LISTEN TO THE AUDIO INTERVIEW:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS
Bob Krist is a freelance travel photographer who regularly works on assignment for National Geographic Traveler, Smithsonian, and Islands. He’s been to all seven continents and has won awards in the Pictures of the Year, Communication Arts, and World Press Photo competitions. He’s won the title of “Travel Photographer of the Year” from the Society of American Travel Writers in 1994, 2007, and 2008.
Today we chat about the importance of mobility as a travel photographer, capturing a scene’s special moment, and setting yourself up as a brand.
I want to give a huge thank you to Bob for taking the time to chat with us! I consider myself as much a student as the listening audience, and appreciate him sharing his extensive knowledge.
“Mobility is really important when you’re a travel photographer. People go out loaded with gear, but you really don’t need the gear. You need the mobility.” -Bob Krist
Top 3 Tips From the Interview:
1. Focus on mobility.
Of course the gear you use will make a difference in the quality of you shots, but when you are a travel photographer, consider traveling as light as you can as well. Mobility is important, because you have to be able to get around to get that great shot. For example, mirrorless cameras are on the rise now, and are fantastic quality.
2. Seek to capture the “Quintessential Encapsulation” of the scene
Coined by photojournalist Henri Cartier-Bresson, the concept is to capture a scene’s decisive moment. The concept is relatively simple: you seek to capture that moment which encapsulates the essence the person or event that you’re shooting.
3. Strive to set yourself up as a brand.
In this day and age, it’s about so much more than simply taking photos. You have to set yourself apart as a brand, which is a more robust business model. This involves teaching your skills to others, selling fine art prints, or even being sponsored by camera companies. The sky is the limit, so seek creative opportunities that are often out of the box. Diversification is the name of the game.
Bob Can Be Found At:
» BobKrist.com: Bob’s photography website.
Bob’s Recommended Resources
» “On Being a Photographer: A Practical Guide”, by David Hurn. You can purchase it on LensWork or Amazon.