How to become a travel photographer - 5 tips!
Photo by Alif Ngoylung
Those who long to explore the world often wonder how to become a travel photographer. Is it even possible in the modern era? The short answer is yes and in this article I’ll show you some of the paths you can take to reach your dream.
Key Takeaways
You can still use traditional methods to become a travel photographer. The best photography magazines and online publications still commission photography.
Having a large social media following can certainly help you monetize your travel photography.
It’s good to invest in online courses made by experienced travel photographers. Many of them teach you techniques, brand building and how to freelance.
How to become a travel photographer in 2024
There are several ways you can become a travel photographer. You can pitch to publications, self fund your trips, or sell content online. It also helps to have a large social media following and a high-traffic website if you want to become a successful travel photographer.
I'll break down each of the steps you can take to become a travel photographer. I’ll also include some online courses made by some of the best travel photographers, so you can expand on your education.
Pitch to publications and do travel photography
Doing travel photography the old fashioned way still exists. And, even though the market has become saturated and publication budgets are decreasing, it’s still possible. You can liaise with a professional writer and ask them to share your travel photo story.
Writers who work with the likes of National Geographic will often require a separate commission for a travel photographer. Most of the good money comes from large legacy media publications. But, you can also find work from independent publications like Intrepid Travel and Go World Travel.
Self Fund your travel photography
Self funding has become a lot more popular in the digital era. You can self fund through different streams and means. For example, street travel photographer Roman Fox has a successful YouTube channel. He often uses his funds to cover travel costs so he can create images and videos in the different destinations he visits.
You can also work a remote job and use your freedom to travel the world. It may not make travel photography your main source of income, but it’s not without its perks.
You get to create an awesome travel photography portfolio, and you can still find ways to monetize your images. You can enter competitions for example or create zines and photobooks.
Having a large social media following can certainly help you become a travel photographer. It’s frustrating for some, I know, but it’s the times we live in. If you can market your work to a large number of engaged people, then it’s easier to fund your travel photography.
Write for a publication and be a travel photographer
If you’re a writer, then you can hold two roles at a media publication: writer and photographer. Travel magazines benefit from hiring a candidate with two skill sets, as it helps with timing and efficiency.
During my writing career I have written stories, both on photography and travel. As my articles require photos, I was able to fund the trips through commissions and regular writing work. Writing in each separate niche has allowed me to travel the world and create lots of travel photographs along the way.
Sell prints and NFT photography
If you have a large following or several visits to your photography website, you can use that audience to sell prints. Some photographers sell their images for hundreds of dollars, some even thousands. You can use sales of your travel photography prints to fund more trips, in the hope of selling more prints in return.
You can also turn to NFT photography. Many photographers sell NFT travel images for those who wish to invest. Granted the market is volatile and demand comes and goes. But, if you can remain on the cusp of what’s happening in the market, you can certainly generate income – that’s what photographer Samantha Cavet did.
The best travel photography courses
There are several professional travel photographers that are happy to share their knowledge. From detailed blog posts to in-depth online courses, there are many avenues available to improve your skills. There are also photography workshops available for those who prefer in person learning.
Below are some of the best courses you can access, from travel photographers with vast amounts of experience. I’ll break them down and include how you can get all the learning materials.
Jord Hammond
Jord Hammond is a professional travel photographer with 7 years’ experience. He now shares his knowledge through a range of digital courses. They include everything from techniques, how to build a following and how to manage the business aspect of travel photography. Hammond also offers a live editing masterclass, helping you give your travel photography more life.
You can buy his courses individually or as a bundle. He also has a The Travel Photography Accelerator course, that tells you everything you need in 15 modules. Check out all his courses.
The Wandering Lens
Lisa Michele Burns is the photographer behind The Wandering Lens. She has taught travel photographers through a range of courses for almost a decade. Burns’ courses include practical steps to improve travel photography composition, as well as courses on how to become a freelance travel photographer.
The website teaches you how to sell photography prints. You can also get direct mentoring and request a portfolio review. Take a look at all Lisa has to offer.
Laurance Norah
Laurence Norah has taken travel photographs for over 30 years. His works have been published by the likes of the BBC, Conde Nast Traveler and National Geographic. Rather than offer a range of courses, he’s packed his decades of knowledge into one course.
Inside, are 60 different lessons. He also includes homework and practical exercises you can do to improve your travel photography. Here’s everything the course offers.
Signing off
Now you know how to become a travel photographer, it’s time to put this knowledge to good use. Be patient, careers are not built overnight. Also, don’t overlook investing in your education as it can bring you rewards for many years to come.
Did you find this article useful? What steps do you take to do travel photography? Let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading.
FAQs
How do I get into travel photography?
You can begin by learning the basic techniques for travel photography. Next, start building your social media following. You can also pitch your photos to print and digital publications.
Do travel photographers get paid?
Yes, travel photographers can get paid. They can earn income from commissions, selling prints and even selling online photography courses.
Can you travel and be a photographer?
Yes. If you self fund your trips or work as a travel writer as well, you can certainly travel and make photographs
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