Want to be a travel photographer? Advice from our Twitter Q&A with Paul Harris

If you have some questions of your own for Paul, and if you’d like the chance to improve, perfect, or even start building your photography skills from scratch, why not join him on our 3-day Travel Photography Workshop in Marrakech from 7 November? Led by Paul and Wanderlust Editor-in-chief Lyn Hughes, the weekend will include practical exercises, tutorials and feedback on all your compositions. All this – and the opportunity to explore one of Africa’s most vibrant cities – from £655.

Q1: What do you do in a low light situation where neither flash nor tripod are allowed? For example, in a Cathedral? @KleesButterfly

Increase the ISO setting, which will allow for faster handheld shutter speed. Increased noise can be reduced in post production. Turn on lens image stabilising, and use your surroundings – a pillar or bench – to steady the camera at lower speeds.

Q2: For beginner/mid DSLRs overall would Paul recommend Canon or Nikon? @chrispking

There is very little difference technically between Canon and Nikon. But how a camera feels in your hands is crucial. Also consider lightweight, travel-friendly, Hi-spec Micro Four Thirds cameras from Panasonic and Sony.

Q3: What’s the best way to get your work critiqued and to build a portfolio? @arandomwalkatw

Create a tight edit of themed images and display them on online sites such as Flickr, 500px, or your own website. Attend a local camera club or an event like NEC Photography Show for folio critiques. And come to Marrakech!

Q4: Are there any organizations that will take on travel photographers as well as fund them to travel/document? @kofi_ansah

Many publishers and magazines source images through photo libraries. See BAPLA [The British Association of Picture Libraries and Agencies] for relevant library requirements. Also, NGOs like OXFAM often use photographers to document their work. Some pay basic expenses and/or day rate.

Q5: If you only took one lens, what would that be? @taliena

I like to get in close to my subject so I would choose a 24-70mm wide-angle zoom. A common kit lens 18-55 is also good.

Q6: Where was the most memorable sunrise you ever captured? @CamillaField40

One of my favourite sunrise locations is the Buddhist temple of Boudhinath in Kathmandu, Nepal. Or the floating market at Cantho in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam.

Q7: I always carry at least 2 cameras just in case one of them dies on me! Are you the same or do you carry more? @piocardoza

On commissions, I carry two DSLR Nikon camera bodies. On teaching workshops I carry one DSLR and one Micro Four Thirds camera. Electronics can be fickle, so two cameras are useful. Anymore would be bad for the travel experience – and your back!

Q9: I’m a budding travel photographer, but how do I start making money? @GwenllianHaf

Thoroughly research trends in travel destinations; revisit iconic travel subjects and capture a new angle. Put together a small exhibition of themed prints and show/ sell them at a local cafe/ library/ hospital. And don’t forget to shoot in your own country. UK images are constantly in demand.

Q10: As a budding travel photographer, how do you secure that first meeting with an editor? @LauraJaneDale

Find out the name and contact details of the photo editor, and send them a brief description of your work, your ideas and your website. They may not reply immediately but be patient, they are busy people! Show them only your best edited work.

Want more professional travel photography advice? Join our 3-day workshop trip in Marrakech, from 7 November (from just £655!)