National Geographic Traveller (UK): The Masterclasses RECORDINGS
March 14 @ 1:00 pm - October 10 @ 4:00 pm
The Masterclasses by National Geographic Traveller (UK) returned from 7-9 March 2023 with a series of new online courses, focusing on successful travel writing and photography.
The three days of in-depth sessions, led by the magazine’s senior editors and renowned contributors, were packed with stimulating workshops and lectures that illuminated the art of written and visual storytelling. For the curious travel writer and avid photographer, they provided the opportunity to access inspiration and practical instruction from some of the industry’s leading figures.
Recordings of all sessions are available for purchase HERE.
TRAVEL WRITING SESSIONS
Appealing to budding writers hoping to break into the industry, as well as those of intermediate level, three one-hour classes will cover everything from writing a brief, pitching and perfecting a range of different styles. Experts and contributors from the National Geographic Traveller (UK) team will lead each masterclass.
1.How to find your story
In this session, our panellists will discuss the importance of having a clear vision for your story and the audience for which it’s intended before you start writing. Moderated by Stephanie Cavagnaro.
Meet the panel from left to right: Stephanie Cavagnaro; Jonathan Thompson; Kate Simon and Emma Thomson
2.The basics of putting a trip together
How are you going to record everything you see, think and feel so you don’t forget anything? Pen and paper? Video? Photos? Blog? Our panellists will share their experiences of taking notes in a variety of formats, with tips on how to collate it out in the field as well as at home. Moderated by Pol O’ Conghaile.
Meet the panel from left to right: Pól Ó Conghaile; Emma Gregg; Jamie Lafferty and Kerry Walker
3. How to structure your travel writing
In this session, our panellists will discuss how to strike the right balance between providing depth and analysis and simply moving the story along. The session will consider what makes a great beginning, middle and end, with advice on how to create a sense of place, using dialogue and varying tones. Moderated by Adrian Philips.
Meet the panel from left to right: Adrian Philips; Alicia Miller, Oliver Smith and Monisha Rajesh
TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS
The three one-hour classes are aimed at beginner- and intermediate-level travel photographers, providing invaluable advice on all aspects of the craft, from pitching and publication to selecting the right kit. An established photographer will lead each masterclass.
1. A beginner’s guide to travel photography
This session will look at the different routes to publication. From putting together a portfolio, to writing a query letter and pitching an idea. It will also look at what happens if publication approaches you, with advice on what questions you should ask them. Key to the discussion will be how to market yourself effectively – from what to put on your website to making the most of social media. Moderated by Nori Jemil.
Meet the panel from left to right: Nori Jemil; Holly-Marie Cato and Tristan Bejawn
2. Picking the right tools for the job
This session will look at which pieces of kit are essential for travel photography, with tips on how to get the most out of it. Our panellists will then move on to discuss the different types of travel photography and the kit required for each. As drone photography becomes increasingly popular, this will also be an opportunity to learn about the different types of drones, where you can and can’t use them, and the permissions and licenses you might need. Moderated by Greg Funnell.
Meet the panel from left to right: Greg Funnell; Yulia Denisyuk and Dikpal Thapa
3. Creating a narrative and delivering the goods
This session will look at the process of putting together a photo story – from being on assignment and getting the right shots to the software needed for viewing, editing, and processing your photos afterwards, to deciding which ones to keep and which to leave out. Our panellists will also advise on the format in which you should present your photo story to the client – from creating and labelling folders to writing captions. Moderated by Lola Akinmade Åkerström.
Meet the panel from left to right: Lola Akinmade Åkerström; Ben Roberts and Simon Bajada
