Travel presents great opportunities to get compelling images. Yes, we can get great landscape shots while travelling, but it is the people, the culture and the lifestyle that grip emotion and tell a story. Try to capture images that make viewers want to talk to you about what you experienced. Show what is different. Capture the essence of a place. Fiji, anyone?

You see, when we think of Fiji we see images of tropical islands, grand resorts, and perfect beaches decorated with coconut trees and all. That is in fact what I saw. I have images of those coconut trees and beaches. When I look at them I have happy memories but the emotion evoked by them are not nearly as strong as when I look at this image. When people look at my beach shot they often ask where that is but that is usually where the conversation ends - just another tropical beach (and "oh, I which I can go"). When people see this image they seem to look at it for a long time (something we photographers aspire to achieve) and start a long conversation about the place, the people, and everything else.

          Here are some tips to get these type of shots:

1. Be safe. Find out where you can go and what places you should avoid. Better yet, try to get a local to go with you.

2. Ask about the culture and if it is acceptable to shoot, how to deal with people, etc.

3. Go for more rural places (cities have great photo opportunities too).

4. Walk into the area instead of staying on the main roads.

5. Ask people about common life and where to witness it.

6. Include people in the images. Place them well in the frame.

7. Make them feel safe, ask their permission, explain your intentions.

8. Go back to the same place multiple times. Allow the people to get used to you, to accept you. This will get them to go on with life as if you are not there, something that does not happen when you first appear. Remember, you are trying to shoot their lives.

Enjoy your emotion filled, story telling shots.