allenahale

<p>Have you looked into using Western Union? I have used them in 2014 and 2016 to send funds to a tour company in Cambodia.<br> My experience in Asia has been large payments such as for tours are paid for in US dollars rather than local currency.<br> If Western Union is an option, be aware that you can save a significant amount of money by having Western Union withdraw the funds from your bank account rather than paying a Western Union rep directly. The Internet withdrawal fee is around $15 whereas the WU agent fee is $70. You have to give them your Internet banking account name and password so that they can verify that it is your account. I was a little skeptical of security, so as soon as I knew that they had received the funds from my account I changed my user name as well as my password for my bank account. It all worked out fine.</p>

<p>Thailand is not that big of a country but "interior" is way too vague for someone to help you. Where specifically will you be going? Have you raised this question with the hotel(s) where you will be staying? I am not a birdwatcher but I travel extensively in Thailand and Lao - I first do my research on Google, determine where and when I want to see. I make arrangements over the Internet for accommodation and transportation. Once in the local area, I either trust my instincts for local transportation at the local airport or check for my transportation needs at the hotel. It is easy and affordable to hire a car (tuk-tuk, small truck, samlaw) and driver for a day or even more. I have done this many times and never regretted it.</p>

<p>John H has many valid points. You would also need liability insurance and by having employees, have to file all kinds of reports to local, state and federal reports related to the earnings and safety of your employees. Unless you hire someone knowledgeable to perform those requirements, you will have to do it yourself - giving you even less time to take "your" photographs. The "Employee" - "Independent Contractor" relationship/definition is a complicated legal definition with huge implications on you and your business. Training people and setting standards that they must meet AND the "Non-compete" requirement sure sounds like they would be your employee - but I am not an expert - your local, state and federal tax authorities will the people to "help" you (I am being sarcastic) Research and consult experts such as accountants, lawyers, tax officials and check again so that you can make an informed decision.</p>

<p>I agree with Jeff - I prefer traveling alone with just my wife. We were in Hanoi and Northern Vietnam this September. I had not been in Vietnam for 7 years and I was shocked at how much easier it was to travel in Vietnam. The people were working very hard to make tourism easy and pleasant for guests. I was very impressed. My favorites - Hanoi, Can Cau, Sapa, Bac Ha.</p><div></div>

<p>If they are willing to pay for the printing and framing, they should be willing to purchase a framed print from you. That would ensure that you are compensated for your talent and you are not waiting for a customer of theirs to buy a framed print and you end up compensating the bistro for decorating their business with your work. You should also do some research, especially for your area, as to how many photographs are sold off the walls of restaurants and bistros, and how many off of gallery walls.</p>

<p>I use Smugmug.<br> I do not profit from it.<br> Absolutely - success depends upon Quality of work, as well as making yourself known. I would also add the success is also having a market for the type of photos that you take - wedding photographer has a greater market than a documentary/editorial photographer.<br> Bottom line - I am satisfied with SmugMug as a platform to showcase and marketplace for my work - despite a lack of success ... so far.</p>

<p>Don't forget there is also the matter of how that photo is to be used -"editorial" versus "commercial" use which determines if a "property release" is necessary.</p>

<p>I don't know about the validity of their photography policy. However I am convinced that they got the name correct - "Dismals". Looks like it is all not much of a fun place to go to, let alone pay to get in. Paying to get in may be a significant fact in support of their photo policy - paying may impact the definition of a "public' place and paying indicates your acceptance of their photo policy - sort of like going to a concert or sporting event. Personally I would go somewhere different</p>

<p>My $0.02 USD or rather 2 Bahts worth - per Steve Smith "Can you think of any other physical products where the price varies depending on the buyer?"<br> Actually yes - here in Thailand - There is a price for Thais and a price, a higher price, for foreigners for entrance fees to public places, National Parks, market goods where prices are not listed, services such as repairs ... </p>

<p>Could it be that it started when androids started taking over the retouching business?</p>