Enjoy Elia Locardi's Breathtaking Journey Through Global Landscapes
All images by Elia Locardi. Used with permission.
The task of showing earth in all its glory isn’t easy, yet travel photographer Elia Locardi consistently completes it to the highest standard. His frames are spectacular. They highlight how nature and humans can come together to create a masterpiece. This particular masterpiece is called earth, and Locardi dedicates his time to letting everyone know about it…
Locardi’s work is far more than otherworldly pictures. They educate us by highlighting different ecosystems, cultures and attitudes to life. In many ways, his photographs draw our attention so much it feels like we exist within them.
I personally love how the internet age enables people to see all around the world, and thanks to Locardi’s commitment to the craft, it’s possible to become an explorer without leaving the comfort of your home.
We caught up with him to discuss his travel photography, and to explore all that he has learned from his experiences.
About Elia Locardi
Elia Locardi
Elia Locardi is a photographer and educator, working as a full time photographer since 2009. Through his photographic journey, Locardi has visited over 65 countries, clocking up over 2 million miles. He’s worked with NGOs, brands and agencies and you will see his work in a range of leading publications such as USA Today, Travel + Leisure and many more.
To see Locardi in action, check out this video production made in partnership with SmugMug films….
Them Frames: Hey Elia! Please can you start by sharing where your thirst for adventure comes from?
Elia Locardi: My thirst for adventure stems from growing up in the Florida Keys, where I was surrounded by a vast expanse of water that seemed to stretch endlessly into the horizon.
I learned to swim before I could walk and spent my youth working on dive boats and parasailing vessels, and exploring the ocean. This early connection with nature, the sky, and the sea instilled in me a sense of curiosity and a drive to explore what lay beyond the horizon.
I believe this is where it all began—an innate desire to understand and connect with the world in ways that go deeper than mere appearances. For me, adventure involves experiences that open my eyes and challenge my perspective and comfort zone.
Them Frames: You were location independent from 2012 to 2017. For any budding travel photographer, what advice would you give them to find a sense of belonging and community, even without having a fixed base to call home?
Elia Locardi: Those five years taught me that community isn’t about a physical place but rather the connections made along the way. My advice is to actively seek out opportunities to collaborate with others.
Attend workshops, engage with local photographers whenever you travel, and use platforms to start conversations. Community is built through shared experiences, so don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone.
Also, along the busy road, it's important to remember that solitude can be a gift. Use quiet moments to reflect, grow, and reconnect with yourself—this is just as important as finding belonging among others.
Them Frames: Please can you tell us more about your process? For example, do you like to photograph a place once and move on, or do you prefer to return multiple times? What works best for you?
Elia Locardi: The decision to return to a location depends on the story I wish to tell and my own emotions about the place itself. Some places, like the streets of Kyoto during cherry blossom season, draw me back repeatedly because there’s always more to discover—different lighting, new angles, or simply a deeper appreciation for the culture.
Other times, especially in remote locations, I aim to capture a single meaningful moment that reflects the essence of that place. Whether I return or move on depends on the feeling I leave with. If I sense there’s more to explore, I will always find my way back.
Them Frames: When you think about the start of your career to now, how do you think your work has evolved and how do you feel about that journey?
Elia Locardi: At the beginning, my work was very technical. I focused on perfecting techniques like time blending and post-processing. However, over time, I’ve come to value storytelling even more.
My work has evolved from merely showcasing beauty to capturing the feeling of being in a place—the culture, the people, and the fleeting moments in time. I take pride in this journey as it reflects my growth, not only as a photographer but as a person. Every image I create represents a step forward in that evolution.
Them Frames: In a world of Lightroom, Capture One and more…what was your motivation for entering the photo editing software market with Radiant Photo?
Elia Locardi: Radiant Photo was born out of a desire to simplify and enhance the editing process while keeping images natural and true to life. Over the years, I've noticed a gap between tools designed for advanced users and the needs of everyday photographers who want their photos to look amazing without overcomplicating the process.
Radiant Photo utilizes adaptive AI to bring out the best in every shot without making it feel over-processed. It’s about empowering people to showcase their vision effortlessly, whether they are seasoned professionals or just beginning their creative journey.
Them Frames: How often do you photograph your home area in Florida? Is there a different feeling you experience when making images at home, compared to when you’re in a foreign land?
Elia Locardi: I photograph Florida whenever I can. There’s something grounding about capturing the place you call home. When I'm shooting in foreign places, I feel a rush of excitement—everything is new, and I’m hyper-aware of every detail.
At home, however, it’s a quieter, more reflective process. I’m not just photographing the landscape; I’m connecting with memories, familiarity, and a deeper sense of belonging. It’s a balance between discovery and comfort, and I value both equally.
Them Frames: If there was an album or song that could accompany your body of work, which would it be and why?
Elia Locardi: Music plays such a significant role in my life that it’s difficult to imagine my creative process without it. It's always present—whether I'm editing, planning a shoot, or wandering through a faraway place, completely alone.
When I'm on the road, especially during those quiet, solitary moments, music becomes my soundtrack. It fuels my creative flow and sense of exploration, shaping the way I experience the world and the stories I aim to tell through my photography.
My Spotify playlists are as eclectic as the places I visit. My early work often has a vibe reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails—moody, textured, and atmospheric—but there are also days when it feels like pure Jack Johnson, relaxed and warm, capturing the tranquility of the ocean or a quiet sunset.
Recently, my Spotify DJ pointed out that I've been drawn to bands like Imagine Dragons, Stone Sour, and Marianas Trench. This mix of introspective lyrics, energy, and moodiness aligns perfectly with my creative process.
Music isn’t just a backdrop for my work; it’s integral to my creative journey. It reflects my mood, drives my focus, and, in many ways, sets the emotional tone for the stories I capture. Whether I'm photographing a calm beach in Indonesia or the chaos of central Tokyo during blue hour, there's always a song that fits the moment. Just like my photography, my playlists are constantly evolving, telling their own story of where I've been and where I'm heading.
Them Frames: Finally, please finish this sentence: I need photography in my life because…
Elia Locardi: it’s how I connect with the world and with myself. It’s my way of telling stories, preserving moments, and sharing the beauty I see with others. Photography is not just my career; it’s a way I can experience life.
