Tbilisi looks different through a camera lens. In this private photoshoot, Jade Stacy Maria Brimfield guides you to less-visited Soviet-era corners, and you can choose to work as a model or photographer for the day.

I like that the whole plan feels built around real-looking portraits, not just ticking off monuments.

I also like the production touches that make you look ready from minute one. You’ll have retro dresses (sizes 8–10), professionally styled makeup and hair, and support with equipment like cameras, lenses, a tripod, and reflectors—plus snacks and coffee so you start with energy.

One drawback to consider is communication reliability. One past booking was reportedly cancelled right after arriving at the meeting point, so I’d message to confirm shortly before you go and keep your plans flexible if weather or timing shifts.

Key Highlights to Know Before You Go

• Two shoot modes in one experience: model for portraits, or photographer to practice in unique locations
• Natural-light planning with routes designed for the morning slot or for sunset timing
• Professional styling included: makeup/hair and retro dresses (sizes 8–10)
• 14 edited images in 14 days, delivered online for you to share fast
• Cab help between locations if you need to hop around the city
• Snacks, water, and a coffee stop to keep you fueled during the wandering

A Soviet-Era Photo Route You Can Choose by Time of Day

Tbilisi is famous for its Old Town charm, but this session is really about the in-between spaces—corners with texture, mood, and that slightly cinematic Soviet look. The route is split into two time slots, which matters because natural light is the star here.

For the morning, you’re aiming for a 4-hour loop that starts near Shota Rustaveli Avenue and winds through places like a derelict Soviet theatre and hidden courtyards, then finishes in Old Town Tbilisi. For the afternoon into evening, the energy shifts. You still cover derelict courtyards, but you end at a viewpoint that’s set up for sunset timing—often quieter than the obvious viewpoints, which helps your photos feel calm instead of crowded.

If you’re the type who hates rushed sightseeing, this is the good kind of “wander.” You’re moving, but it’s movement with purpose: every stop is chosen for how it will look through a camera frame.

Model or Photographer for the Day: Two Ways to Do This Session

This is one of the most useful parts of the whole experience: you can book the day in two roles.

Option 1: Book me as your model for the day

If you choose the model option, the focus is on portrait shooting in unique locations. In plain terms, you get the chance to practice photographing a person in real Tbilisi settings—lighting changes, backgrounds vary, and you’re not stuck doing portraits in a plain studio.

Option 2: Book me as your photographer for the day

If you want the easiest path to strong results, you can book as the photographer option. In this case, you’re there to explore and enjoy the city while Jade captures your portraits in less-seen corners and courtyards. This is the version that’s more “stand back and let it happen,” with you getting guided styling and set-ups along the way.

A note from a strong positive experience: Jade can be great at working as a model and knowing the city well, which helps when timing and location choice matter for lighting and composition. If you’re hoping for portraits that look natural instead of stiff, this matters.

What You’ll Get: Dresses, Makeup, and a Photographer’s Toolkit

This session isn’t just walking around with a camera. It’s set up like a mini production.

You’ll have ethereal, retro dresses ready for shooting, and the included sizes are 8–10. Makeup and hair are styled professionally and ready for the shoot, which saves you time and stress—especially if you’re not planning a full glam day already.

On the gear side, you’re not guessing. The package includes a kit that may include a Canon M50 and Canon 600D, plus various lenses, a tripod, and a reflector (either loaned or used while shooting you). Reflectors are a big deal for portraits in outdoor light because they help smooth shadows on faces, especially near walls and in courtyard shade.

And yes, you’ll have fuel. Snacks and water are provided as you wander, and there’s a coffee stop before you get started.

What that means for you: you don’t need to bring your own lighting setup, and you don’t need to already be confident about how to make natural light behave. The session is built around natural light, but you’re not thrown into it alone.

Morning Plan: Derelict Soviet Theatre, Courtyards, and Old Town

The morning slot aims for variety in just 4 hours. The general flow is:

• Start near Coffeesta52 on Shota Rustaveli Avenue
• Travel through several selected spots for portraits
• Hit a derelict Soviet theatre as a key visual anchor
• Add hidden/less-visited courtyards for texture and softer scenes
• Finish in Old Town Tbilisi

Why this route works for photos: courtyards and older façades give you more forgiving backgrounds than open streets. You can get a sense of place without having your frame swallowed by constant foot traffic or modern distractions.

The derelict theatre stop is particularly appealing if you like moody architecture. Even if you’re not a history buff, the look is what you’re after: strong shapes, worn surfaces, and a “story” background that makes portraits feel dramatic without adding fake sets.

Possible drawback: because the vibe is gritty and atmospheric, you’ll want to bring patience for uneven ground and a bit of walking. The experience lists a moderate physical fitness level, so you should be comfortable moving between spots.

Afternoon-to-Evening: Courtyards and a Sunset Viewpoint

The afternoon into evening slot is where you’ll start thinking about timing. It still includes derelict courtyards, but the finale is a beautiful viewpoint designed for sunset.

