TRAVEL MASTERCLASS

Discover how to plan, shoot and edit imaginative and engaging travel images with a commercial edge

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Travel has been somewhat restricted over the past two years, so it's with a sense of cautious optimism that we can look forward to the freedom to explore the world with a camera once again. Travel photography is a popular genre for good reason - such images allow the viewer to immerse themselves in far-off places they may never be able to visit while gaining an education in the cultures and customs of these exotic destinations.

There is, however, a common misinterpretation of what defines travel imagery and what separates it from other forms of image-making. Though it incorporates elements from landscape photography, architecture, street shooting and portraiture, a cursory glance at the main photo-sharing platforms reveals a misunderstanding of what the genre actually entails. Many shots on 500px or Instagram, tagged as 'travel' don't fully embody the spirit of this unique style of imagery.

Simply capturing a picture of a place you have travelled to, or a shot of a local does not make it fit the category. Conversely, it is possible to capture the essence of a travel image just five minutes walk from your home.

The key to knowing what makes great travel photography is in understanding the function of such images. Here, we examine how to bolster your travel portfolio on a short four-day trip, from planning your excursion to selecting and using essential gear and, finally, sorting and editing your shots.

Plan your shoot

Think ahead and be ready to capture images as soon as you arrive on location