Travel & Humanitarian Photos
Ever dreamed of swapping your briefcase for a camera bag? Does the prospect of filling up a passport with stamps from exotic and enchanting locations make you drool? When you book your summer holiday accommodation do you ask the travel agent to describe the quality of the early-morning light? When a friend shows you a photo of their new-born baby do you first ask what ISO setting they used? Do you ever think that I ask too many questions on my blog?
If your answer to any of the first four questions was “yes”, then you will probably be interested in the three-part series, “Going Pro: A Career Guide to Travel Photography” that I’ve recently written for Digital Photographer magazine. The first part, in the shops now, gives some straight talk on what’s required, how you can prepare and includes some notable quotes, including:
“In an oversaturated market, travel photographers need to work very hard or live very cheaply. Probably both.”
“Expecting travel photography to be your shortcut to a life of jet-setting to palm-fringed beaches where you’ll sip Piña Coladas in the bar while you wait for the right light is likely to lead to disappointment.”
Good, eh?
I’ve tried to offer realistic, salient advice without falling into the trap of making a career as a travel photographer seem like an easy option. It’s not.
No, I’m being serious, it really isn’t.
The first part has added value with a brief interview with David duChemin who talks about working for NGOs. That guy is so talented. Hey, he should write a book! The second part features not only the wise words of good friend Matt Brandon but also examines what you might want to think about when on location. It’s not about how to take the photographs but how best to support yourself when you’re away from home. The final part, out soon, looks at post production and marketing. Two things I know a great deal about because I spend a lot of time and energy trying to avoid them.
However, I’d urge you to do as I say and not as I do. Read the articles, inwardly digest and if you like the series, tell your friends, if you don’t, then please move along, there’s nothing to see here.
Your words are wise as always and I can certainly vouch for the idea that travel photography seems like an easy option and isn’t. I for one was guilty of falling into that trap a bit (..erm … ok… a lot!) and although it’s still something i’d one day like to do, for the moment i’m going to stick to the landscapes until I can give it the time it deserves. I mean, for one, what is ‘travel photography’? Answering that one question alone can take many months of deep thought and really, it needs answering before you even start to think about putting camera to eye. Great series Gavin that i’ve been enjoying so far and i’m looking forward to the next one. Ian
Gavin,
Just picked up chapter 1 at a bookstore in Phoenix. Well done. Looking forward to the next two installments.
jack