11 Pro Travel Photographers You Should Be Following on Instagram
There are a wealth of travel photos floating around the Instagram ethers — just search for #beach and your feed will overflow with pictures taken by amateur photographers from around the world. But sometimes, it pays to follow a professional.
The lensmen and women listed below are at the top of their game, shooting the world in ways that will challenge the way you look at it — and probably convince you to move ahead in planning that next trip. Go ahead, click follow: Here are 11 of Instagram's finest professional photographers.
1. @PaulZizkaPhoto
Who: Paul Zizka
Why You Should Follow Him: Paul Zizka is an award-winning photographer who journeys around the globe to achieve his spectacular shots, including his signature self-portraits. Zizka captures awe-inspiring moments in nature and uses post-processing editing tools in order to enhance his photos to look otherworldly.
Where You'll Find Him: Close to the fantastic phenomena of nature including capturing the Aurora Borealis in Greenland or ascending mountains in starlight.
2. @StevenMcCurryOfficial
Who: Steve McCurry
Why You Should Follow Him: McCurry's photos span time and space and his work covers ancient cultures, modern issues and multiple regions. He specializes in photography that features various cultures, most notably after he spent time traveling across the Indian continent with a bag of clothes and a roll of film. While McCurry's photographs are diverse, they always feature a human element.
Where You'll Find Him: Capturing small, intimate moments between a mother and daughter in Peru, traversing the farming fields of Afghanistan or interacting with the street vendors in Turkey.
3. @Amivitale
Who: Ami Vitale
Why You Should Follower Her: Vitale is a photographer whose mantra is to "live the story." For this photographer, that means living in war zones, visiting more than 90 countries and documenting both the shocking and compassionate sides of human nature — all in the name of art. Recently, Vitale has turned her eye toward endangered species after completing a piece on the world's last white rhinoceros.
Where You'll Find Her: Most likely in Africa, where some of the world's most awe-inspiring creatures face extinction regularly.
4. @IraBlockPhoto
Who: Ira Block
Why You Should Follow Him: Ira Block is a famed National Geographic photographer who is an expert in photographic lighting. Scrolling through his Instagram feed will arrest you with the warm, rich colors of the Moroccan landscape alongside the bright lights of Marrakesh's shopping square. Block's photographs span the globe and include an inspection of people, wildlife, cities and rural life.
Where You'll Find Him: Wherever the light is — Block travels the globe trying to find the best shot. He also teaches workshops on his speciality and is a frequent contributor to blogs on the matter.
5. @Macenzo
Who: Dirk Bakker
Why You Should Follow Him: Bakker, a photographer based in the Netherlands, specializes in architecture with a focus on the repetitive nature of shapes and lines. His work resembles graphic design in its use of geometric shapes and color and pushes the viewer to think about architecture in a new way.
Where You'll Find Him: Snapping arresting photos of modern architecture in Amsterdam and across Europe.
6. @brahmino
Who: Simone Bramante
Why You Should Follow Him: Bramante is an Italian photographer who shoots for high-end clients like Dior, Cartier, Jaguar and Club Med. While his portfolio of clients may come off a bit ritzy, the photos featured on his Instagram account are far more accessible. Scrolling through his feed you'll find ethereal photos so beautiful they're almost eerie, as well as plenty of shots of Bramante with his young son.
Where You'll Find Him: If not taking pictures of his adorable son, you'll most likely find this jetsetter roaming the European continent, searching for lone beach houses or abandoned churches in serene and winsome locations.
7. @farahkhad
Who: Khadija Farah
Why You Should Follow Her: Farah is a powerful female voice in a male dominated profession. Hailing from Somalia, Farah takes her culture's tradition of oral storytelling and transfers that talent to film. Farah's work focuses on the everyday life of Africans — instead of focusing on narratives that view the enormous country through a binary "success or failure" scale. Scroll through her feed to find touching human portraits as well as enchanting landscapes all set in exotic Africa.
Where You'll Find Her: Farah is based in Nairobi and her photographs often feature the beaches, markets and people of Kenya but there's just as good a chance she's capturing the beauty of everyday life in her native Somalia.
8. @dianazeynebalhindawi
Who: Diana Zeyneb Alhindawi
Why You Should Follow Her: Alhindawi's upbringing undoubtedly had a large influence on her artistic vision. Born in rural Romania, Diana, her Romania mother and Iraqi father were forced to flee the country to become refugees in the former Yugoslavia. This led to Alhindawi's interest in human rights and humanitarian aid, and her photos focus on the human aspect of social unrest. Her photos are both striking and educational, pushing viewers to think deeply about the world we live in.
Where You'll Find Her: Alhindawi is currently photographing in Africa, making stops in Kenya, Liberia and the DRC.
9. @micahalbert
Who: Michah Albert
Why You Should Follow Him: Albert is a multi-award winning photographer based in Northern California where he lives with his family. His work is centered around issues that are not normally covered in the mainstream media, and he is fascinated by hard-to-reach regions like Africa, the Middle East and untraversed areas of North America. His most recent project focused on South Algeria exploring the instability of the region and the role of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic's rebels in one of the most dangerous areas of the world.
Where You'll Find Him: On outdoor adventures with his family all around California or in remote areas of Africa and the Middle East on assignment.
10. @kerry_photo
Who: Kerry Murray
Why You Should Follow Her: Murray is a native of Cape Town but currently resides in Portugal. Her IG feed is a mix of personal and professional photographs that range from picturesque beaches to wistful shots of worn down homes. Murray's sense of adventure comes through in her photographs as she uses her photographic skills to capture her endearing travels.
Where You'll Find Her: In the hidden but emotive corners of Portugal.
11. @andrea_frazzetta
Who: Andrew Frazzetta
Why You Should Follow Him: Frazzetta, a frequent contributor to The New York Times magazine and National Geographic Travel, uses his pictures to tell a story — whether it be of a small Spanish village or struggling farmers in Burundi. No matter the subject, Frazzetta makes sure his photographs are powerful and able to speak to the viewer.
Where You'll Find Him: Frazzetta has worked in more than 50 countries around the world but is based in Italy. His most recent project took viewers on a tour of Milan in 48 hours.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.