Photography & Print

Featured Travel Photographer: Paul Johnson

At Digitalab, we’re a bunch of photography fanatics and can’t resist an opportunity to nerd out. That’s why we’ve decided to talk to our favourite photographers about one thing we’ve definitely got in common – and that’s professional photography. This time we’ll be getting cultural, and we’ve asked the exceptionally well-travelled Paul Johnson, Editor at A Luxury Travel Blog, for a look inside his photographic toolkit – and picked his brain on the glorious phenomenon that is travel photography.

paul-johnson

1. Why travel photography?

Travel photography is so varied and opens up endless opportunities. Not only is it fun and interesting, but it is also challenging as you need to be skilled in all areas of photography. There is always so much to learn.

2. Is there any essential photographic gear you never travel without – and why?

If space allows, my tripod. I have a Manfrotto tripod that’s designed specifically for travel; it’s not quite as compact as I would like, but a good enough size and quality to be sufficiently sturdy.

3. What is the most beautiful travel shot you’ve ever captured?

Ooooh, that’s a hard one.  I’m not sure exactly but I am rather pleased with this close-up of an elephant I took on safari on the Shamwari Game Reserve in South Africa just a few weeks ago.

4. Do you have any tips for aspiring travel photographers?

Natural light is one of the most important things at a travel photographer’s disposal (as well as a camera, of course!). Try to observe the light on a day-to-day basis and its effect on what you see around you. Depending on what you are looking to depict, landscape pictures tend to be best first thing in the morning or close to dusk, but don’t be afraid to experiment in different lighting environments. Taking lots of pictures can be one of the best ways to learn what works and what doesn’t.

 

If you’re an amateur travel photographer looking to train your artistic eye and hone your craft, you’re in luck. In The A-Z of Travel Photography, we’ve spoken to professional photographers on what it takes to master the medium – and with their help, you can too.