It used to be that if you wanted to take photos when you went on vacation you had to carry around a clunky camera. Now, with cameras on every smartphone, people can take photos easier; and people love to take photos. In fact, the advent of social media platforms, like Instagram, have put pressure on holidaymakers to take better pictures.

So one five-star venue in the Maldives has offered—possibly the world’s first—Instagram Butler service. While long gone are the days of the tight-lipped, upper class butler in tux and tails, these knowledgeable team members at the Conrad Hilton Resort on the island of Rangali will show guests the best places to take photographs. The Instagram Butler will also guide them around Instagram Trails; itineraries that take in some of the prime spots for envy-inducing image creation.

“Our team members are often asked to take photos for guests around the resort… We felt by introducing this service officially, as an option for guests, was a natural fit,” said the hotel’s Director of Marketing and Communication, Kimberly Roberts.

Instagram Butler services

For Instagrammers hoping to capture the magical golden hour—a period shortly after sunrise or before sunset—the Instagram Butler teaches guests how to perfect that dream shot. They take into consideration factors like optimum time of day and the best position to pinpoint their phones or cameras. Guests can also take a yoga class directed by the resort’s resident scholar, teaching the best poses to capture on camera.

The Instagram Butlers also reveal how to take great shots in the hotel’s world-first all-glass undersea restaurant, Ithaa. Other photographic activities include watching and capturing shooting stars, shooting food with celebrity chef Jereme Leung, and framing atolls on an island-hopping tour.

“On the trail, guests will be shown the hidden secrets and not-so-obvious spots on the island, the best angles to capture a specific moment, and the best time of day where the lighting is not too harsh but just picture-perfect,” Kimberly said.

In 2017, the resort conducted a trial of the service with bloggers and other influencers. After which, they introduced it to the rest of the guests. Guest photos released by the resort show off the impressive surroundings; aerial shots of the atolls, insights into the kitchen, and beach yoga. In that vein, it’s not hard to see why the resort created the job of Instagram Butler.

The Instagram Butler may not be a vacation necessity, but it’s yet another smart amenity that puts travellers in vacation-mode. And to learn the best times to post on social media, click here.

Source: https://mic.com/articles/187329/an-instagram-butler-is-a-real-job-and-theyll-make-sure-your-photos-incite-vacation-envy#.GOCumSa52