Every year, National Geographic run a competition to find the best travel photography on the planet. As you can see, the standard is ridiculously high with early submissions dripping in atmosphere, beautiful locations and excellent technique.
The competition is accepting submissions until June 30 and at stake is the title of National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year, along with a grand prize of a 10-day trip to the Galapagos Islands, and cash prizes for the runners up.
A giraffe captured om the Kenyan plains by Mike Holtby
Swee Meng Seow's abstract of a Singapore mall
But what exactly makes a great travel image? Matt Adams is producer & photo editor of the 2017 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year contest. We caught up with him to ask some questions about what exactly he looks for in a great travel image, what mistakes photographers make and if kit makes a difference…
Matt Adams, Nat Geo Photo Editor, explains what he looks for in a great travel image
Q. As a judge, what do you look for in a great travel image?
I’m looking for several different elements within a photo. I’m looking for nice light in an image, an interesting angle or perspective, and I’m looking for the right moment. The timing has to be perfect as well, did the photographer wake up early to capture that beautiful morning light? Did they wait until their subject was in the perfect location for a photographic moment to happen? I think combining all of those elements together make for a great image. Overall a great travel image should make me say to myself “Wow, I would love to visit this location. ”
Coal Mine Canyon near Tuba City, Arizona, captured by Michael Perea
Q. What are the most common mistakes photographers make with travel photography?
I think some photographers get into the habit of taking images that end up just looking like snapshots. Sure that location looks beautiful or that scene could been shown on a postcard that reads “Wish you were here. ” But I think a photographer should think how can I make this location more interesting? How can I make this image be a better travel image and give someone the feeling of wanting to be in this location? I think it all comes down to being patient and waiting for the right moment and light to reveal itself. Then taking your time to compose a great image.
Miguel Salas captures Kushti wrestles during a trip to India
Q. What’s the most important factor; technique, equipment or a great location?
Great question. For me I think the technique and location play into making a great travel image, but the moment is really the key factor. What is happening in front of your lens and how are you the photographer are reacting to the scene. I try not to get too bogged down with equipment. I think there’s always the possibility of overthinking when it comes to gear and bringing too many lenses that you may never use. When I’m trying I travel to just carry a 24-70mm or a 35mm. Both are easy to carry around and to quickly switch to when photographing new city streets, or hiking a path to a new landscape location.
Firdaus Latif shot heavy traffic Jam during the rush hour in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Q. Which destinations seen an increase in submissions this year?
This year so far we have seen a lot of entries from Japan. It’s been so great because this is a place I myself have not been yet, but it’s on my list of places I would love to travel to. We have gotten some interesting city images as well as landscapes from Japan and each image has been strong as well as making me itch to travel.
Clane Gessel captured fog rolling in during San Francisco sunrise
Q. What's the best tip you could offer photographers looking to improve their travel photography?
Be patient, the images will come to you but you have to be ready and willing to wait. Don’t rush into a situation firing away on your shutter button and just hoping a nice image comes out. Take your time and really explore your surroundings and see what moments might unfold in front of your camera.
You can fnid out more about the 2017 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year competition at http://travel. nationalgeographic. com/photographer-of-the-year-2017
Chris McCann's aerial view of Nemuro, a town in Hokkaido
. digitalrev.com2017-5-18 03:00