November 3, 2026
Your Friendship Deserves a Photoshoot Too
The friend beside you on every little adventure deserves a place in your favourite photographs. A friendship photoshoot can be a lovely gift for the two of you, or for a whole little group. Let's find a way to make it feel like your friendship!
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Table of Contents
For the friend you want in the picture
Have a little look through the photographs of you and your best friend. Perhaps there's a very blurry one from a brilliant night, a few holiday selfies and that picture you both love even though half of someone's face is missing. You remember exactly what was happening. That's the lovely thing about photographs with someone who knows you well. One little picture can take you straight back to being together.
Now imagine having some photographs you love just as much, with both of you properly in them. The place might be familiar, or somewhere you're excited to visit. You have time to enjoy it together, and someone else is there to take the pictures. A friendship photoshoot gives you a chance to keep a little of what being friends feels like.
It makes a thoughtful birthday present, a treat for a friend you've missed or something to enjoy on a trip together. You can give it to one person or plan it with your little group. The nicest starting point is the friend themselves: would they enjoy an afternoon like this, and which photographs would make them smile?
Now imagine having some photographs you love just as much, with both of you properly in them. The place might be familiar, or somewhere you're excited to visit. You have time to enjoy it together, and someone else is there to take the pictures. A friendship photoshoot gives you a chance to keep a little of what being friends feels like.
It makes a thoughtful birthday present, a treat for a friend you've missed or something to enjoy on a trip together. You can give it to one person or plan it with your little group. The nicest starting point is the friend themselves: would they enjoy an afternoon like this, and which photographs would make them smile?
Friendship has its own lovely story
Some friendships have been around so long that nobody can quite remember the beginning. Others start later, through work, a shared home or a place that becomes yours together. There might be years of holidays behind you. There might be a whole friendship built around meeting for a walk and somehow finding another hour of things to talk about.
A photoshoot can make room for that part of your life. You don't have to wait until someone gets married, has a baby or gathers the whole family. Photographs with a friend are something worth having in their own right. It can be rather lovely to look at a picture and see the person who was beside you through all those ordinary, happy bits too.
There are so many ways for the photographs to feel like you. A lively group may love the idea of being out in a busy city together. Two friends might prefer a quiet garden and a slow wander. Someone else will be most excited about a beautiful view on a trip they've been planning for months. Tell us what you enjoy. That's a much more helpful beginning than trying to make your friendship fit somebody else's pictures.
A photoshoot can make room for that part of your life. You don't have to wait until someone gets married, has a baby or gathers the whole family. Photographs with a friend are something worth having in their own right. It can be rather lovely to look at a picture and see the person who was beside you through all those ordinary, happy bits too.
There are so many ways for the photographs to feel like you. A lively group may love the idea of being out in a busy city together. Two friends might prefer a quiet garden and a slow wander. Someone else will be most excited about a beautiful view on a trip they've been planning for months. Tell us what you enjoy. That's a much more helpful beginning than trying to make your friendship fit somebody else's pictures.
Would your friend enjoy a photoshoot gift?
Think about what your friend likes to keep. Do they save photographs from your days out? Have they ever mentioned wishing you had a good picture together? Perhaps they're the one who always asks for another photo before everyone leaves, because they know how glad they'll be to have it later. Those are lovely little clues that this could be a gift they'd enjoy.
You can also ask. An easy conversation about having some photographs together leaves plenty of room for a personal surprise later. The surprise might be the card, the message or the thought that you've decided to treat them. You don't have to keep the whole idea a secret for it to feel special. Knowing they're looking forward to it is a very nice part of giving it.
If your friend really doesn't want to be photographed, take that seriously. A photoshoot should be something they're happy to choose. If they like the idea but feel a little shy, you can talk about the kind of day they'd enjoy and pass their wishes on to us. Perhaps they'd love the pictures, but would feel happier knowing what to expect. You can begin there together.
You can also ask. An easy conversation about having some photographs together leaves plenty of room for a personal surprise later. The surprise might be the card, the message or the thought that you've decided to treat them. You don't have to keep the whole idea a secret for it to feel special. Knowing they're looking forward to it is a very nice part of giving it.
If your friend really doesn't want to be photographed, take that seriously. A photoshoot should be something they're happy to choose. If they like the idea but feel a little shy, you can talk about the kind of day they'd enjoy and pass their wishes on to us. Perhaps they'd love the pictures, but would feel happier knowing what to expect. You can begin there together.
