Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Duren.
Hi Liz, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I was a wedding and portrait for 17 years but a history lover all my life. As a 10th generation Charlestonian, my love and respect for this city was DEEP. I often found myself taking my couples on walks downtown for engagement shots or bridal portraits and I would catch myself telling them the history of the beatific buildings and garden around the… and then I thought… what a great idea for a TOUR!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Since I was the only walking tour that included a portrait session, I quickly found interest, but it was hard to figure out where to advertise or how to get around all the really big walking tour companies in the city that took 20 or more people around at a time. I spent hours and days checking in with the boutique hotels in Charleston letting them know about my tour but I never really got anywhere with them. It was when I finally joined Air B and B as an experience did, I really see improvement in bookings
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
There are several things that make giving my tour special. Adding the portrait aspect to your walking tour really elevates your experience with the souvenir photos to have forever.
I am also a local actress and in the ensemble of the two largest theatre companies in the city. So, the most fun I have is being a storyteller at heart and bringing the stories of the people who made this city great come alive.
My mother summed it up perfectly when I told her about the idea, I had for a photo walking tour… “oh, Liz you take beautiful photos and you never stop running your mouth”
What matters most to you?
Making sure my guest feel welcome and at ease with me. this makes your portraits 1000 times better, but also, I know what it feels like to be a tourist and not knowing my way around or where to go… I want everyone to feel like they just made a new friend.
Pricing:
- $30 per person
- photos are available for sale after the tour at 14.95 each
Contact Info:
- Email: saycharleston@gmail.com
- Website: www.tour-charleston.com
- Instagram: photoshoot.in.charleston
