Destination Photography in Pocahontas County, WV
Destination photography in Pocahontas County can give tourism organizations and businesses a practical library of images for websites, visitor guides, social media, and campaigns. A good brief covers more than scenery: it identifies the places, people, and activities that help visitors understand what they can do here.
I’m Kurt Schachner of Wildhare Media, a photographer and videographer based in Marlinton. I work with destination partners and businesses across the West Virginia mountains.
Start with the story your visitors need
A visitor deciding where to go may want to know what a day in the area looks like. A useful photo library can show the setting, but it can also show the experiences, businesses, and people that give a trip its shape.
For one project, that might mean outdoor recreation and a nearby place to eat. For another, it could mean a downtown, an event, or a lodging property. Choose subjects that match what your organization wants to promote and what you have permission to photograph.
Marketing need | Coverage to consider |
|---|---|
Destination website | Wide images for headers, plus details for individual pages |
Visitor guide | A mix of places, activities, businesses, and people |
Seasonal campaign | Priority experiences that match the campaign dates |
Social channels | Horizontal and vertical compositions where the shoot allows |
Press or partner requests | A selected library with usage terms agreed in advance |
Video | Short clips or an edited piece, defined before the shoot |
Build a workable local shoot plan
Start with a short list of essential locations. Then note when each location is accessible, whether people need to be there, and who can give permission to photograph.
Travel time matters in Pocahontas County. A route that looks close on a map may take longer once you account for mountain roads, parking, and time on foot. The Pocahontas County travel information page also advises visitors to plan their routes carefully because GPS and service can be unreliable in some areas.
A clear plan leaves room for the conditions without trying to force too many stops into a day. If a location is essential, discuss an alternative date or backup location.
Bring ground and aerial views together
Ground-level photos show the details of a place: a business owner at work, people on a trail, or the features of a property. An aerial view can add context by showing how a town, building, or activity sits within its surroundings.
I offer ground photography, video, and commercial aerials. I’m FAA Part 107 certified, and I check weather, airspace, and site restrictions before a flight. Drone coverage is always subject to the conditions and permissions at the location.
Plan for sharing and long-term use
Before booking, decide who needs access to the finished files. A tourism organization might use images for its own website and campaigns, while also wanting to share them with local businesses, member communities, or a design agency.
Discuss those uses up front. The project agreement should identify the license and address partner use where needed. Also share any print dimensions, ad layouts, or delivery deadlines before the shoot.
My regional work includes the Mon Forest Towns asset library, with photography across dozens of locations in eight counties. It’s an example of how a destination partnership can build a collection for use across multiple communities and marketing projects.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Wildhare Media based?
Wildhare Media is based in Marlinton, in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. I also travel across the state for commercial and destination projects.
Who is destination photography for?
It can serve CVBs, tourism commissions, communities, lodging businesses, outdoor organizations, and other partners that need images of places and experiences.
Can one project include photos, video, and aerials?
Yes. Let me know which deliverables you need so we can build enough time into the schedule and quote the project accurately.
Can our local partners use the photos?
Partner use can be included in the project discussion. Tell me which organizations or businesses need access and how they plan to use the files so the license can address it.
What does a destination shoot cost?
Wildhare Media tourism projects are quoted based on locations, shoot time, deliverables, travel, and intended use. Share your brief and I’ll put together a quote.
See commercial and tourism services or get in touch to discuss a Pocahontas County project.