As a freelance photographer, the word "free" doesn't just imply that you're able to work for anyone you wish. It's a descriptor of your innate spirit. As a freelance photographer, you are part artist, part entrepreneur and part rebel. That's why you sometimes find yourself on location chuckling as a gang of tourists all jockey for photo positioning from the top of a bus parked in the noon-day sun. And chances are the bus is parked down the street and across the road from the subject matter. You chuckle because while the tourists are probably just getting started, you're already done. You've been up since pre-dawn, capturing the structure or scene just as the day magically breaks in the background. You find yourself wishing you could go up to the tour bus to say "Excuse me everyone. I think you might have mediocre images at best. Why don't you save yourself a memory stick and just take one of my shots."

Okay, maybe you're a little more humble than that. Naaaahhhh. That's why you're a freelance photographer. Your spirit dictates that you would be inclined to skip visiting a special place if you had to capture it as a "tourist."

But what happens when you get home and share your photos? Undoubtedly, someone says they were in the same city as you, and maybe they even have an image of their own to share. Surprisingly, you might have to admit that while your images might have better lighting, tone, and color balance according to your histogram, the overall perspective of the city that you captured might not be that different from many other tourists. How could this happen? What did you miss? Did the fact that no guards chased you away with camera bag flailing behind mean you didn't push the limit enough to get that one great photo?

Next time, maybe you should consider taking a tour. No, not any tour…unless it gets you special access. Consider a photo tour. Simply put, these are tours hosted by professional photographers who live and work in the city you are visiting. There are several distinct benefits with a photo tour worth considering:

1. They Live There: Chances are the local professional photographer knows the area well, either by car or by foot. They might also know the best times to visit certain locations to avoid competing mass tourist traffic. Also, don't forget, photographers have to eat too. So your guide will know of the local eateries that have the best food at the best prices.

2. They've Shot There: Again, by living and working in the area, the local professional photographer has probably already faced the challenge of finding unique places to shoot, whether it's for wedding photos, family portraits or a commercial contract. The local professional can easily show you locations that tour busses and large groups can't navigate or don't have time to visit. This is a sure fire way for you to come back with photos that make people say, "Wow, you really did capture the essence of the city. Your shots are so unique. I've been to that city more than once and I've never seen what you captured here."

3. They Speak the Language: Enough said! It's just plain easier to ask someone if it's okay to take a photo when you can do it in their language. Face it, not everyone speaks English and when you're pointing a 300mm lens in someone's direction, they might want an explanation.

4. They Know Cultural Nuances: This might not be something that you think of regularly as you shoot, but consider that you might photograph a foreign location (state, city or country) through your own cultural filter. For example, how many people have trouble seeing the poverty of India first-hand? Yet, if you look into the people's eyes, you'll see amazing warmth, friendliness, and hospitality. Or perhaps, it's the challenge of leaving a major city to visit a rural part of the country and wondering if there is anything entertaining there. Maybe it's also in how a wedding or special family event is captured. For you, it might be about getting great pictures of the bride. However, for the bride and groom, it might be important to get great shots of the eldest family member as they hold a position of supreme respect. A local professional photographer can help you see and understand those cultural nuances, and if you learn to adjust your thinking, you may even surprise and delight yourself with the images you capture.

5. They Know the Equipment: This means you can talk shop as one professional to another. You don't necessarily have to talk about the drudgeries of managing your own business, but you have a kindred spirit that also finds great joy in photography. Who knows? You might see a business model with the photo tours that you want to follow yourself.

6. They are Willing to Teach: There is even greater benefit for the beginner or photography enthusiast. With a photo tour, you can incorporate a tutorial component, depending upon the guide. Imagine having a 1:1 teacher student ratio in a photography class. That's held outside no less! You can ask all the questions you want and experiment with that foreboding manual setting with the reassurance that a knowledgeable professional is watching over you. They'll make sure you go home with some decent photos.

If you find yourself open to a photo tour, be sure to thoroughly investigate the photographer. If the person you are considering is a professional, they should have a decent website with a gallery of work. Check to see if they are part of any professional associations and check out the association's requirements for membership. Don't hesitate to ask for a CV and references as well. A good photographer will be happy to provide them. Additionally, if budget and time allow, arrange for a time to talk with the photographer live over the phone. Use that time to get a sense of their personality and what the tour might entail. There's nothing worse than being stuck with a person for several hours and you're not comfortable being around them.

So for your next vacation or non-commissioned trip, consider taking a tour – a photo tour. In the process you might make a new professional acquaintance or friend; learn to see a city or culture through a different lens; and capture some truly unique images. Just be sure to stay off the bus!

(C) FreelancePhotoJobs.com