Right now, I am writing this from Bali, where the rainy season has just given way to sunshine and warmth. It is here, between rice terraces and surf beaches, that so much of my creative work takes shape. Travel photography is not just part of my job — it is a way of seeing the world.
A lot of people ask me about my creative process when I am on the road, so here is a behind the scenes look at how I work from start to finished image.
The creative process
For me, a good photo does not start with the camera. It starts with being present. When I arrive somewhere new, I like to spend the first day simply wandering around, observing the light, noticing details, and letting impressions sink in.
I make mental notes of places I want to return to, times when the light is at its best, and angles that capture the atmosphere. This phase is invaluable — it is what makes my images feel intentional rather than random.
When I am working with brands that want travel content, I combine this approach with their creative brief. The goal is always to capture something real — not a photo that looks like every other travel image on Instagram.
My gear
I like to keep things simple. When traveling, it is important that the gear is light enough to carry around all day but good enough to deliver professional quality. Here is what I usually bring:
- A mirrorless camera as my main body — compact but with stunning image quality
- A couple of versatile lenses that cover everything from wide-angle to portrait
- A small reflector to soften outdoor light
- My phone for behind-the-scenes content and quick UGC video
- Extra batteries and memory cards — always
I do not believe that expensive gear automatically produces great photos. It is far more about understanding light, composition, and being in the right place at the right time.
How I find locations
Local recommendations are worth their weight in gold. When I am in Bali, I talk to people at cafes, drivers, and other creatives. They know the spots tourists never find — the hidden beach, the temple without the crowds, the little village with incredible afternoon light.
Google Maps and Instagram are also useful tools. I search for geotags and explore an area digitally before visiting in person. But it is important not to let other people's images guide you too much — I want to find my own angle, not recreate something I have already seen.
The editing process
Editing is where the images truly find their mood. I always edit in Lightroom and have developed a style over the years that is warm, natural, and a little timeless. I am not a fan of heavy editing — the photos should look like reality, just the most beautiful version of it.
For a typical travel assignment, I spend between two and four hours editing per shoot day. It is about finding the right balance of light, color, and contrast, and making sure all the images have a cohesive look.
Tips for brands that want travel content
If your brand is considering investing in travel photography, here is my best advice:
- Plan well in advance — the best locations and lighting conditions require preparation
- Stay open to the unexpected — some of the best shots happen spontaneously
- Think about how the content will be used across different channels
- Give the photographer time to get to know the place — rushing rarely produces great photos
- Combine photo and video to get the most value from the trip
The best travel photos do not just capture a place. They capture a feeling.
Sitting here in Bali with my laptop at a cafe overlooking the rice terraces, I think about how fortunate I am to have turned this into a career. Every place I visit teaches me something new about light, about color, about storytelling. And that is exactly what makes travel photography so special — it never stops surprising you.
