Travel Writing and Travel Photography Tips For Adventurers!

As an adventurer, you have the power to inspire others with your unique experiences and perspectives. To improve your travel writing and photography skills, consider researching and planning ahead, telling a story, being authentic, using descriptive language, capturing the essence of a place, experimenting with different techniques, and practicing as much as you can. By following these tips, you can share your travel stories and photographs in a way that engages and inspires others to explore the world.

Brendan Van Son is one of the busiest digital nomads around and he’s just launched an online travel magazine. Fortunately, he’s taken time out of his busy schedule to tell us more about his new project and to to answer questions related to travel photography, travel writing and turning his passion into a career – all within this interview.

To quickly be catapulted to Vagabundo Magazine just click on any of the pictures you see in the article.

Q1) With the exciting launch of Vagabundo Magazine (your new online travel magazine) what are some features that readers can expect to find?

Readers are going to get more than me. There are a lot of talented writers and photographers out there that are just not widely known yet. We’re hoping we can expose some amazing people doing incredible things in the world, and maybe even give them a launching point of their own into the industry. Aside from daily content we’ll also be publishing the first of our quarterly downloadable eMagazine in December which will also be available on a kindle.

Q2) One particular section I noticed almost immediately is your photo corner. For those considering submitting photos to your site (and others) – what do you think makes for a great travel photo?

A great photo involves, in my opinion, an interesting perspective. That doesn’t necessarily mean taking a strange angle, or simply tilting your camera as many people do. By an interesting perspective I mean taking an interesting subject matter and putting it in a light, or shooting it from a perspective, that isn’t normally shown. Quite often the difference between a decent photo and a great photo is simply getting lower than usual, or higher than usual. Of course, a clean technically sound image and a great subject always helps.

Q3) A lot of times the most memorable photos featured in travel magazines are those of locals. What are some tips you could offer aspiring travel photographers for taking better portraits of people interacting naturally?

Photos of people are tricky. It’s something that I struggle with as well, but something I’m working on. My advice is to never just snap pictures of people, that might give you candid moments, but it’s not right and you wouldn’t want someone doing that to you would you? I generally go up to a person I’d like to photograph and strike up a conversation. Then, at some point in the conversation, I ask if it’s okay for me to photograph them as they go about with their business. I look at that conversation like I’m asking for a date, be clever, charming and funny and ever if you don’t get a photo you’ll get a great bit of local interaction.

Q4) What kind of individual, reader or traveller does Vagabundo Magazine cater towards?

We are looking to cater to the more adventurous, open-minded, well travelled person. Generally we will be publishing articles from off the usual beaten path. Of course, someone doesn’t have to be well travelled to enjoy Vagabundo, we hope that it also appeals to the type of person that loves reading about adventure from the comfort or their homes, or people who are looking for a means to be inspired.

Q5) What are some guidelines for those looking to contribute to your magazine? What exactly are you looking for in terms of submissions?

We are looking for submissions from all over the world. But as I mentioned we’re hoping for stories from places in the world that aren’t written about so often, or at least articles of commonly written about locations written from a different perspective. Just like photography, we feel that a great article comes down to taking an interesting perspective. The other, more technical guidelines, can be found here: http://www.vagabundomagazine.com/want-to-contribute/

Q6) Misadventures and Tales from Road are two other sections from your magazine. This kind of travel narrative provides for great entertainment and insight into what it is like to actually travel and experience moments of joy and woe. What do you think makes for a great travel story and one that you’d most likely publish on your site?

In reality, all travel stories are misadventure or simple tales aren’t they. However, we feel that for far too long magazines have fought against the use of 1st person perspective. 1st person articles can sound “play-by-play” and that’s why many have refused to use them. However, I feel that putting yourself in the 1st person present tense allows you to remember being in that moment. As a result, the writing is usually really dramatic and descriptive brings those who read the article right into the story with you. A great travel story quite often doesn’t come down to the situation, but how it is written. It doesn’t matter if you’ve had the most amazing, or horrifying, day of your life, if it’s written poorly it won’t make a great story. If written well, someone could write a beautiful story about a day where nothing happened. At Vagabundo Magazine we’re hoping to publish articles that bring the story to life.

Q7) What kind of articles will your magazine offer for travellers (or aspiring travellers) looking for inspiration?

As I mentioned, the articles that will be published will hopefully be of adventure, near secret destinations and people doing amazing things in the world. I think people will especially be touched by the “Helping Hand” section where we will be publishing stories about people helping out, or being helped out, while travelling. These stories tend to remind people not only that there is good in the world, but also that they can do a little good in the world. We’re hoping that we can publish articles that open the eyes of readers to the good that exists in the world, and how can that not inspire someone?

