How to Become a Photographer & Travel Writer

Becoming a travel writer and photographer seems like an exciting, glamorous job and can, indeed, be a great way to see the world while making a living. But it is also difficult to master the crafts of both writing and photography and just as difficult to make even a modest living. It is best to start travel writing and photography as part time work with another job and work up to full-time employment.

Instructions

1

Decide on a focus for your writing and photography within travel. Travel writing and photography are very broad and encompass many areas of specialization. Finding publications that will pay for your work is easier if you find a niche, such as budget travel, portrait or landscape photography, foodie destinations or the outdoors.

2

Take your notebook, pen and camera with you at all times, whether you are traveling or in your home town, and make a habit of writing your thoughts and taking pictures. Even if the writing and pictures will never be published, the practice is essential, as both are crafts that take a lot of practice.

3

If possible, sign up for a writing and/or photography course, either at a community college or online. Taking quality photographs and writing strong prose take time, and guidance from a professional is always useful.

4

Start a blog. Wordpress, Blogger and Tumblr all offer free templates and support for professional-looking blogs that require little technical skill. Include a bio, contact information and (if applicable) links or samples of your published work.

5

Blog regularly, whether it's once a week or every day. Focus your blog posts on your travel niche, and upload your photography. You can set up your blog in many different ways, but the end result should serve as an online portfolio. You will most likely not make money with your blog, but the purpose of it is to help you build an online presence that will make you visible to publishers who may want to hire you.

6

Join travel writing and photography communities to connect with others in your field. A few examples include Matador Travel, Travellerspoint and Travel Writer's Exchange. By establishing communications with other writers, photographers and editors, you will lead traffic to your blog and increase awareness of your name and the skills you offer.

7

Submit articles and photos to publications regularly. Set a goal for yourself, such as five submissions a week. Be prepared to receive many rejections in the beginning, which is normal. But with persistence you will eventually find work. Continue to build slowly but steadily until you progress from part time to full time.