How Travel Transforms Your Photography Perspective: Lessons from Worldwide Shoots — Lev Mazaraki

Photography and travel are deeply intertwined. Every journey opens up unique opportunities to craft extraordinary images, yet also challenges the photographer with unpredictable circumstances. I’m Lev Mazaraki, and through years of traveling with my camera, I’ve learned lessons that not only refined my craft but changed the way I see the world.

I first grasped the significance of light while photographing the majestic dunes of the Namib Desert. At sunrise, the soft golden glow created an otherworldly scene, whereas midday’s harsh sunlight flattened the landscape. Travel teaches you to adapt — whether chasing the golden hour in the Norwegian fjords or harnessing urban reflections in Tokyo at twilight. Understanding light isn’t just technical; it’s emotional. The right light transforms a simple shot into a masterpiece that resonates with viewers.

Travel photography isn’t only about landscapes; it’s about people, traditions, and everyday life. Wandering through the lively streets of Marrakesh, I learned to tell stories through small yet powerful details — the vibrant hues of hand-woven fabrics, the warm gestures of vendors, or the way sunlight filtered through ancient market stalls. These moments taught me to capture not just the visuals but the soul of a place. Each click of the shutter becomes a tribute to the culture I’m immersed in.

In Iceland, I stood in the freezing cold for hours, waiting for the northern lights to grace the sky. The result? A photo that remains one of my most cherished. Patience is a skill that travel demands — from timing the perfect wave on a Costa Rican beach to waiting for a flock of flamingos to rise in Tanzania. Rushed shots rarely capture the magic. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is simply wait and let the moment find you.

I used to pack every piece of gear I owned, believing more equipment meant better photos. That illusion was shattered during a trek through the dense Amazon rainforest. Weighed down by unnecessary gear, I missed opportunities I couldn’t even lift my camera in time for. Now, I travel light: one all-purpose lens, a sturdy but portable tripod, and select filters. This minimalism sharpens focus on creativity over technology, allowing me to move freely and connect with the scene before me.

Every mistake is a teacher. Once, while photographing cherry blossoms in Kyoto, I realized I had left my filters behind. Frustrated at first, I adjusted my approach, experimenting with reflections and unique compositions. The results exceeded my expectations, revealing angles I might have otherwise overlooked. Mistakes aren’t failures; they’re stepping stones to innovation. Every challenge forces you to think differently and step out of your comfort zone.

The essence of travel photography lies in preserving moments that are here and gone. While roaming the cobblestone streets of Prague, I stumbled upon an elderly man feeding pigeons. It wasn’t a planned shot, but his peaceful expression and the flurry of wings captured something profound — the fleeting beauty of simple human experiences. Travel trains your eye to notice the extraordinary in the ordinary, transforming everyday encounters into timeless images.

Travel has redefined my understanding of photography. It’s not just about settings, lenses, or perfect conditions — it’s about telling stories, embracing challenges, and seeing the world with fresh eyes. Every destination leaves its imprint on the photographer, shaping not just the images but the artist behind the lens.

So pack your camera, step out of your comfort zone, and allow the journey to inspire you. Because every road leads not just to new places, but to new ways of seeing. Photography and travel are two adventures intertwined, and together, they create something truly unforgettable.