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Why Churchill Is on My Photography Radar for 2026

Lisa Michele Burns — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 05:27:09 +0000

Polar Bears and Aurora in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada. When I think about destinations that combine raw wilderness with once-in-a-lifetime photographic opportunities, Churchill in northern Manitoba quickly rises to the top. Perched on the edge of Hudson Bay in Northern Canada, this beautifully remote Arctic gateway offers a rare mix of luminous night skies, rare wildlife sightings, and unique ways to experience them. After learning about the region over coffee with the team from Travel Manitoba, I started researching and exploring the adventures possible for photographers (and myself!) who are keen to visit in 2026. I already know it’ll be a destination that fills my memory cards faster than the northern lights dance across the sky! Here are the experiences that have firmly placed Churchill on my radar for 2026. #1 Aurora visible up to 300 nights each year Churchill sits directly beneath the auroral oval, making the northern lights a near certainty, rather than a chance encounter, visible up to 300 nights each year. Having photographed aurora in Iceland, Greenland and across Scandinavia, plus the Aurora Australis in New Zealand, the concept of an easier hunt sounds very enticing! I don’t think I slept a wink on my first...

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17 Natural Wonders to Photograph Around the World

Lisa Michele Burns — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 09:13:25 +0000

There’s something truly humbling about standing in front of a vast desert dune or watching icebergs drift silently under a pastel-pink sky. Over the years, my journey as a travel photographer has taken me to places that feel like the Earth is quietly showing off, unveiling landscapes carved by time, shaped by weather, and filled with colour and life in the most unexpected forms. Each trip has been more than just a chance to take photographs. They’ve been filled with moments to connect with nature, with stillness, and with that childlike sense of awe we often forget in the rush of daily life. From the soft silica sands of Whitehaven Beach to the towering spires of Bryce Canyon, these natural wonders have not only filled my camera with images, but also helped me develop a deep appreciation for the wild beauty of our planet. I wanted to pause and reflect on the places that have inspired me the most, places that remind me why we travel, why we explore, and why it’s so important to protect the environments and landscapes we photograph. Below is a collection of 17 natural wonders I’ve been fortunate to photograph, each unique in its beauty,...

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Wildlife Encounters Through the Lens of Travel Photographers

Lisa Michele Burns — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 03:26:04 +0000

Wildlife Photography Adventures – Photographers Share Their Favourite Encounters Wildlife has a way of surprising us, making us wait for the moment, and displaying an array of behaviour, patterns, and experiences that have us smiling behind the lens. Our best images are often unplanned, fleeting, and also, a little humbling. From African plains to Austrian cemeteries, this collection of wildlife experience is compiled with work from the talented members of The Travel Photography Club. Each image reflects not only the beauty of the animals encountered but also the patience, creativity, and respect that go into photographing wildlife in the wild. Please note there is one image of an animal relocation for conservation purposes, an important experience that contributes to the welfare and future of the Black Rhino population. Scroll down to explore a wild world through the lenses of our talented members… The Experience: Photographing the Elusive Otters of Scotland Photographer: Suzanne Easton (Website | Instagram) Photographer’s Notes: The otters in Scotland are elusive. It takes time, patience and planning to see them. They emerge with the tides, hunting along the shoreline and in the shallows for crabs, fish and octopus. This otter had been moving along the shore in...

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Tokyo Hotel Review: Goldfish, Geisha and Views of Mt Fuji from Bed

Lisa Michele Burns — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 07:02:57 +0000

Visual Hotel Review: Park Hotel Tokyo Walking into a room filled with goldfish swimming across the walls, Geisha smiling from behind the bed, and a view towards Mt Fuji, it felt like I’d stepped into a colourful dream of all things quintessentially Japanese. Perched in the Shiodome Media Tower, Park Hotel Tokyo offers more than just a luxurious stay—it provides an immersive journey into Japanese art and culture. With panoramic views of Tokyo’s skyline and an artistic ethos that permeates every corner, the hotel seamlessly blends contemporary design with traditional aesthetics. Located in the heart of Tokyo, it’s an ideal base for exploring the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods, while its unique art-focused concept ensures a stay that’s as inspiring as it is comfortable. Location Situated in the heart of Tokyo’s Shiodome district, Park Hotel Tokyo occupies the upper floors of the Shiodome Media Tower, offering guests panoramic views of the city skyline. The hotel is conveniently connected to Shiodome Station, providing easy access to Tokyo’s extensive public transportation network. Ginza, renowned for its shopping and dining, is within walking distance, and other major areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Akihabara are easily accessible. From Haneda Airport, the hotel is a 20-minute taxi...

