Forts, lakes, colorful streets, local food and desert sunsets… Rajasthan gave me so many reasons to take out my camera! ![]()
But while travelling, I always think about one thing: Can my photo help someone else plan a better visit?
That’s what makes photography as a Local Guide special. It’s not just about getting a beautiful shot; it’s also about showing people what a place actually looks like.
A few photography tips I follow:
Use natural light: Early morning and golden-hour light can make forts, architecture and landscapes look beautiful.
Try different angles: Capture the full monument, then look for interesting details, reflections or patterns.
Show the real experience: For food, capture the dish clearly. For a heritage site, include enough surroundings to help people understand the place.
Keep it sharp and relevant: Focus on the main subject, avoid blurry shots and upload photos to the correct place on Google Maps.
Think like a visitor: Ask yourself what someone would want to see before visiting the entrance, views, surroundings, menu or unique features.
Google Maps Tip: You can add your own photos directly to a place’s listing on Google Maps. Open the place, go to its Photos section and choose Add photos. Your genuine photos can help others get a better idea of what to expect.
Official guide: Add, remove & share photos or videos in Google Maps - Computer - Google Maps Help
Let’s learn from each other!
What’s your favourite photography tip for creating useful Google Maps contributions? And which do you enjoy photographing most - architecture, landscapes, food or hidden local gems?
Location - Jaisalmer
Share your tips below. I’d love to try some on my next trip! ![]()
Google Maps tips & tricks how-tos attraction best-practices photography





