REVIEW · SANTORINI
Santorini Private Photo Shoot – Tour
Book on Viator →Operated by Thanos Rivios · Bookable on Viator
Santorini looks best through a lens with a plan. This private photo shoot in Imerovigli lets you get portrait-ready fast, with a photographer who focuses on posing and finding the most photogenic spots around the cliffs and viewpoints.
What I like most is the combo of easy direction and real scenic locations. You also get a solid batch of professionally edited images (about 50 for a one-hour session), delivered to your email—plus an express editing option if you’re in a hurry.
One thing to consider: there’s no hotel pickup, and the session starts and ends at the meeting point in Imerovigli, so you’ll want to factor in getting yourself there on time.
In This Review
- Key points before you book
- Why Imerovigli Works So Well for Photos
- Working With Thanos Rivios: The Real “Tour” Part
- The Shoot Itself: What Happens During Your Session
- Imerovigli Stop: Blue Dome Church and Scenic Positioning
- Photo Delivery: Edited Images, Timelines, and Optional Upgrades
- Express editing (24 hours) for a fee
- High-resolution photos (for a fee)
- Raw files: optional, kept for 6 months
- Price and Value: Is $102.41 Worth It?
- Meeting Point Logistics: La Maltese Caldera Concept in Imerovigli
- What This Experience Is Best For
- Should You Add Express Editing or High-Res?
- The Quick Reality Check: Small Limits to Know
- Should You Book This Santorini Private Photo Shoot?
- FAQ
- How long is the Santorini private photo shoot?
- Where does the shoot start and end?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- Is this a private tour or shared experience?
- How many edited photos do I receive?
- When will I get the photos after the shoot?
- Can I get express editing?
- Can I get raw files and in what format?
- What language is the experience offered in?
Key points before you book

- Private session, just your group: No waiting around with strangers.
- One-hour morning shoot included: Designed to get you a finished set, not just a quick snapshot.
- About 50 edited photos for the one-hour session: Ideal for social posts and keeping memories organized.
- Express editing option (24 hours) for an added fee: Useful for wedding invites or trips with tight timelines.
- Raw files can be requested: Photographer keeps raw files for 6 months; raw images cost extra.
- No heavy Photoshop manipulation: Expect professional editing, not digital “reinvention.”
Why Imerovigli Works So Well for Photos

Imerovigli is one of those Santorini bases where views are already built into the streets. The session includes passing the Blue Dome church in Imerovigli, so you get that instantly recognizable Santorini look without needing a lot of extra walking planning on your side.
Morning light is a big reason people do a shoot here. Early hours can mean softer contrast and more flattering skin tones than the harsh midday sun. And because you’re working on a private schedule, you’re not stuck shooting at the least photogenic time just because a tour group is ahead of you.
The other quiet win: Imerovigli feels calmer than some of the busiest areas, so your photos come out looking less crowded. Even if you’re not chasing perfection, the setting does a lot of the work.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Santorini
Working With Thanos Rivios: The Real “Tour” Part

This isn’t just a camera-and-hope setup. Photographer Thanos Rivios runs the session like a choreography project—clear guidance, patient pacing, and help for positioning so you don’t feel stiff.
In particular, the vibe is relaxed and practical. Couples get help that keeps them comfortable, and even if you think you’re not photogenic, the session is built to solve that problem with direction. That matters because a lot of “bad photos” happen when nobody tells you what to do with your hands, your face angle, or where to stand.
You’ll also find that the photographer’s knowledge of where to go is a key value here. The best photos on Santorini often come from small changes in viewpoint—one step left, one tilt of the chin, one background swap. A pro who knows the area can turn that into a 60-minute hit list.
The Shoot Itself: What Happens During Your Session
Plan on a session that can run roughly 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your package and how you want to pace it. The included session is a one-hour photoshoot, and the focus is getting enough variety: different poses, a few changes in angles, and background variety around Imerovigli.
Because it’s private, you’re not rushed through the fun parts. Thanos will guide you to scenic areas and help you navigate awkward spots when needed. One review highlighted working around challenging rooftops to get the best views, which is a reminder to wear grippy shoes.
You’ll also get the benefits of a photographer who directs like a coach. Expect prompts for where to look, how to stand, and how to settle into a pose so you can stop “performing” and start looking natural.
Practical tip: If you have a specific goal—couple photos for anniversaries, photos for wedding invitations, or just a set that looks polished—tell Thanos at the start. The session is short, so goals help the time pay off.
Imerovigli Stop: Blue Dome Church and Scenic Positioning

Your route includes Imerovigli as the main stop, including a pass by the Blue Dome church. That’s useful even if you don’t think you care about landmarks, because the “Santorini look” usually comes from a few specific visual elements: iconic church colors, cliffside views, and whitewashed architecture.
The best part is the positioning. Great photos aren’t only about the background—they’re about how the background frames you. With a private shoot, you can do that without waiting for crowds to clear.
If you’re the type who wants variety but doesn’t want to hike between far-apart locations, this approach is efficient. You get scenic context while keeping the session focused on getting you your final photos.
Photo Delivery: Edited Images, Timelines, and Optional Upgrades