Somewhere that feels like the two of you
A beautiful setting is lovely. A setting that means something to your friendship can be even lovelier. Perhaps you met while living in the same city, or there's a stretch of water you always walk beside when you catch up. A familiar place gives the photographs a little more of your own story. Later, you can remember the people and the place together.
It doesn't have to be the exact spot where you first met. Think about somewhere you both enjoy being now. You might like pretty old streets, open space near the sea or a park with enough room to wander. A setting you feel happy in makes the plan itself more appealing. You can look forward to going there, rather than feeling you've picked a backdrop only because it looks good online.
Share the place you have in mind with Travaya before building the whole day around it. We'll discuss what's possible, including availability and any practical arrangements. A familiar place may have opening hours or rules about photography, and a particular setting may need another plan. Once the session is confirmed, you can enjoy the nice part: deciding where you might go for a catch-up afterwards.
It doesn't have to be the exact spot where you first met. Think about somewhere you both enjoy being now. You might like pretty old streets, open space near the sea or a park with enough room to wander. A setting you feel happy in makes the plan itself more appealing. You can look forward to going there, rather than feeling you've picked a backdrop only because it looks good online.
Share the place you have in mind with Travaya before building the whole day around it. We'll discuss what's possible, including availability and any practical arrangements. A familiar place may have opening hours or rules about photography, and a particular setting may need another plan. Once the session is confirmed, you can enjoy the nice part: deciding where you might go for a catch-up afterwards.
Taking the gift on a trip together
Already planning a holiday with your friend? Oh, this can be a lovely time for photographs. You're away from the usual rush, discovering somewhere together and collecting the little stories that will come up in conversations for years. A session can become one part of that trip, with pictures to bring home alongside all the ones you take yourselves.
Think about what you're excited to see. Pretty streets you've been saving, a view over the water or a city you've talked about visiting for ages. You can tell us the destination and the feel you like, then let us help with the session. You can still spend the rest of your holiday finding favourite cafés, getting distracted by little shops and deciding that, yes, there is time for one more stop.
If travel dates are fixed, contact us early to discuss them. A gift card doesn't reserve a photographer, location or time on its own. We'll confirm the details before booking. You can give the card first and make the plan together afterwards, or ask us about the trip before choosing the amount. Either way, the photoshoot can have a place in the holiday that leaves you plenty of time to enjoy the holiday too.
Think about what you're excited to see. Pretty streets you've been saving, a view over the water or a city you've talked about visiting for ages. You can tell us the destination and the feel you like, then let us help with the session. You can still spend the rest of your holiday finding favourite cafés, getting distracted by little shops and deciding that, yes, there is time for one more stop.
If travel dates are fixed, contact us early to discuss them. A gift card doesn't reserve a photographer, location or time on its own. We'll confirm the details before booking. You can give the card first and make the plan together afterwards, or ask us about the trip before choosing the amount. Either way, the photoshoot can have a place in the holiday that leaves you plenty of time to enjoy the holiday too.
Pictures that feel like your friendship
Your friend's favourite photographs can tell you quite a lot about what they might like. Perhaps they love bright, cheerful pictures. Perhaps they save photographs with soft colours and quiet streets. Two people can be equally excited about having photos together and have quite different ideas about how those photos should feel. It's worth finding that out while the plan is still open.
You don't need to know the name of a photography style. A few examples and simple words are enough to start a conversation. You might say that you'd love pictures that feel relaxed, that the place matters to you, or that you want the friendship to come through without everything feeling very formal. We can use those wishes when discussing the plan and matching you with a photographer.
It also helps to say which pictures matter most. Would your friend love photographs of the two of you together, a few portraits of their own, or both? You can discuss that when the session is arranged. The final package will set the time and number of edited photographs included, so the plan needs to fit. You can have clear wishes without arriving with a long list to tick off.
You don't need to know the name of a photography style. A few examples and simple words are enough to start a conversation. You might say that you'd love pictures that feel relaxed, that the place matters to you, or that you want the friendship to come through without everything feeling very formal. We can use those wishes when discussing the plan and matching you with a photographer.
It also helps to say which pictures matter most. Would your friend love photographs of the two of you together, a few portraits of their own, or both? You can discuss that when the session is arranged. The final package will set the time and number of edited photographs included, so the plan needs to fit. You can have clear wishes without arriving with a long list to tick off.
When your little group comes along
There is something especially nice about a picture with your whole group in it. You can see all the people who make the group feel like itself. If you usually leave a day out with different combinations of friends and one person missing from every photo, having someone take care of the pictures gives you the chance to be there together.
