The Most Interesting Thing I've Done as A Local Guide: Becoming an Amateur Photographer

When I say I’ve become a photographer, let’s be clear; an amateur cellphone photographer! I LOVE posting photos to Google to share the experiences we’ve had. It’s a way for our family to remember the places we’ve traveled to and the delicious food we’ve eaten, but it’s also to capture the world and help capture the interest of other Google users who may be looking for new places to visit and new food to try.

Uploading images of the places we’ve been has pushed me to capture more photos; better photos. It’s pushed me to take photos that now line the walls of our home, and it’s pushed me to share more with others. I love to see the reach my photos are able to gain through Google Maps, and it’s always the random ones that seem to gain the most views. 61,000 views for a taco salad? Sure, I’ll take it! Having just joined the 1,000,000 photo views club, I’m more proud and motivated to post photos than ever.

International

2018 brought us many places. From Disneyworld and the Caribbean, over to Alberta, then down the coast from Vancouver to San Diego. We captured many images along the way, and I love to see the reach that they have had. Seeing these all placed on a map is such a fun run down memory lane.

Beers at Maho Beach, Saint Martin

Watching planes over head while floating in some of the warmest ocean water; what can beat that? 15,705 views for this photo - my salad still beats it.

Exploring Fortresses in San Juan, Puerto Rico

I knew nothing or Puerto Rico’s rich history before taking to Google! It was Google Maps that brought us to Castillo San Felipe del Morro in the first place, and we’re SO glad that it did. Becoming a Local Guide has allowed us to share more of it’s beauty with the world!

USA

Being a close neighbour to the USA definitely has it’s benefits. California calls our name each year, and there’s always somewhere new to explore. That exploration is inspired by the places we discover through Google Maps, and by the reviews and photos from other users who help share secrets and gems that we wouldn’t have otherwise found.

Exploring Joshua Tree State Park

What a vast place this truly is. It’s hard to capture it’s beauty and serene feel in any photograph. It felt like we were “out there”, away from all civilization and other people. It truly is an escape. Panoramas became the best way to capture any moment in 2018.

Eating Taco Salad in Old Town, San Diego

I can’t count the number of times I’ve used reviews from Local Guides to find places to eat. This applies to not only travel, but even to local restaurants. In this case, our Google searches brought us to Old Town Mexican Cafe, where I enjoyed the infamous taco salad that garnered 61,000 views from other Google users. This became my Google claim to fame for some time.

Local

2019 became a year of exploring our home. From relaxing in Tofino on Vancouver Island, to driving the Sea-to-Sky highway to Whistler, and even having a staycation in North Vancouver. On top of that, it’s where I’m able to really help others by embodying what it means to be a Local Guide. It’s our backyard, and I love to help people navigate it. I’m proud of the feedback I’m able to share with the world by being a Local Guide. It allows me to add legitimacy and exposure to small businesses who I feel deserve it - that’s my way of supporting local.

Waterfront Stays in North Vancouver, BC

We’re blessed to live where we do; right at the crossroads of open ocean and vast mountain ranges. This recipe makes for a beautiful landscape - one that we can enjoy only 45 minutes from home, in either direction. I was worried that staying so close to home might not be as exciting as traveling to somewhere new; that was not the case at all. I still find myself thinking “I wish we could go back there, or eat that meal again”. I’m humbly reminded that it’s only a short 40 minute drive away.

Crafting Clay Mugs in Surrey, BC

I thought the taco salad did well on Google, but I was wrong. An image I took of an art studio in Surrey really takes the cake. At 141,000 views, I was floored to see that my photo had become the main Google image for this location. It was the face of the brand on Google for some time, and I am so proud that it was. It’s positive impacts like this that drive me to write more reviews, answer more questions and post more photos.

Becoming a Local Guide has truly pushed me to be a better local citizen, and a better member of the world. I know the significant impact that posts from others have had on me, so it’s only fair if I strive to do the same for them.

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Hi @Chadiator I can understand where you are coming from. Local guides has also helped me become a better photographer.

Also, welcome to Connect. And thanks for sharing. Have you had a chance to take a look at “Your guide at to connect.”? It’s a good starting point for this forum.

Are you applying for Connect Live 2020 with this post? If so, as part of the requirement, you need to write the post under Local Stories topic.

Check out this How to write a great connect live post for more information

You can edit your post/message. Click that three dots and select “Edit Message” as shown in below screenshot.

Once in edit mode, select local stories as Topic. You can only select one topic.

Good luck

Hi @Chadiator ,

It seems that you’ve shared a post for your Connect Live 2020 application. Keep in mind, one of the requirements is to share your post on Local Stories, so I’ve moved your post there, thanks.

Feel free to have a look at the application guidelines and find some handy tips for creating an application post.

P.S. Also make sure that all content you post is your own, otherwise it is in violation of the Local Guides program rules. Please see, How do I follow the original content guidelines on Connect?

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Thank you for the feedback, Alexa! I did not realize that initially, so I appreciate you moving it over!

As far as original content goes, the images are screenshots of my own original photos. I did them that way soothers could see the numbers of views they each have.

Since they show the Google platform in there, does that mean they are in violation of the rules? If so, I can go through and remove them and add the originals, just will have to find them.

Thanks!

Hello @sparekh ,

Thank you for the awesome info! I really appreciate it, including all of the screenshots. So helpful.

By the time I went to move my post, @AlexaAC had already moved it for me! (Thank you!)

Looks like it’s now where it needs to be. I really appreciate you letting me know and sending over some useful info. I’ve been a Local Guide for a couple years now, but only found out about the Connect piece a couple weeks ago because of the Connect Live application form.

Thank you!

Chad

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