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Behind the Lens – Visiting Perito Moreno Glacier, Patagonia

Lisa Michele Burns — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 12:07:09 +0000

Behind the Lens – Two Days at Perito Moreno Glacier Location: Perito Moreno Glacier, Patagonia – Argentina Gear: OM-1, OM-1 MKII, 7-14mm f2.8 pro lens, 12-40mm f2.8 pro lens + 40-150mm f2.8 pro lens with the MC-20 2 x teleconverter and LS-P5 audio recorder. Date: April 18-20th, 2024. Autumn in Patagonia Rising early to collect the hire car and head out to the glacier, I was eager to see the ice, it was actually the part of Patagonia I was looking forward to most. The towers of Torres del Paine and Mount Fitz Roy were right up there on the wish list too of course, but glaciers have been a subject I’ve love researching and photographing since I was bewildered by the landscapes and ice sheet of Greenland. Layers of glacial ice disappearing toward ridge lines and valleys are a sight I could happily stare at forever. The sounds, thunderous roar of crashing ice, glistening sparkles, centuries of weather conditions, snow and glacial streams combined to present a scene so rugged yet intricately delicate. They fascinate me and every time I photograph a glacier, I leave with hundreds (jokes, thousands) of photos that usually, let’s be honest, look pretty similar....

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The Top 10 Photography Experiences in Mexico

Julia Marr — Sat, 11 May 2024 03:52:07 +0000

Photogenic Experiences and Places to Photograph in Mexico Mexico, the captivating land of tacos, iconic artist Frida Kahlo, vibrant Tequila, and unique cactus plants. Beyond its stereotypical portrayal in the media, Mexico unveils a rich tapestry of diverse landscapes, captivating culture, and storied history, making it a haven for photographers seeking to capture its multifaceted essence. After spending a few weeks immersing myself in the beautiful landscapes and energetic culture of this beautiful country, I am eager to highlight some essential experiences that should not be missed by photographers venturing to Mexico. Mexico on a map doesn’t look that big but trust me when I say it is bigger than I expected. With its 32 states, Mexico offers a vast array of destinations to explore, making it challenging to decide where to go and what to see based on your available time. During my 2.5-week journey through Mexico with G Adventures on the Viva Mexico: Ancient Ruins + The Mayan Riviera itinerary, I discovered the convenience of their diverse range of tours, ideal for those with limited time who wish to experience as much as possible. These tours not only simplify your itinerary but also allow you to focus more...

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A Guide to Photogenic Landscapes + Locations in the Whitsundays

Lisa Michele Burns — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 00:25:53 +0000

Your Photography Guide to The Whitsunday Islands, Australia In the calm waters of the Coral Sea, a collection of 74 Whitsunday islands await visitors with their fish filled waters, snorkelling hot spots and lush coves aplenty ready for sailors to float on in. The magical Whitsundays were first visited by Captain Cook in 1770 when he noted ‘Indeed the whole passage is one continued safe harbour,’ on the morning of Sunday, 3 June. Its sparkling seas are now infamous for the annual Hamilton Island Race Week and of course for tourists travelling on boats, seaplanes, helicopters and kayaks as they explore the endless dive and swimming locations amongst the myriad of islands. For photographers, the reef formations, vibrant underwater world and sandy shores offer a playground of opportunities to take that perfect tropical landscape shot. Having lived on Hayman Island for five years I’ve used these special spots over and over again in all seasons and can safely say you won’t leave the Whitsundays without your own series of amazing photos. This destination guide is my way of sharing one of my favourite places in the world, a collection of photogenic experiences and locations for you to visit whether you’re...

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12 Travel Photography Tips from a Professional Travel Photographer

Lisa Michele Burns — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 10:13:27 +0000

Improve your Travel Photography – Get Creative and Photograph the World Travel photography offers a creative opportunity to document your adventures and capture the world around you. The places you visit, faces you see and cultures you experience. As a professional travel photographer, I’ve photographed icebergs in Greenland, elephants in South Africa, remote lodges in Canada, and the temples of Japan. There are so many incredibly photogenic experiences and locations out there just waiting for us to photograph them on our travels. If you’re looking to work as a travel photographer, building a portfolio is one of the best places to start, and what better way to do that, that on your travels? This guide below shares 12 travel photography tips that will help you capture more creative images on your next trip. From composition to packing your camera bag, and storytelling to weather forecasting, browse the guide below and let me know in the comments where you’re travelling next! Travel Photography Tips 1. Research and Plan Logistics If you’re serious about taking great photos on your next trip, be sure to research the best places to photograph in the locations you’re visiting. If you’re heading for a major city,...

