Ubud Photo Session: A Candid Review & What to Expect

Thinking about booking a photo session when you are in Ubud? I mean, why not? Ubud, with its dreamy rice terraces, old temples, and lush jungles, provides a backdrop that’s, in a way, practically begging to be photographed. But, really, is the ‘Bali 1 Hour Professional Photo Session Ubud Area’ everything it’s cracked up to be? I figured I’d share what I found out.

Booking the Session: Easy Breezy or a Bit Squeezy?

Reserving my spot for this, actually, happened online, which I usually prefer. The website was pretty straightforward; I think anyone could make sense of it. You just pick a date, time, and number of people, and you’re, I suppose, basically good to go. Communication, arguably, was prompt. They confirmed everything quickly and sent over details about where to meet and what to expect. But, still, I wondered what the actual meet up would be like.

However, in that case, make sure you’re super clear about the meeting point! Ubud can be, I feel, a little confusing, especially with all the winding roads and hidden pathways. To be honest, I almost ended up at the wrong temple because I was relying on the map alone. So, I think, just double-check or even get a local to point you in the right direction to keep things smooth.

Meeting the Photographer: Instant Connection or Awkward Silence?

Meeting the photographer can, I believe, really make or break the whole experience, you know? Luckily, mine was super friendly and put me at ease immediately. His name was Made, and he had a really calm, easygoing vibe. Apparently, he knew all the best spots and how to catch that golden light, which, naturally, I was hoping for.

Before we started snapping away, Made actually spent some time chatting with me to understand what I was hoping to capture. He wanted to know what kind of feel I was going for – more posed or natural, highlighting the landscape or focusing on portraits. He was, in short, actually listening, and that made a difference.

You know, being comfortable in front of the camera isn’t, more or less, something that comes naturally to everyone, right? I can sometimes feel a bit stiff, but Made had some fun suggestions for poses that felt natural and not at all forced. He’d say things like, “Just walk that way and laugh,” or “Look over your shoulder like you’re spotting something cool.” It definitely, I suppose, helped to loosen me up.

The Locations: Picture-Perfect or Slightly Imperfect?

The photo session, naturally, focused on some of Ubud’s most well-known spots. We went to Tegalalang Rice Terraces, which, in fact, is an absolute must-see, and a cool temple surrounded by jungle. The rice terraces can get pretty crowded, but Made knew some hidden nooks where we could get great shots without a million other people in the background. It definitely, I feel, felt more intimate and special.

Keep in mind, getting around Ubud sometimes involves a bit of walking, especially if you want those iconic rice terrace shots. Wear comfy shoes, okay? Also, bring some water – it can get pretty warm and humid, I think. Bug spray, also, is your friend. Trust me, you do not want to be eaten alive by mosquitos while you are trying to look photogenic.

One of the locations Made chose was this hidden waterfall I’d basically never heard of. The water was so refreshing, and the jungle vibes were so amazing. It’s almost as if those unplanned moments and settings are, really, the best part of a photoshoot.

The Photos: Insta-Worthy or Needs-More-Work-Worthy?

Alright, the moment of truth. Did I like the photos? Well, basically, yes! I was really happy with how they turned out. The lighting, composition, and overall feel were exactly what I had hoped for. Made had a really good eye for detail, and it definitely, in that case, showed in the images.

I think, after the session, it took about three days to get the final photos, which seemed reasonable. They were sent to me via a link, and I could download them in high resolution. I was a bit impressed with the quality – perfect for printing or sharing on social media, which, you know, is important in this day and age.

Did every single photo turn out perfectly? Arguably, no. There were a few where I made a weird face or blinked at the wrong moment (story of my life!). But, honestly, there were so many great shots that I didn’t even mind. To be honest, I was too busy deciding which ones to post on Instagram first!

Value for Money: Worth the Splurge or a Bit of a Purge?

The big question, I guess, is: was this photo session worth the money? When I added it all up, yes. Considering the photographer’s fee, the time spent, and the final quality of the images, it felt like a fair price. It wasn’t the cheapest thing in the budget, yet it was really worth the cost, I think. The beautiful photos are souvenirs that will, to be honest, last forever.

You can definitely find cheaper photographers in Ubud, but you should be careful! Reading online reviews, so many tourists say it can be risky. I am just saying, research is important. Spending a bit more for someone with a proven track record is worthwhile, you know, if it can save you from disappointment.

I, anyway, suggest that you think about it this way: it’s more than just a photo session; it’s about the entire experience and, very, making some memorable moments. If you want to, so, invest in great souvenirs from Ubud, do it!