National Geographic Traveller Masterclasses (Sponsored by mpb.com)
About this event
The Masterclasses by National Geographic Traveller (UK) returns with a new series of virtual workshops, offering budding travel writers and photographers two days of expert-led online learning.Join us from the comfort of your own home between 28-29 January 2025 for a series of hour-long evening sessions designed to help you sharpen your technical skills and hone your creative instincts.
New this year, we’re also introducing a live, in-person event on 30 January, which will give attendees a chance to meet the magazine’s senior team and interact with like-minded travel enthusiasts — tickets for this event can be bought separately (see below).
This is your chance to learn from senior National Geographic Traveller (UK) editors and designers, as well as some of the magazine’s award-winning contributors, who’ll be providing insights, ideas and examples to help you master your craft.
GET TICKETS TO THE VIRTUAL EVENT
These two panel sessions are designed to equip ambitious wordsmiths with all the skills they need to succeed as a professional travel writer. Workshops last one hour and take place from 6pm – 7pm (GMT).
- Finding the story: what are editors looking for?
In this session, a panel of experienced editors will explain exactly what makes a great travel story, citing some of their favourite examples and offering tips on where to look and what to look out for when planning your own work.
This class takes place online from 6pm – 7pm (GMT) on Tuesday 28 January.
- The art of travel writing: tips from the pros
What does all the best travel writing have in common? How can you grab a reader’s attention and keep it until the very end? How do you bring an experience to life and make it jump off the page? Our panel of editors and writers will share tips and help you supercharge your storytelling.
This class takes place online from 6pm – 7pm (GMT) on Wednesday 29 January.
Looking to take your photography to the next level? Pick up expert advice from contributing National Geographic Traveller (UK) photographers. Each hour-long session is aimed at beginners and intermediates.
- Shoot like a pro: travel photography tips
Join our panel of expert photographers, who’ll share some of the tricks and insights they’ve picked up over the course of their careers. From finding the right location and choosing the right kit to mastering composition and grappling with conditions, the subjects covered in this session will put you on the fast track to success and help you transform your travel photography.
This class takes place online from 6pm – 7pm (GMT) on Tuesday 28 January.
- How to get your photography published
This session examines the various routes to publication, from understanding what art editors are looking for and how to position yourself to practicalities such as creating a portfolio and pitching stories. Learn from established photographers, who will explain how they made the breakthrough and how they’ve kept up their success.
This class takes place online from 6pm – 7pm (GMT) on Wednesday 29 January.
Past attendees have said:
“The virtual sessions were so informative and inspiring. I loved being able to learn from the experts without leaving my home!”
“A great opportunity to gain insights directly from National Geographic Traveller (UK) editors — it really elevated my storytelling skills.”
GET TICKETS TO THE VIRTUAL EVENT
Want to experience the Masterclasses in person on 30 January?
About this event
The Masterclasses by National Geographic Traveller (UK) returns with a special in-person event ideal for budding travel writers and photographers. Taking place at the Buffini Chao Deck at the National Theatre in London on 30 January 2025, it features two live panel sessions and offers attendees a unique opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and connect with leading industry creatives.
This live event will be accompanied by a series of online, virtual workshops held on 28-29 January, which will allow attendees to learn from the comfort of their own homes — tickets for these sessions can be bought separately (see below).
Whether you’re a beginner keen to break into the industry or a professional looking to expand your creative toolbox, this live version of the Masterclasses is the perfect opportunity to gain practical knowledge from individuals who have made travel storytelling their career. Connect with experts, ask them your burning questions and receive hands-on advice that will help propel you to the next level.
GET TICKETS TO THE IN-PERSON EVENT
THE SESSIONS
- Perfect pitching: how to get published
How do you make the leap from talented amateur to published writer? Who should you contact and how — and when — should you approach them? How do you make your pitch stand out from the others? This session will look at this from both sides, with established editors explaining what they want from a pitch and successful writers sharing their tips and tricks.
- Gear up for any assignment
When it comes to photography, talent is just one part of the equation — to make it you need to know how to pick the right tools for the job. Our panel will guide you towards the right gear — from cameras and lenses to tripods and drones — while offering tips on how to get the most out of it.
Both sessions take place during an in-person event at Buffini Chao Deck at the National Theatre in London on Thursday 30 March.
GET TICKETS TO THE IN-PERSON EVENT