Let everyone who will be photographed have a little say in the plan. Perhaps one friend loves the idea of the sea, while another is already picturing your old neighbourhood. You may each have a favourite kind of photograph too. You don't have to turn it into a big committee. A conversation about what would make it enjoyable is a good place to start.
Tell us the group size before choosing the session. You may want one photograph with everyone, pictures of particular friendships within the group and a few individual portraits. Those wishes affect the time you need, so we'll discuss what fits the package. If some friends are giving the gift and others are joining the photos, tell us who will be there. We'll help you keep the plan clear.
Let everyone who will be photographed have a little say in the plan. Perhaps one friend loves the idea of the sea, while another is already picturing your old neighbourhood. You may each have a favourite kind of photograph too. You don't have to turn it into a big committee. A conversation about what would make it enjoyable is a good place to start.
Tell us the group size before choosing the session. You may want one photograph with everyone, pictures of particular friendships within the group and a few individual portraits. Those wishes affect the time you need, so we'll discuss what fits the package. If some friends are giving the gift and others are joining the photos, tell us who will be there. We'll help you keep the plan clear.
Are you part of the present too?
If you're giving a friend photographs of the two of you, say so in your message. It's a lovely invitation: you'd like to do this together because having pictures with them matters to you. That makes the idea easy to understand, and gives your friend something quite personal to look forward to.
Sometimes, though, the gift is for a friend and somebody else. You might give them a session with their oldest friends, their siblings or the little group they rarely get to see. Or they may love the idea of portraits of their own. Leave room for that if you're giving a card without agreeing the company first. The person receiving it gets to choose what they'd enjoy.
You can be thoughtful in either case. If joining them is part of the invitation, be clear about it. If it's their choice, enjoy giving them that choice. Perhaps you'll be beside them in the photographs. Perhaps you'll get a very excited message when they have some pictures to show you. Either can be a lovely part of giving this gift.
Sometimes, though, the gift is for a friend and somebody else. You might give them a session with their oldest friends, their siblings or the little group they rarely get to see. Or they may love the idea of portraits of their own. Leave room for that if you're giving a card without agreeing the company first. The person receiving it gets to choose what they'd enjoy.
You can be thoughtful in either case. If joining them is part of the invitation, be clear about it. If it's their choice, enjoy giving them that choice. Perhaps you'll be beside them in the photographs. Perhaps you'll get a very excited message when they have some pictures to show you. Either can be a lovely part of giving this gift.
A few words only you could write
The card gives you somewhere to explain why you thought of this friend. You could mention how long you've been saying you should have some pictures together, or the trip you're both counting down to. A small, true detail can make the gift feel much more personal than a message that could belong to anyone.
Perhaps you'd write, “For the friend who makes every little trip better. I'd love some photographs of the two of us.” Or, “We've got so many stories together. Let's have some pictures to go with them.” These are starting points for your own words. Think about how you actually speak to each other. A funny note can be just as affectionate as a very sentimental one.
If you'd like them to choose the plan, you can put that in the message too. “I thought you'd enjoy some photos with your favourite people. You can decide where and when with Travaya.” Now they know what the gift is for and that they have time to make it their own. It gives the card a lovely beginning before any dates are in the diary.
Perhaps you'd write, “For the friend who makes every little trip better. I'd love some photographs of the two of us.” Or, “We've got so many stories together. Let's have some pictures to go with them.” These are starting points for your own words. Think about how you actually speak to each other. A funny note can be just as affectionate as a very sentimental one.
If you'd like them to choose the plan, you can put that in the message too. “I thought you'd enjoy some photos with your favourite people. You can decide where and when with Travaya.” Now they know what the gift is for and that they have time to make it their own. It gives the card a lovely beginning before any dates are in the diary.
Turning the idea into a Travaya gift
Our photoshoot gift cards hold Travaya credit. You can choose a package or a gift amount, add a design and write your message. If you've already got a friendship session in mind, tell us about the destination, likely group size and what you'd love to give. We can help you understand the plan before you decide how much to put on the card.
The recipient then contacts us with their gift code and recipient email address. They can share where they'd like the photos, possible dates, who will be there and the feel they'd enjoy. We help plan the experience and match them with a photographer. The final photographer, date, place, package and price are confirmed before booking, so a particular photographer or date isn't guaranteed by buying a card.
The confirmed package tells them how long the session lasts and how many edited photographs they'll receive in an online gallery. The card's credit goes towards the purchase. If they choose a session that costs more, they can pay the difference; unused credit remains until it is used or expires. A Travaya gift card is valid for 24 months. You can find the current options on our photoshoot gift card page.