Q8) You mention in your about section that you’ve turned Brendan’s Adventures into a career. How does one turn a hobby they are passionate about into a lifestyle?

My mom always used to tell us as kids to find what you love doing in life and then find a way to earn money doing it. Unfortunately for my mom she didn’t realize that what I loved would keep me thousands of kilometres away year ’round. If you want to turn travel, or any “hobby” for that matter, into a career there is always a way. I think that what usually holds people back from doing what they really want is that safety net of consistency involved in regular careers. Once people put themselves out there and expose themselves, they’ll generally find that although it was hard to put themselves out there, and often quite difficult, it’s worth it in the end.

Q9) Can you recommend any specific gear for travellers looking to record their experiences as a location independent digital nomad? What is needed to get started and to originate materials that can be submitted to one’s personal site or travel magazine?

To be a digital nomad you don’t NEED anything. Yes, having a laptop is handy, but you could really do it using internet cafes, although it would be tricky. All you really need to get started in this industry is a will. It only costs about 60$ a year to host a website (and it is possible for free), so the only thing really needed is the will to work on it.

Q10) Finally, what are your long-term goals with the site?

I would love Vagabundo Magazine to become more than just a humble magazine. I would love it to become a travel community where people can congregate for information and great stories. What you’ll see from Vagabundo over the next couple months is just the beginning. Look for the eMagzines to start running monthly, the creation of a travel forum, and potentially a place where travel writers can post and receive constructive criticism from other travel writers. Who knows if Vagabundo will ever go to physical print, if it does then great, however that is not something that is a huge goal of mine.
_________________________________________________________
Ways to keep in touch with Brendan’s Vagabundo Magazine include following on facebook, twitter and RSS feed.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Writing Tips For Aspiring Travel Writers

As an aspiring travel writer, it’s important to craft compelling stories that take readers on a journey to new and exciting places. To do this effectively, there are a number of writing tips you should keep in mind.

First and foremost, start your piece with a strong hook that grabs the reader’s attention and entices them to keep reading. This could be a surprising fact, a provocative question, or a vivid description that sets the scene and piques the reader’s curiosity.

Once you have their attention, it’s important to be specific and descriptive in your writing. Use concrete details and sensory language to paint a picture of the places and experiences you’re describing. Show, don’t tell, by using descriptive scenes and dialogue that allow readers to experience the journey with you.

At the same time, it’s important to have a clear point of view that guides the reader through the piece. Whether you’re writing in the first person or third person, make sure your voice is consistent and your perspective is clear.

Authenticity is also key. Readers can tell when a writer is being insincere or inauthentic, so be honest about your experiences and don’t exaggerate or sugarcoat them. Remember that readers want to hear real stories from real people, so don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and share your own personal experiences.

As you write, keep your audience in mind. Consider who they are and what they might be interested in, and tailor your writing to their interests and preferences. At the same time, make sure your piece has a clear narrative arc that takes the reader on a journey and leaves them with a sense of satisfaction or inspiration.

Editing and revision are also important parts of the writing process. No piece of writing is perfect on the first draft, so take the time to review and refine your work to improve its clarity, coherence, and overall impact.

Finally, remember that writing is a skill that takes practice to develop. Don’t be discouraged by rejection or criticism; instead, use it as an opportunity to learn and grow as a writer. Keep writing, keep learning, and keep exploring the world through your words.

Top 10 Photography Tips For Aspiring Travel Photographers

For aspiring travel photographers, capturing the essence of a new place through photography can be a thrilling experience. However, it requires more than just a camera and a plane ticket. To take great travel photos, there are a number of tips and techniques you should keep in mind.

First and foremost, research and planning are essential. Before your trip, do your homework to discover the most photogenic locations, the best time of day for lighting, and any special events or festivals you can capture. This will help you make the most of your time and take the shots you want.

Next, make sure you have the right gear for the types of shots you want to take. Consider bringing a variety of lenses, a tripod, extra batteries and memory cards, and any other accessories you might need.

Once you’re on location, don’t just take the same old tourist shots. Look for unique angles, interesting perspectives, and creative compositions that will make your photos stand out. Pay attention to the quality and direction of light, and use the rule of thirds to create balanced and visually pleasing photos.

In addition to landscapes and landmarks, capture the local culture and people to give your photos a sense of place and a human touch. Be respectful of local customs and cultures, and ask permission before taking photos of people.

After you’ve taken your shots, editing and post-processing can take your photos to the next level. Use editing software to adjust exposure, color, contrast, and other aspects of your photos to enhance their impact.

Finally, remember that photography is a skill that takes practice to develop. Take as many photos as you can, and review and analyze your work to see how you can improve. With time and dedication, you can develop your own unique style and become a skilled travel photographer.

Are you an aspiring travel photographer or travel writer? Let us know in the comments below!