Ready for My Close-up

Even on vacation, we now have little photo production studios in our pockets at all times. The upside is that we don't have to wait to return from vacation to process the photos -- and subject our friends to stacks of snapshots (or worse, a slideshow: "This is us climbing a Mesoamerican pyramid!" "Here we are with a jaguar!" "Here's Michael getting stitched up at a Yucatan hospital!").

The downsides: selecting, editing, and cropping photos; looking down at a phone rather than up at the scenery; and selfies. ALT by Bruvion, an LGBT-focused travel agency, can help vacationers with deep pockets spend more time enjoying themselves, and less time angling for the perfect shot. Their program, "selfie-less travel," gives clients access to their very own vacation paparazzo.

Starting at $250 per day (plus daily expenses), a local social media gay guru will help guide travelers to the best spots at the right times to capture and share picture-perfect moments. For $500 per day (plus all travel expenses) a social media travel assistant will deliver round-the-clock photo and social media services.

The service, while not aimed at the budget backpacker, could be ideal for a romantic getaway, a beach vacation with friends, or a destination wedding. TravelALT.com

Photo: courtesy of ALT by Bruvion (selfie-less)