When I first picked up a camera, I thought great travel photography was about being in the right place at the right time. I believed if I traveled far enough or waited long enough, the perfect images would eventually reveal themselves.
Twenty years later, I’ve learned it’s really about learning how to see — how to slow down, pay attention, and notice the moments most people walk right past. The lessons that shaped my work didn’t come from perfect conditions or bucket-list destinations, but from missed shots, quiet moments, and the long road of experience in between.
For as long as I can remember, travel and photography have been inseparable parts of my life. What began as curiosity — wandering with a camera and trying to make sense of the world through images — slowly became a lifelong practice of storytelling. And over two decades behind the lens, that practice has taught me far more than any guidebook ever could.
After more than twenty years of photographing destinations around the world, I’ve learned that the most meaningful photographs aren’t always the most dramatic or technically perfect. They’re the ones that make you feel something. The ones that make you pause; that remind you of a moment, a place, or even a version of yourself.
That belief is what inspired me to write my book, Capturing the Soul of a Destination.
This book isn’t about chasing the next epic shot or copying what’s trending on social media. It’s about learning how to see — how to slow down, observe, and photograph with intention.
Inside the book, I share the approach I’ve developed over years of travel:
Every chapter is designed to help you create images that reflect the true essence of a destination, not just what it looks like on the surface.
The stories and lessons in this book come directly from my own experiences — moments of awe, frustration, missed shots, and unexpected magic. From racing storms and fleeting light to quiet, unscripted moments that unfolded only because I stayed still long enough to notice them.
Travel photography doesn’t always go as planned. Sometimes you have minutes instead of hours. Sometimes the weather changes everything. Sometimes the photo you imagined never happens — but something better does. Learning to adapt, stay flexible, and remain present has shaped not only my photography, but how I experience the world.
Capturing the Soul of a Destination is for:
You don’t need to travel far or own the latest gear. This approach works whether you’re exploring a remote destination or walking through your own neighborhood.
Photography has given me so much — connection, purpose, and a way to make sense of the world. Through this book, my hope is to offer encouragement, guidance, and reassurance that your perspective matters.
When we create with intention, we’re not just documenting places. We’re preserving memories, honoring cultures, and reminding ourselves that beauty exists — even in fleeting, imperfect moments.
If you’ve ever felt drawn to photography as a way to understand a place more deeply, Capturing the Soul of a Destination is an extension of that journey. It brings together the lessons, missteps, and moments that shaped my approach to travel photography over the past twenty years — and offers a framework for creating images that feel meaningful, honest, and personal.
If you’re ready to slow down, look closer, and tell deeper stories through your photos, I hope this book finds its way into your hands.
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The post What 20 Years As A Travel Photographer Has Taught Me appeared first on Ordinary Traveler.
As a regular traveller my feet are constantly on the go and I’m always searching for the perfect footwear. Whether it’s walking around cities, traipsing through museums, strolling in the park or even tackling some easy hills, I need something that works for all. So I was delighted to get to try a pair of Grub’s Discovery, promising all day comfort and style.
The Grubs brand is new to me but it’s a British family business, evolving through nine generations. It can trace its history back to 1776 when it started making shoes for the local community. After that it began specialising in the new sports springing up in Victorian and Edwardian Britain and now it’s a global brand.
They spent a year developing the Discover and an innovative feature is RollinGait, a new technology that helps the wearer move with more and helps to prevent aching limbs. The shoe rolls with the wearers’ foot, rather than the wearer expending energy flexing the shoe, adding more bounce and comfort to the step.
There’s also a cushioning midsole which they call Stability Cradle, and this allows the heel to sit deep, rather like balancing on jelly. It means a much thicker sole than normal, almost platform-like which allows for the highest protection on rugged terrain. With the Vibram Speed Hike sole you also get tremendous grip steep, slippery slopes ideal in wet weather when you can find yourself sliding around.
Grubs Discover
All sounds good, so what were they like in practise? Well they do look rather unwieldy, because of the thick sole, and the RollinGait seemed slightly unnatural at first. However, once my feet bedded in, I soon began to feel at ease, and certainly my lower leg fatigue was dramatically reduced.
Over a few weeks, I put them through their paces, on all surfaces in all weathers. They kept my feet dry as they’re fully waterproof but also breathable, thanks to the Hydri-Fuse bootie lining. And I did take them up into the mountains and found their grip really was as good as they say.
How much: Whether you’re hiking dirt trails or walking city streets, the Grubs Discover at £49.95 offer great versatility and support. More info.
VERDICT: The Grubs Discover really do seem to be a revolutionary new concept in shoes. I soon grew to like how they supported my feet and I really do think they’re easy on the lower legs. They’re comfy, non-slip and completely waterproof, perfect for almost any travel situation.
Key features of the Grub’s Discover
Grubs Discover
The shoes come in two colours: charcoal or fuchsia and mint.
nylon with a breathable, moisture wicking HYDRI-FUSE bootie lining.compound for superb grip on most surfaces. The split GROUND ADAPTIVE heel centralises the foot as it meets the ground giving the foot a lateral/medial independent suspension.The post Grubs Discover walking shoe reviewed appeared first on The Travel Magazine.
