Flea market empowers photographer to offer free services to those in need
Aprofessional 360 degrees photographer Kian Seng Tuin (Jeff) is offering his services for free to assist Fijians who require it.
The Malaysian-born man has been running his business consultancy in Nadi for over five years now.
He is currently operating a booth at VotCity Flea Market, Votualevu, Nadi.
Mr Tuin is an accredited Google Maps photographer and is a level 10 (highest) Local Guide for Bula Maps.
“My business has been affected as well during this COVID-19 pandemic; no doubt everyone here has felt it too,” he said.
“Being part of this flea market has empowered me in many ways. I am giving my services to those who require it. We have to assist each other during this time of crisis.
“I do Google street view photography services (360 photography) as photography has been my passion. If companies need my services I am here to boost their needs in terms of visibility as everything in tourism is more on your smartphones.”
To date Mr Tuin has uploaded 81,588 normal photos worldwide which have been viewed millions of times. Some of his Fiji’s photos have already hit one million views.
Interestingly, he has uploaded 274,600 street view photos (360 degree photos), done 295 kilometres, and received 189 million views for 360 photos.
“It took me many years to finally become a Google Street View Trusted Photographer,” he said.
There are 13,422 trusted photographers worldwide, mostly based in the US and Europe.
There are only 479 Level 10 Local Guide granted by Google. Google allows trusted photographers to shoot business photography like retails, shops, hotels, restaurants and upload it onto Google maps. “I can add and edit information like operation time, contact, address to the business as well,” he said.
Mr Tuin owns the Asia Pacific One Consulting Pte Ltd, a business consultancy services company where he helps both foreign and local companies.
He provides analysis for rentals, labor costs, transportation costs and market shares.
He currently has two Fijians working for him.
Google Maps
Google Maps is a web mapping service developed by Google.
It offers satellite imagery, street maps, 360° panoramic views of streets (Street View), real-time traffic conditions (Google Traffic), and route planning for traveling by foot, car, bicycle (in beta), or public transportation.
Google Maps is also available as a mobile app for Android and iOS operating systems.
Users can explore landmarks, discover natural wonders, and step inside locations such as museums, event arenas, and small businesses.