As someone passionate about photography and travel, contributing to Google Maps has become more than a hobby, it’s a responsibility I take seriously.
My journey began when one of my images of Urquhart Castle reached over 3.3 million views on Google Maps. That moment truly inspired me to keep sharing meaningful, helpful content with the wider world. Since then, I’ve added thousands of contributions, including reviews, photos, and even fixing map inaccuracies or removing duplicate listings. I’ve even added new businesses to the map that weren’t there before!
📸 DSLR Over Mobile — Here’s Why
While it’s easy to snap and upload a photo directly from a phone, I personally prefer using a DSLR. The difference in clarity, composition, and control is huge. But it’s not the fastest route.
- I like to edit my images before uploading.
- I avoid sharing photos straight from my mobile device.
- One big challenge? No built-in GPS on most DSLRs. This means I have to manually pinpoint the location — which isn’t always easy!
🗨️ Have you used a GPS tagging tool for your DSLR? If you’ve found one that works well, I’d love your recommendation!
👁️ Respecting Privacy in Public Spaces
Uploading to Google Maps carries weight. While it’s legal to photograph in public, I try my best to:
- Blur faces
- Avoid full car registration plates
- Capture spaces, not people
Because really — none of us want our faces appearing on Maps unintentionally, right?
🛑 More Than Pretty Pictures
Sometimes, it’s not about the perfect shot, it’s about being helpful.
Even if I don’t have my DSLR with me, I’ll still take quick updates using my phone. Especially when it’s something useful like:
- 🅿️ Parking signs and fees
- 🛍️ Shop opening hours
- 🍽️ Restaurant boards or allergen info
- 🚻 Public toilet signs
- ♿ Accessibility details
Ask yourself: What info would I want if I were a first-time visitor here? That’s the mindset I try to keep.
💬 The Bigger Picture
Whether it’s a scenic shot of a castle or a simple sign about a fee, I want every contribution to help someone. Being a part of the Google Maps Local Guide programme gives me a chance to support businesses, help travellers, and make the map a bit more accurate for everyone.
The journey continues... 🌐
#TravelPhotography #DSLRvsiPhone #GoogleMapsContributions #MapTips #LocalGuide #TravelTips #ExploreMore
Comments
Post a Comment