Here’s the deal with the photos, in plain language:
- For the one-hour session, you get around 50 edited photos.
- After you choose your favorites, edited images are sent to your email after about 7 days of your picture selection.
- The overall expectation is that you’ll have a finished set within about two weeks after your shoot (useful as a planning timeframe if you’re coordinating a wedding invite or a big trip moment).
The editing style is meant for real life, not overdone filters. Photos are professionally edited with resolution optimized for social media use.
Express editing (24 hours) for a fee
If you need speed, you can request Express Editing Delivery (24 hours) for an added +50. This is a strong option if you’re turning the photos into something time-sensitive.
High-resolution photos (for a fee)
High-resolution photos are available for an extra charge. If your goal is printing, uploading to platforms that like higher quality, or creating wedding-invite-style files, that upgrade is worth considering.
Raw files: optional, kept for 6 months
You can obtain raw images for +150. The photographer retains the raw files for 6 months, which gives you breathing room if you decide later that you want more editing control.
One important note: Photoshop manipulation isn’t included. So if you’re expecting heavy composite work or extreme retouching beyond standard professional edits, plan for that limitation.
Price and Value: Is $102.41 Worth It?

At $102.41 per person, this photo shoot can be good value when you want results you can actually use. The key isn’t the time alone—it’s the combination of:
- A private session (your group only)
- A focused one-hour shoot window
- A meaningful number of professionally edited photos (about 50)
- Delivery to your email, with a clear selection workflow
For many people, the value is simple: you’re paying to outsource the hard parts. In Santorini, the hard parts are lighting decisions, posing direction, and knowing the best angles quickly. If you’re on vacation and not trying to spend your day acting as your own photographer, paying a pro is often the smartest use of time.
Also, the session is popular—on average it’s booked 29 days in advance. That’s usually a sign that slots go quickly, especially around peak travel periods.
Meeting Point Logistics: La Maltese Caldera Concept in Imerovigli

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to handle getting to the start point. The meeting location is:
La Maltese Caldera ConceptCCMC+6V, Imerovigli 847 00, Greece
Your activity ends back at the meeting point. That makes the session easier to plan because you’re not navigating a complicated end location afterward.
Because it’s near public transportation, you should be able to reach it without a private car—though exact routes depend on where you’re staying. A mobile ticket is provided, and confirmation is received at booking time.
What to bring: good shoes (some spots can be uneven), sun protection, and anything you want to include in the look (bouquets, outfits, etc.). Since the shoot is short, comfort matters more than packing light.
What This Experience Is Best For

This private photo shoot fits best if you want polished memories without spending hours managing a camera.
It’s especially a good match for:
- Couples celebrating milestones (anniversaries, wedding invitation photos)
- People who want help posing because they’re self-conscious on camera
- Anyone who wants a quick “mini experience” that also doubles as a scenic photo outing
- Small groups who want the day to stay flexible and not tied to big tour schedules
Also, it’s a true private format. Only your group participates, which is a quality-of-life upgrade if you’re trying to keep the experience calm and personal.
If you’re traveling with children, note that children must be accompanied by an adult. Service animals are allowed as well.
Should You Add Express Editing or High-Res?
If you have time, the included editing flow is a solid choice. But if your trip has a deadline, upgrades can pay off.
Choose Express Editing (+50) if:
- you need photos quickly after the shoot
- you’re using images for invitations, announcements, or time-bound posts
Choose high-resolution photos (for a fee) if:
- you plan to print
- you want files with more flexibility beyond social media optimization
And consider raw files (+150) if:
- you want maximum editing freedom later
- you might want to experiment with your own color or crop adjustments
If you’re unsure, start with the included package. You can always request details about the upgrades when you see how the edits look in your delivered set.
The Quick Reality Check: Small Limits to Know
This is a short, photo-focused session, so think of it as a “results-first” activity. It’s not billed as a long sightseeing tour with multiple stops across the island.
Also:
- Hotel pickup isn’t included.
- Photoshop manipulation isn’t included, so edits are meant to enhance, not completely transform.
Finally, timing matters. If you’re chasing the best light, arrive a few minutes early so you can start without stress.
Should You Book This Santorini Private Photo Shoot?
Book it if you want a professional, direction-led photo session in Imerovigli that produces a usable set of edited images. It’s a smart pick for couples and anniversary travelers who want natural-looking results without a big production.
Skip it if you want a long multi-stop day trip, or if you need complex photo manipulation that goes beyond standard editing. Also skip (or plan carefully) if you don’t want to manage your own arrival to La Maltese Caldera Concept.
If you’re on the fence, a good strategy is this: decide what you want the photos for—social, printing, invitations. Then choose whether you need express or high-res. For many people, the included set plus the photographer’s guidance is already enough to make Santorini feel real every time you open your camera roll.
FAQ
How long is the Santorini private photo shoot?
The duration is listed as about 30 minutes to 2 hours. The included session is a one-hour photoshoot.
Where does the shoot start and end?
It starts at La Maltese Caldera Concept, Imerovigli 847 00, Greece, and it ends back at the same meeting point.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
Is this a private tour or shared experience?
This is a private photo shoot/activity. Only your group will participate.
How many edited photos do I receive?
For the one-hour session, you receive around 50 edited photos. The service also notes you’ll receive around 45 professionally edited photos.
When will I get the photos after the shoot?
You’ll get edited images sent to your email after about 7 days of your picture selection. An express option is also available.
Can I get express editing?
Yes. Express editing delivery (24-hour turnaround) is available for an added fee of +50.
Can I get raw files and in what format?
Raw images can be obtained for +150. The photographer retains the raw files for 6 months.
What language is the experience offered in?
The shoot is offered in English.

































