Bad Weather, Builders On Site, Doors Closed: How To Deal With Common Travel Photography Challenges
There’s a sign at the beginning of a trail in Rocky Mountain National Park that reads: “The Mountains Don’t Care.” In other words, even if you love nature and its beauty, nature couldn’t care less about you—so be prepared for anything. The same applies to travel photography. Even the best laid travel and photography plans…
Photographing On Assignment: How To Exercise Your Creative Freedom
Over the past 14 years, I’ve worked on a number of assignments, ranging from a simple image of a cup of hot cocoa… to a magazine cover shot involving models, lights, and assistants… to a six-week assignment for a Frommer’s travel guide about Puerto Rico. During the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Photography Expedition this week, we…
Trendy vs. Timeless Stock Photos
When it comes to creating stock photos, there’s basically two schools of thought: Trendy vs. Timeless. The first approach is to keep on top of popular trends in the advertising world; to create photos that look modern and current. Shots like these: Photos that feature the newest technology, hottest gadgets, and distinct styles are likely…
Top 4 Habits Of Creative People That Can Help Your Photography Success
I’m fascinated by the creative process. I want to understand it so that I can be creative myself and share my knowledge with others. During our photography workshop at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, we talked a lot about photo composition—something that will definitely help to improve your work. But I also encouraged attendees to…
Great Escape Radio Episode 82: Art vs. Marketing
“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic. It takes sweat, determination, and hard work.” – Colin Powell To get your hands on all the information shared at the recent Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop, go to greatescapepublishing.com/start/workshoprecordings. Great Escape Radio host, Jody Maberry, and Director, Lori Allen, talked about the recent Ultimate Travel Writer’s Workshop in Washington…
5 Best Things About Being A Travel Photographer
In 2002, I was in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile over the Christmas holiday. Because of the park’s isolation, changeable weather, and rugged terrain, hotel options are limited and camping is often the only way to be in the right place at the right time—when the light is at its best (first and last…
Discover The World’s Gems By Taking A Press Trip (And Adding On)
Recently I was invited to participate on a press trip to Romania and Moldova. I immediately said yes—and what a great decision that was. Romania is one of the prettiest countries in Central/Eastern Europe: Enchanting town plazas that date back to medieval times, rolling hills as far as the eye can see, Transylvanian castles cloaked…
The Most Fulfilling Part Of Being A Travel Writer
There is something delicious about writing the first words of a story. You never quite know where they’ll take you. – Beatrix Potter I love being a travel writer. A day on the “job” for me last week was traveling from distillery to distillery along Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail, tasting and sipping bourbon and bourbon cocktails…
3 Reasons Travel Writers Are Invited On Amazing, All-Expenses-Paid Trips
You hear about it all the time: travel writers and bloggers taking amazing, all-expenses-paid trips all over the globe. But why? The answer lies in a simple truth. Ask yourself: Are you more likely to visit a destination because of an ad you see in a magazine? Or because of an article you read when…
“Granny’s Great Adventure”: Travel Writing Is The Cure For A Boring Retirement
My orange leather recliner; binge-watching old TV shows on Netflix; comfort food; a glass of wine; and boredom. Not long ago, these were my constant companions. I retired with plans to use my comfy nest egg for travel, and my Social Security for home-based living expenses. I had no thoughts of travel writing—just traveling. Then,…