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What Cameras I Packed for Greenland

Lisa Michele Burns — Sun, 16 Apr 2023 11:16:09 +0000

Photographing in Greenland – What to Pack Endless hours of sunshine shimmer along the coastline of Ilulissat in the summer months. A land of climatic extremes,historic adventures and a culture that’s as fascinating as it is friendly, Greenland is quickly becoming somewhere photographers are flocking too. The frozen wonders of glaciers and icebergs meet humpback whales and arctic foxes with vibrant villages making up the trifecta of photogenic delights. Icebergs over 50m in height drift into the northern waters of The Atlantic Ocean, providing not only an epic sight to see, but to photograph. Still relatively remote, Greenland requires a well planned trip to ensure success with your images. There are of course very distinct differences in seasons so it’s essential to research the type of images you’re after and plan ahead with plenty of wriggle room to account for weather related delays. The winter months offer a chance to photograph aurora over the snow covered scenery, see the Greenlandic Sled Dogs in action and even sleep in an igloo. There will also be a considerable amount of darkness over the winter months, with polar night meaning the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon from a certain latitude. Read more...

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Kenya Photography Guide – Photogenic Experiences + Locations

Laura Merz — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 06:07:00 +0000

Photography Experiences and Locations in Kenya Have you ever wanted to photograph the Maasai Mara, experience Kenyan culture and dramatic landscapes where elephants roam beneath the tallest peaks in Africa? *All imagery supplied by Laura Merz. Let’s take a photogenic adventure through Kenya with travel and wildlife photographer, Laura Merz. Calling Nairobi home for the past three years, Laura’s insights are invaluable for anyone planning to visit Kenya with their camera. Her work offers a colourful peek at the potential experiences you could enjoy and photograph when exploring the landscapes, wildlife and culture of this vibrant country on the eastern coast of Africa. From the moment I set foot in Kenya three years ago, I fell in love with the warmth and vibrancy of the culture. The juxtapositions of cultures and explosion of colours are a treat for any creative to experience. The hardest part of planning a trip here is choosing which region to focus on first! The country has a wealth of different experiences depending on where you go and what you’d like to see – any of these regions can be a trip on it’s own, or they can be blended into a longer experience. Photographers looking...

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5 Places to Photograph in February – The Photographer’s Forecast

Lisa Michele Burns — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 09:01:03 +0000

Want to know where to take photos in February? As a new series, I want to document the best places to photograph each month around the world. Whether you’re able to visit somewhere close to home, or plan for an adventure next year, let’s explore where you can take photos in February and some of the most beautiful destinations and events happening in relation to travel photography. February means we’ve got the two extreme seasons straight up, winter and summer. As I’m writing this, it’s 36 degrees in Brisbane, Australia, I’m melting and the idea of some frosty mornings and snowy forest hikes with my camera sounds beautifully chilly. Let’s get into the first edition of The Photographer’s Forecast…yippee! By the way, if you have any feedback or tips on what to include next month, just leave a comment and let me know! #1 The Arctic Circle – Winter Landscapes + Lights Polar Night has officially ended in most of the Arctic regions (still going at the North Pole), with the sun starting to slowly reappear and reveal those gorgeous pastel tones. Photographing anywhere above the Arctic Circle will mean longer periods of blue and golden hours, making it the...

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Opinion – You can work as a travel photographer without social media

Lisa Michele Burns — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 07:31:09 +0000

Can you have a travel photography career without social media fame? Let’s discuss… In a world where content is reminding us daily that we aren’t doing enough, seeing enough, sharing enough or working hard enough, we need to stop and remind ourselves, why are we letting this invisible (but all too visible) pressure zap our energy and productivity? Social media has created a monster of sorts, fueling our personal insecurities, unraveling a fear of missing out, virtually pushing and prodding us to join in and contribute to the content conveyor belt. I’m guessing I’m not alone in feeling a little old because I can’t (or don’t want to) keep up with the demands of social media? If you’re considering a career as a travel photographer, it’s surely crossed your mind more than once that you need to be on social media. You need to have followers, be sharing regular content, creating reels, stories, carousels and goodness knows what else also becomes the next algorithm pleasing, energy sapping tool. I love a funny video, dreamy destination post or cute dog photo as much as the next person and know social media can absolutely be enjoyed in small doses, but when it...

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