The Fundamentals of Travel Photography

Overview

Course No. 7951

Great travel photographs—whether of a trip to a local zoo or a mountain village around the world—require the ability to tell a captivating story. It’s the same skill National Geographic photographers use to get their breathtaking shots, and it’s one photographers at any level can master.

In these 24 lectures, National Geographic photographer Bob Krist shares his insights with you, using the best shots from his broad career as a travel photographer. You’ll learn what it takes to get compelling pictures of landscapes, animals, people, landmarks, street scenes, and more. You’ll also peek inside the mindset of a working travel photographer and learn the practical skills required to take great pictures in unfamiliar places.

These lectures are packed with techniques and tricks you can use wherever you go: suggestions for shots that capture the hidden spirit of a landscape or animal; methods for getting unique shots of strangers, both alone and in crowds; tips on what lenses and equipment to pack for different travel destinations and subjects; ways to overcome common challenges that keep many travel photographs from becoming professional-level shots; and tips on how working travel photographers store, organize, and publish their photographs in print and online.

Stop taking so-so travel photos and start capturing the world the way a National Geographic photographer does on assignment.

Video Lectures

• The Travel Photographer’s Mission (26 min)

A sightseeing photographer stands apart from the culture. A travel photographer immerses herself or himself in it.

• Photographing for Story (24 min)

Start thinking of yourself as a visual storyteller—not just a photographer.

3. Three Keys: Light, Composition, Moment (25 min)

Every good travel photograph is built around three ingredients: light, composition, and movement.

4. Natural Light on Landscapes (24 min)

Explore the many facets of natural light and how to use them in your landscape photographs.

5. Natural Light on People (25 min)

Techniques for photographing people using backlight, open shade, and front lighting.

6. Composition and the Power of Lenses (26 min)

Study composition through wide-angle and telephoto lenses.

• On Location in San Miguel de Allende (24 min)

See how a travel photographer puts techniques into practice in Central Mexico.

8. Gear, Packing, and Security (27 min)

Learn how to balance preparedness and mobility for better storytelling.

• Five Obstacles to a Great Photo (26 min)

Common barriers like bad weather, logistics, and overfamiliarity—and how to overcome them.

• Capturing the Spirit of People (23 min)

Techniques for photographing strangers, from candid shots to close-ups.  

• People in Performance (23 min)

Tips for photographing dancers, musicians, and performers.  

• Using Flash on the Road (26 min)

How to use a shoe-mounted flash effectively in travel photography.  

13. Capturing the Spirit of Landscapes (24 min)

Strategies for making landscapes feel alive, not just scenic.  

• Special Techniques for Creative Photos (26 min)

Explore black-and-white, HDR, and other creative approaches.  

• Capturing the Spirit of Wildlife (21 min)

Tips for great animal portraits, whether at a zoo or in the wild.  

16. Animals in Action (25 min)

Techniques for photographing wildlife in motion.  

• Architecture and Skylines (26 min)

How to make cityscapes and buildings look original.  

• Festivals, Parades, and Special Events (26 min)

Strategies for capturing the energy of cultural celebrations.  

19. Street Scenes and Neighborhoods (25 min)

How to photograph everyday life in a compelling way.  

20. Workflow on the Road (23 min)

Organizing and securing your photos while traveling.  

21. Photographing a City: Philadelphia (28 min)

A case study on capturing Philadelphia’s iconic spots.  

• Photographing a Region: Tuscany (27 min)

Behind-the-scenes of shooting for *In Tuscany*.  

• Working with Video (26 min)

Transitioning from stills to video storytelling.  

• Sharing Your Stories (25 min)

Publishing your travel photos in print and digital formats.