The recipient then contacts us with their gift code and recipient email address. They can share where they'd like the photos, possible dates, who will be there and the feel they'd enjoy. We help plan the experience and match them with a photographer. The final photographer, date, place, package and price are confirmed before booking, so a particular photographer or date isn't guaranteed by buying a card.
The confirmed package tells them how long the session lasts and how many edited photographs they'll receive in an online gallery. The card's credit goes towards the purchase. If they choose a session that costs more, they can pay the difference; unused credit remains until it is used or expires. A Travaya gift card is valid for 24 months. You can find the current options on our photoshoot gift card page.
Giving it in your own way
If you're paying for the whole gift, you can have the card emailed to yourself or to your friend after payment. You can also schedule the email or print the PDF to give in person. Perhaps you'd like to put it inside a birthday card, or hand it over while you're talking about your next trip. You can choose the moment that feels right for the two of you.
A group of friends can share the gift equally between two and ten people, each with a separate payment link. The recipient receives the card by email after everyone has paid. Give yourselves time for those contributions if you're planning a birthday reveal. Once it's issued, your friend can begin making the photoshoot plans with us.
You can hand over the idea and those lovely words from you before you've settled all the details. Then comes another part to enjoy together: thinking about where to go, which date might work and the photographs you'd be happy to have. The planning can feel like the beginning of the present too.
A group of friends can share the gift equally between two and ten people, each with a separate payment link. The recipient receives the card by email after everyone has paid. Give yourselves time for those contributions if you're planning a birthday reveal. Once it's issued, your friend can begin making the photoshoot plans with us.
You can hand over the idea and those lovely words from you before you've settled all the details. Then comes another part to enjoy together: thinking about where to go, which date might work and the photographs you'd be happy to have. The planning can feel like the beginning of the present too.
The photographs you'll be glad to have
Then there's the lovely moment of opening the gallery and looking through the edited photographs from your session. You might find you both keep coming back to the same one. You might each love a different photograph. That's part of the pleasure of having a little collection together.
A picture can become a phone background, something you send each other when you're missing a friend, or a photograph you'd like to have at home. If you want printed photographs or an album, discuss those separately; they aren't automatically included with every session. Your friend can also use Travaya credit towards an album, professional prints or wall art as an alternative use of the card.
Before sharing pictures online, check that everyone in them is happy with that. A photograph can be special even if it stays between friends. Years from now, the part you enjoy may be seeing yourselves together in a place you loved, remembering what your friendship felt like at that point. It's a lovely thing to make room for now.
A picture can become a phone background, something you send each other when you're missing a friend, or a photograph you'd like to have at home. If you want printed photographs or an album, discuss those separately; they aren't automatically included with every session. Your friend can also use Travaya credit towards an album, professional prints or wall art as an alternative use of the card.
Before sharing pictures online, check that everyone in them is happy with that. A photograph can be special even if it stays between friends. Years from now, the part you enjoy may be seeing yourselves together in a place you loved, remembering what your friendship felt like at that point. It's a lovely thing to make room for now.
Give your friendship a place in the picture
Have a friend in mind already? Give them something lovely to look forward to, with a little message about why you chose it. We'll help them make the photoshoot their own.
A few things you might be wondering
Of course. You might be planning a trip together, celebrating years of friendship or simply love the idea of having photographs with them. Choose it because it's something your friend would enjoy. Your message can explain what made you think of them.
Tell us how many friends would like to join and what pictures you have in mind. We'll discuss a session that fits, then confirm the package and practical details before booking. Sharing the cost between two and ten contributors is a separate option; it doesn't set the number of people a particular session can include.
You can give the gift first. Your friend can contact us with their wishes and possible dates, and we'll help with the plan. If you already have fixed travel dates, ask us about availability early. The gift card itself doesn't reserve a session.
Talk about what you'd each enjoy before fixing the plan. A few examples can help you explain the feel you like. Share those wishes with us so we can discuss the session and photographer match. You don't need to know photography terms to tell us what appeals to you.
The card holds Travaya credit. The confirmed photoshoot package sets the session length and number of edited photographs included in an online gallery. Check that package and price when planning, so you know what the credit covers and whether there's a difference to pay.
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They've Opened the Gift Card. What Happens Next?
How Much Should You Put on a Photoshoot Gift Card?
How to Ask for a Photoshoot as a Gift
For the Family That Never Sits Still
A Photoshoot Gift for Someone Who Feels Awkward in Photos
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