on the snappers profile after reviewing/downloading the photos. US$5 of every booking goes towards teaching photography to low-opportunity youth, so they too can create art for a living.

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Additionally, it allows snappers to dictate their own prices and their own cancellation policies. In the event a job cannot be rescheduled due to bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances, WanderSnap will refund the full amount to the client.

To expand its reach, WanderSnap has partnered with other holiday booking and travel companies to offer its service.

“We have worked with the likes of Airbnb, Thomas Cook, and ZuzuHotels, We also distribute fixed packages in certain destinations via the likes of KLOOK, Get Your Guide to further our reach, where for example you can rent a qipao with Yeechoo and have photographs from WanderSnap on HK’s KLOOK,” says Loong.

Beyond travel photos

While WanderSnap is targetting the holidaymaker segment, it has also broaden its reach to include other B2C and B2B photography services such as engagement proposals, e-commerce product catalogues, events and team portraits.

This is necessary because WanderSnap isn’t a first mover. In fact, it is a bit late to the on-demand photography game. In recent years, numerous similar platforms such Travelshoot, Flytographer, KodakIT, Bridestory, have sprouted up. But Loong is confident WanderSnap has a clearcut Unique Selling Point (USP) that makes it stand out from the rest.

“Some platforms focus exclusively on travel which proves to be expensive for customer acquisition, while some are dedicated to bridal moments but will see limited repeatable bookings and some dabble in B2B also. We are the most streamlined platform via fully-online experience from search to shoot to photo transfer, whilst holding on to the most affordable prices with a unique supply (top Instagrammers of each city) against competitors,” she claims.

It is still early to gauge how well WanderSnap will fare. Loong says, currently, the majority of her clients are mothers who are too busy taking care of their children to document their family’s precious memories; so having a freelance photographer tagging along is a great help.

Currently, there are over 500 snappers across 42 destinations. Loong does not disclose revenue but says that she hopes to break even next year.

“The true measurement of success is how many in our community will be earning 100 per cent of their income through WanderSnap bookings, along with the number of students we can train through our impact programme,” she says. Loong adds that WanderSnap is closing an angel round from Hong Kong, Singapore, China, Vietnam and Malaysia.

Going forward, WanderSnap plans to add new monetisation models, including tiered referral schemes for snappers, growing its distribution channels through travel and lifestyle partners, as well as opening up other add-value services like merchandising and additional edits.

And to prevent clients from booking photographers off the platform, WanderSnap rewards repeat customers by way of discounts and perks.

“Additionally, the ease and diversity of photographers for selection do genuinely attract our existing guests to book again. Time is of the essence, and guests are always eager to try a new style or photographer without investing time to research and filter through potential leads,” concludes Loong.

WanderSnap has an interesting proposition — and its socially conscious mission is admirable. I can definitely see many ‘Instagrammers’ or travellers with families who would flock to this service. However, I can also see many who would scoff at this — solo backpackers, for instance. After all, part of the allure of travelling — or backpacking, specifically — is about being independent; stepping out of your comfort zone and encountering new experiences in a foreign land.


Image Credit: WanderSnap

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