Travel Photography. The very phrase ignites a sense of adventure and artistry, doesn’t it? If you’re drawn to this website, chances are you feel the same magnetic pull I do. For me, travel photography is the perfect marriage of my two greatest passions. You might wonder…
“Doesn’t constantly looking through a lens make you miss the actual experience?”
It’s a common question, but my honest answer is a resounding, “Absolutely not!” In fact, I find that focusing on capturing a moment through my camera intensifies my experience. Immersing myself in a landscape, an event, or a fleeting interaction, with the intention of translating its essence into a photograph, deepens my awareness of my surroundings.
Like many, my journey in travel photography began with a steep learning curve, marked by a considerable number of photographic missteps. Returning from trips, whether short weekend getaways or extended expeditions, and reviewing my images often revealed a rather disheartening ratio:
Roughly 1-5% were standout shots, 10-15% were acceptable, and the overwhelming remainder, around 85%, were simply not up to par.
While we could jokingly blame a lack of inherent photographic talent (though let’s pretend that’s not the core issue!), there are countless external factors that can hinder your quest for stunning travel photos. Uncooperative weather, unfavorable times of year, or crowds of tourists obstructing iconic views are all common culprits. However, I’ve come to realize that inadequate preparation is often the primary obstacle.
Thankfully, these initial setbacks were invaluable lessons in disguise. By dissecting my mistakes, I gradually honed my photography skills to a point where I now feel comfortable sharing my work and insights. Let me be clear, the learning process is ongoing, and I am far from considering myself a seasoned professional. Yet, I believe that sharing some of the key lessons I’ve learned along the way can be incredibly beneficial, helping others avoid some of the same pitfalls and elevate their own travel photography journey.
