The “Bug” will take you pretty much everywhere

It seems like a rather strange title, but if you haven’t heard about the Bug in the Azores Islands, you are missing out Big time… Well, not really, but I thought it was funny to mention it. Just Kidding. Here’s the presentation:

The Photography in Azores project started with the intention to provide professional photos for tourists who visit the Island of São Miguel. At the same time, people could admire and access special spots, and enjoy nice conversations about this place, its history, and culture among others. 

Normally I would schedule with the clients, a meet point, in a specific place and then we would take it from there. From special spot to special spot, customers used to follow me, each one on their own/rental cars. 

However, that was something that bothered me. I mean, not the opportunity to have a constant experience, to be able to get to know people and tell about the Azorean History along the way, while we travel. We were indeed separated by the 2 vehicles. 

So, back in 2023, I had a small hatchback, a Ford Fiesta which despite being a very cool car, it was small to carry people around with me. That was different from the experience I would like to provide to my dear and fellow customers. I needed to step up my game. 

The challenge was big since we are in an economic crisis, where bank interests are high, and in general cost of living keeps rising. At the same time, Portugal applies huge taxes on car sales, making a huge difference in value compared to other European countries. 

So I wanted to buy a new car for this experience. It had to be fairly big, comfortable, spacious, big boot to handle customers’ luggage and most of all, be able to overcome offroad situations. Naturally, it comes to mind several 4x4 vehicles. But the price is so high on those (For example: Ford Bronco starts at 140 000 € . Ford Explorer at 100 000 €) that to make this business economically sustainable, the price per client had to be huge. No one would come. 

Back in 2004, Renault Group bought 99, 3% of Dacia, a reliable brand from Romania. And since then quality has been improved over the years on those vehicles. The mentality of Dacia was to provide cars to people at reasonable prices while excluding certain luxuries. Try to put it like a responsible/cost-effective buy.

So when I tested-drive the Dacia Duster, their SUV, I was really surprised about the quality, comfort, and internal space. The price was something that if the plan worked well, it could be a feasible business. But there was still a lot to think about between investment and price per client.

However, I needed to keep in mind that this is also a Photo Tour / Photoshoot experience. I had to take into account the expensive photography equipment, Drones, editing software licenses, and powerful computers to edit, among others.

All of this gathers around to create this special travel experience, where visitors can comfortably see the beautiful Azores landscapes, learn from them, and be in a professional dedicated personal Photoshoot. 

It’s a 2-in-1. A fantastic experience and then, incredible photos for people to remember forever. 

So finally, the Team was created: The Bug, Me, and My Photography Gear. And all of us (I guess it’s just me, but it’s fancier to speak as a team) together to provide customers with a unique Phototour experience in the Lakes, Forests, and Beaches of the Azores Islands, more specifically in São Miguel. 

Now, in conclusion, you need to see with your own eyes the great landscapes of the Azores, in the comfort of the “Bug” and through the lenses of “Photography in the Azores”. :)