Travel photography can be far more than capturing beautiful scenes. At its heart, it’s about building genuine human connection. These are historic moments where a camera becomes less of a tool and more of a bridge.

We photograph moments that may never be again. People who have stories and lives we may never imagine. 

I carry the philosophy that we are all brothers and sisters on this earth. When we travel with a good heart and to bring light to others, the journey changes. It becomes less about collecting images for ourselves and more about weaving stories of humanity, joy, and understanding. That’s when travel photography stops being just photography and becomes a form of philanthropy.

In both countries, Cuba and Guatemala, locals are often warm, curious, and open to being photographed when approached with courtesy and respect. Your camera, whether it’s a Leica, Canon, Nikon or an iPhone, can act as a bridge. It can break language barriers and open long-lasting friendships. It may even get you a seat at the domino table in Cuba. Let your inside light shine, and your photos will reflect that sunshine from you.  Here are 3 tips when traveling. 

1.  Lead with kindness. Don't be sneaky. If you want the shot without them noticing, be sure and show them afterwards. 

2. Look beyond the frame at what is going on around the subject.

3. Approach Photography as a connection not a collection. Your mind memories will last forever 
#TravelPhotographyTips#travelPhotographyTours#travelphotographyworkshops

Travel Photography with Less Gear

NEW Photography Trip Scheduled Join Us in Guatemala – October 27, 2025

I’ve learned that when it comes to travel photography, less is often more. Unless I’m on a high-stakes assignment where only the best gear will do, I prefer to keep my setup simple and light.

A few years ago, I used to lug around multiple cameras, heavy lenses, and a bulky camera bag—always worried that if something failed, I’d miss an important shot. In war photography, that kind of backup gear is essential. I’ve carried everything from a Canon 70-200mm L-series lens to wide-angle lenses, but the weight, security concerns, and constant anxiety of carrying thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment started to take a toll.

Now? I travel differently.

These days, I shoot with a small Fuji or Canon camera—nothing too expensive, just something that lets me focus on the moments instead of the gear. And for quick snapshots, my iPhone is always in my pocket. Mobile photography has brought the joy back into my work, allowing me to immerse myself in the landscapes and people I’m photographing. After all, photography is as much about the experience as it is about the images.

If you’re an adventurous spirit who loves photography but doesn’t want to be weighed down by gear, join us for a 9-day photography journey to Guatemala in October 2025.

This isn’t a luxury tour—it’s an experience. It’s for those who don’t mind getting a little dirty, embracing the unexpected, and connecting with the rich Mayan culture while capturing stunning images. If you're looking for entertainment and hand-holding, this isn't the trip for you. But if you want to meet incredible people, make lifelong friends, and create meaningful photographs, then come with us to Guatemala!

📸 Trip details & pricing: www.LaughingPlanetJourneys.org

Street Photography

The insights I’ve gained into other people’s lives through street photography have been nothing short of extraordinary. For me, this art form is about capturing the beauty of the everyday—documenting fleeting moments that might otherwise be forgotten. It’s a way of preserving history in motion, revealing the raw, unfiltered essence of humanity.

My camera is more than just a tool; it’s a bridge—connecting me to people and places I might never have encountered otherwise. Through the lens, I observe the rhythms of strangers' lives and, in doing so, recognize how deeply interconnected we all are.

Though I explore many styles of photography today, I came to it later in life. I was about 30 when I first picked up a camera, never imagining it would shape my future.

I used to be shy, uneasy in crowds. Then, my stepfather gifted me a 35mm film camera—an unassuming gesture that turned out to be life-changing. That camera pulled me out of my shell and set me on a path filled with adventure, much like Bilbo Baggins leaving the Shire.

For the past 25 years, I’ve traveled the world, capturing moments that speak to the shared human experience. Whenever magazines pay me for my work, I still marvel at the fact that I get to do what I love—and that people value it enough to support me in the process.

Photo below: CUBA – SHE HAS BIGGER PLANS

#TravelPhotography #CubaTravel #CubaPurpose #CubaMission #GuatemalaPhotography #GuatemalaTravel #StreetPhotographyCuba #StreetPhotographyGuatemala#TravelonPurpose

I'm excited to announce another trip to Guatemala. The dates for Guatemala are November 26, 2023 to November 3, 2023. This will give us time to explore the colonial UNESCO town of Antigua, take a trip to the glorious Lake Atitlan, and then get back to Antigua to photograph the incredible Mayan kite festival. 

The Mayan kites take up to 6 months to build and can be as high as a two-story building. Then on top of it they run the kites through cemeteries. So the background for photography is perfect. 

Laughing Planet Journeys is based on traveling responsibly so we don't bring items that we don't have to that hurt the planet. No plastic bottles so you just bring your own reusable.

We travel with a mindset to help others, respect their culture and always remember we are guests in their homeland. Sometimes we set up situations where we can help a group for a day but if that isn't possible we do a little street help as we see it. 

Our goal is to be excellent ambassadors and to spread goodwill to all we meet. It's so much fun to give to others that it makes the trip very special.