Santorini, is one of the world’s most beautiful islands. I recently had the chance to visit it one more time as a day trip from Athens. You see, Ryanair advertised some very cheap tickets from Athens only 20 € for a return ticket, so I grabbed the opportunity and booked a ticket.
While browsing the internet for interesting things to do I stumbled upon a photo tour called Shotz Tourt and I immediately decided that it was the perfect thing to do while on the island.
What I particularly liked is that not only do you get a private tour around many locations of the island but you also get to improve your photography skills.
I met Olaf the founder of Shotz tours in Fira where he picked me up and we traveled through various areas around the island.
Olaf is a very easy-going guy that made me feel very welcome. I had the feeling that I knew him long and we chatted throughout our 5-hour tour around the island.
I am sorry to say that one thing of the many I need to improve, is my photography skills. I recently bought a better camera but I am still struggling. Whenever I searched online for some tips I immediately became more frustrated. So when Olaf taught me the basics about photography and showed me how to take advantage of the many capabilities of my camera I was surprised to see that things are simpler than I thought.
We spent the rest of the day around the island testing the new skills I learned while Olaf answered all my questions.
I think that the highlight of my trip was the visit to the off the beaten track village of Emporio. A traditional village with little alleyways that seems liked it popped out from a different era.
At that point my camera battery died on me, after all the practicing, but thankfully I had my mobile with me. Although I don’t like to take photos with my phone (I have a Sony Xperia M4 Aqua) Olaf changed my mind and showed me how to take good shots even with that. We also discussed ways so that I don’t end up without battery power in the future.
After the end of my 5 hour tour I felt very excited and confident in taking pictures. I am looking forward in putting to practice all the skills I learned on my future trips.
I really enjoyed this photo tour not only for the new skills I learned but also for the wonderful time I had around the island, the many nice places I saw and the things Olaf told me about life in Santorini.
I would totally recommend this tour to anyone visiting the beautiful island of Santorini.
Have you done a photo tour before?
Planning a trip to Santorini? Check out my guides here:
When is the best time to visit Santorini?
What to do in Santorini.
A 3 day Santorini, itinerary.
Santorini vs Mykonos.
Things to do in Oia.
Things to do in Fira.
Best Santorini Beaches.
I was a guest of Shotz tours but as always opinions are my own.
Gia sas Chrissy…
How did you go from ‘stumbled upon a photo-tour called Shotz Tours’ to then being a guest of Shotz tours?
I was in Santorini for three months, and when I arrived in Fira, I ‘stumbled upon’ a photography studio and asked for a photo-tour…the response was €200 for one hour in one location with a professional photographer. That was in February, the quiet period! After a cheerful banter with the studio owner of half an hour, I was offered two locations with a professional photographer, her husband…but there was no tuition offered!
Why don’t travel bloggers report these incidents, of which there are many in Santorini….?
Gia sas Angela,
Before going to Santorini I searched on the internet on tours in Santorini. After finding this interesting tours I checked on trip advisor for reviews. This particular tour had some very positive reviews so I decided to give it a try and believe me everything I write is absolutely true. If there was something negative I would have said it. I am not a photographer but I can say that I learned a lot from this guy. I am sure that there are bad experiences and tours that is why I always advice to do a research before deciding to do something and that is why I write this blog.
Hi Chrysoula,
How much did Shotz Tours charge you?
Hi Smita, prices start from 375 € for 1 or 2 persons for a 4-hour tour. It is worth it though.
Why would people do photo tours ? Couldn’t you just walk around and take photos yourself? That seems an incredible amount of money for such a short time.
Of course, you can go around and take photos on your own. This tour combines a private tour to the top attractions of the island or what you decide you want to see with photography. The guide is an amazing photographer and during the tour, you learn how to take better photos. So it is not for everyone.