This matters for two reasons:

1. Sunset light changes skin tones and shadows fast, so having a planned end location helps.
2. You’re ending at a usually quieter spot, which makes it easier to get portraits without constant interruptions.

If you’ve ever tried to shoot portraits at golden hour with no plan, you know how fast things can get chaotic. This structure gives you a finish line, so you can focus on getting good frames instead of hunting for the perfect scene on the fly.

And because it’s an evening session, the overall feel is more relaxed. Think: last light, slower wandering, more breathing room for composition.

Coffee, Snacks, and Using Cabs Between Locations

You start at Coffeesta52, Shota Rustaveli Ave, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia, and you end back at the meeting point. You’ll also have a coffee stop at a quirky café close to your first location before the shooting begins.

Snacks and water are covered. The plan is to grab things as you move around at Spar and convenience stores, so it stays flexible.

Transport is handled as needed. The experience notes that you may catch a cab between locations, and cab fare is provided by the host if traveling between spots is included. In practice, that means less time stuck in transit and more time shooting.

One thing to keep in mind: even with cabs, you’ll still do walking between photo stops. Build in comfortable shoes and expect to move.

14 Edited Images in 14 Days: The Part You’ll Care About Later

The deliverable is clear: you’ll receive 14 edited images shared to you online within 14 days.

That’s a sweet spot for most people. You get a meaningful set of photos without it turning into a massive portfolio project. Also, the edited images are the ones that will look consistent—important when you shoot in mixed lighting across courtyards and open areas.

So when you plan your trip, you can treat this like a future souvenir. You get a folder you can use right away once you’re back home, and it saves you from sorting through a pile of unedited frames.

Price and Value at $172.24 Per Person

At $172.24 per person for about 4 hours, this can be good value if you compare it to piecing together the usual alternatives.

What you’re paying for includes:

• Professionally styled makeup and hair
• Dresses ready for shooting (sizes 8–10)
• A shoot setup with camera gear (cameras, lenses, tripod, reflectors)
• Edited photos delivered online (14 images in 14 days)
• Snacks, water, and coffee
• Possible cab rides between locations

If you tried to recreate this on your own, you’d quickly spend money on a photographer, editing time, wardrobe help, and transport. The big win here is that it’s bundled: you show up, Jade handles the photo and styling flow, and you get a finished set of images.

Balanced take: the value depends on your fit with the format. If you want a simple tour with a few pictures, this may feel heavier than you need. If you want portraits and off-itinerary locations, it’s structured exactly for that.

Who This Fits Best in Tbilisi (and Who Might Skip It)

This session is a strong match for:

• People who want portraits and care about how they’ll look in photos
• Anyone who likes the feel of Soviet-era and textured urban backdrops
• Photographers who want to practice using a model in real locations
• Travelers who want a private experience (it’s only your group)

It may be less ideal if:

• You’re outside the dress size range (included dresses are sizes 8–10)
• You don’t want to do walking between locations (moderate fitness is recommended)
• You strongly prefer fully predictable scheduling and want zero risk of last-minute changes (there has been at least one reported cancellation after the meeting point due to communication issues)

A small practical thought: since you’re shooting in natural light, bring a calm, flexible mindset. Outdoor light is real weather physics. The session plan is built for it, but you’ll still get better results when you stay adaptable.

Should You Book This Tbilisi Photo Session?

I’d book it if you want a portrait-focused day with styling support and locations that won’t feel like the standard postcard route. The “morning vs sunset” structure is smart, and the deliverable of 14 edited images in 14 days makes the whole thing feel concrete.

I’d be cautious if you rely on perfect communication up to the last minute. Given that there’s been a reported no-show/cancellation situation in the past, I recommend you message to confirm the day before and keep an eye on your plans right up to the start.

If your goal is photos that look like Tbilisi has personality—then this is a very good fit.

FAQ

Where does the photoshoot start?

It starts at Coffeesta52 on Shota Rustaveli Ave, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia.

When does it end?

It ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the experience?

It’s about 4 hours.

What time slots are available?

You can book either a morning slot or an afternoon into evening slot designed to finish at a sunset-ready viewpoint.

What do I receive after the session?

You get 14 edited images shared online within 14 days.

Can I choose to be a model or a photographer?

Yes. You can book to be the model for the day (for portrait shooting in unique locations) or book as your photographer for the day.

Is makeup, hair, and wardrobe included?

Yes. Makeup and hair are professionally styled, and dresses are provided in sizes 8–10.

What camera gear is included?

The experience includes cameras and equipment such as Canon M50 and Canon 600D, various lenses, a tripod, and a reflector.

Is transport between locations included?

If you need a cab between locations, cab fare is provided by the host.

Is alcohol included?

No, alcohol isn’t included.

FAQ

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Do I need to be very fit?

The experience lists a moderate physical fitness level, since you’ll move between locations on foot.

Is this a private experience?

Yes, it’s private—only your group participates.

Do I need to bring my own ticket?

You get a mobile ticket.

Will snacks and water be provided?

Yes. Snacks and water are provided, along with coffee before you start.

Is the shoot focused on natural light?

Yes, the locations are chosen to be great for natural light shooting.