Travel

Great travel photography reveals a destination’s essence in a single photo. It might be a historic spot, quirky buildings, friendly locals, the bustling town square, or the tasty street food. The goal is for viewers to feel the vibe in a way that words can’t fully describe.

Travel photography isn’t just about pictures; it supports a vast industry, sustaining livelihoods globally.

A British tourist emotionally hugging her Rajasthani host goodbye, both showing heartfelt expressions

Anne Clair Ketteringham, a former aviation engineer with British Airways, bids farewell to Devi, a Kalbelia dancer in Rajasthan. Devi graciously allowed Anne, myself, and our friend Kari from Denmark to camp on her property for a week. During our stay, we engaged in many conversations, mostly about the simple joys of daily life, with Devi and her teenage daughters, who are also Kalbelia dancers. They dressed in their vibrant dance attire for us, skillfully balancing about half a dozen pots on their heads while standing on a block of three-inch-long iron nails piercing their feet. Kalbelia is one of Rajasthan’s renowned forms of erotic dance, celebrated for its captivating and sensual movements / Canon EOS 60D / Canon 16-35 f/2.8 II

Photo of Edam, Holland's summer cheese market, with locals and tourists around stalls of traditional Dutch cheeses

People in Edam, Holland, are famously passionate about their cheese. They celebrate this during the summer with a weekly cheese market that draws both locals and tourists. This seasonal event showcases their long-standing traditions and pride in local cheese-making / Canon EOS 50D / Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II

Stilt-walking artists interact with tourists near Charles Bridge in Prague

After a vibrant performance near Charles Bridge in Prague, a troupe of stilt-walking street theatre artists sits atop a car, chatting with tourists as they remove their stilts. Prague is famous for its lively street theatre, which brings art and entertainment to the historic streets of the city / Canon EOS 50D / Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II

I usually don't like photos where people show their backs. But in this picture, it feels like you are standing with these people. You can see the artist's work and a caricature of the lad in the image. The background gives a sense of the place. I also love the colours in the frame / Canon EOS 50D / Canon 16-35 f/2.8 II

Foreign tourists socialising in Old Town Prague, surrounded by historic buildings and cobblestone streets

Travellers gather for beer at Prague’s old town square in October, coinciding with Germany's Oktoberfest. Sharing a drink in public squares is a delightful way to connect with people in Western countries. However, in countries like India and many other parts of Asia, socialising over beer in open public places is not commonly encouraged / Canon EOS 50D / Canon 16-35 f/2.8 II

An elderly woman in colorful traditional attire threshes wheat near Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, embodying the enduring spirit of rural life

In Fort Cochin, you can see the famous Chinese fishing nets. These large, wooden structures stand along the shore. They are quite old and were brought by Chinese traders long ago. Local fishermen use them to catch fish. The nets dip into the water and rise again with a catch. The nets are a reminder of the area's rich history and connection with the sea / Yashica Mat 6x6 / Fujifilm Neopan Acros 120mm black and white film

The Goa Carnival is a lively event held in the state of Goa, India. It usually takes place in February or March, just before Lent. The carnival lasts for four days and is known for its vibrant parades, music, and dance. People dress in colourful costumes and masks. Floats pass through the streets, and there is lots of singing and dancing. The carnival reflects Goa's Portuguese heritage and is a time of joy and celebration. Locals and tourists come together to enjoy the festivities / Olympus PEN EP-3 / M.Zuiko 17mm f/1.8