The Masterclasses by National Geographic Traveller (UK) are back with The Complete Travel Photographer, a special three-session online series exploring what it takes to succeed as a travel photographer.
Hosted by senior members of the National Geographic Traveller (UK) design team alongside leading industry photographers, the series will examine the skills, creative insight and professional awareness required to produce compelling travel imagery today.
Across three 50-minute sessions, attendees will gain insight into how editors commission photography, how visual storytelling is evolving across print, digital and social platforms, and how photographers can build the right toolkit for different types of assignments.
The series takes place online on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, from 18:00 to 21:00 (GMT).
Session 1: What editors really want
Understanding the skills, storytelling and professionalism needed to succeed.
What separates a good travel photographer from a great one? In this session, editors and experienced photographers break down what publications are really looking for when commissioning travel photography. Covering everything from capturing landscapes, people and food to building a portfolio that tells a complete story, this session explores the core skills that make photographers stand out — and how to present your work to editors in a competitive industry.
Session 2: Shooting for the modern media landscape
Creating imagery that works across print, digital and social.
Today’s travel photographers must think beyond the printed page. This session explores how to plan and capture imagery that works across multiple platforms — from editorial features to digital storytelling and social media. Topics include adapting images for different formats, developing a distinctive visual style and understanding the growing role of video and social-first content in travel media.
Session 3: Building the right kit for the assignment
Choosing equipment that supports the story.
Travel photographers often work in challenging environments where flexibility and efficiency are key. This session explores how to build a practical kit that supports different types of assignment — from capturing challenging landscapes to producing intimate portraits. Our experts will discuss how to balance capability with portability, sharing insights into the cameras, lenses and accessories they rely on in the field.
Ben Rowe, picture editor at National Geographic Traveller (UK) says: “I’m looking forward to exploring the stories behind photographers —discovering how they first broke into the industry and built a portfolio that attracts commissions, how they juggle the growing demands of modern shoots and what they consider the ideal kit to cover all these bases.”
When?
Tuesday, 9 June 2026
18:00 to 21:00 (GMT)
Where?
Online
Tickets from £35 | Student from £15
Contact details:
For editorial enquiries:
+44 (0) 20 7253 9906
editorial@natgeotraveller.co.uk