What to do · Madrid
Photoshoot with a photographer in El Retiro, beside the Crystal Palace and its pond
Information
- From
- €89 group
- Duration
- 15 min
- Season
- All year, with morning and afternoon slots
- Who it's for
- Couples, families and friends travelling in Madrid; also solo travellers
The Palacio de Cristal, with its iron and glass dome over the pond, is the corner of El Retiro that works best in a photo. A Madrid photographer waits for you at the edge of the park, takes you to the water's railing and in a quarter of an hour, half an hour or a full one takes your trip photos. Two days later you have them edited. It is run by Smiler, a travel photography company with its own team in the city, and the price is per group: €89 for the short session, for two.
Three session sizes
- Standard: 15 minutes and 10 photos, for one or two people, €89.
- Premium: 30 minutes and 25 photos, up to six people, €149. With half an hour there is time for photos at the palace and at the pond.
- VIP: one hour and 50 photos, up to twelve people, €249. For a large family or to cover more of the park.
The golden hour costs €35 more. The calendar on the website shows sunrise and sunset for each day and has morning and afternoon slots. The photographer picks the photos in the package; if you want more, they are bought afterwards. He helps you pose if you never have.
The meeting, on Paseo de Cuba
The meeting point given by the website is Paseo de Cuba, 4, a few steps from the Palacio de Cristal; the photographer fixes the place through the app after you book. El Retiro opens at 6:00 and in autumn and winter closes at 22:00, so there is room for an early session. If afterwards you want to row, the boats on the Great Pond leave from 10:00.
If you prefer more time and more photos
Flytographer, a network of holiday photographers, has El Retiro as Madrid's most booked route. Its sessions run from 30 minutes to three hours, are paid in dollars (from $325 for half an hour and 20 photos) and the gallery arrives in five working days. You choose the photographer by their photos.
Tips
- Go in autumn if you can In autumn the trees on the edge of the pond turn reddish, as seen in the company's own photos, and frame the palace.
- Better in the morning First thing the park is quieter and the light softer than at midday.
- Make the most of the rest of the park With the session done, the Great Pond and the Alfonso XII monument are ten minutes' walk away.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cancel?
With Smiler, free up to 24 hours before; after that it is not refunded. With Flytographer, 90% up to fifteen days before.
What if it rains?
Light rain does not cancel the session, unless you both prefer to change it.
When do the photos arrive?
In 48 hours with Smiler; in five working days with Flytographer.
Who runs it
- SmilerProfessional photo session in El Retiro Visit their website
- FlytographerRetiro Park route Visit their website
