In January 2025, The Masterclasses by National Geographic Traveller (UK) returned, with four dedicated online sessions followed by a special live event held at London’s National Theatre, all aimed at helping aspiring travel writers and travel photographers sharpen their skills.

For each photography session an expert panel of National Geographic Traveller (UK) contributors focused on a different aspect of the skill set, with the likes of Sophia Hsin, Annapurna Mellor, Celeste Noche and Jonathan Stokes sharing practical advice on everything from getting pictures published to building a portfolio.

Here are nine of the best tips for budding photographers, courtesy of some of the brand’s most experienced contributors.

“The more things that you can do, the more likely you're going to be hired by lots of different companies. You're a more all-around package and this has become more and more important. It's great to have a niche and have something that you're passionate about, but in today’s landscape you have to be more versatile and flexible — more willing to shoot different things and try different things.” — Annapurna Mellor

“Try to find the light that's available to you in that place. Sometimes you don't have your ideal light, but I think you should still take photos even if your perfect light isn't there. And you can think about how the absence of light can also help tell your story and help inform your photos — sometimes harsh bright sun is all that's available to you, but also what makes a photo.” — Celeste Noche

“Every time I'm on set [with another photographer] I'm always like, oh, this person lights differently, they work with different gear or technology. Shadowing is an amazing way to learn and get outside of your own routine. Never stop learning, it applies to every single industry.” — Sophia Hsin

“The main way that your work is out in the world is through your website. Be really selective about your images — only feature your best images. Think about separating your portfolios… maybe you really love travel photography, but you’ve also shot some restaurants or even weddings. Your second online portfolio is your social media. Keep your social media up to date. In my opinion, it should be a professional space like your portfolio, but it should also show more of your personality.” — Annapurna Mellor

“When I’m approached with a brief, I like to do some of my own research. I look into where I'm going and what I think I'll be doing and make Pinterest boards. And it can really give you a great insight. A bit of research helps me to build on what's been done before and [enables me] to inject my own take on it with light.” — Jonathan Stokes

“People will like you for your artistic style, so that's really important. Build your style, but also have people look over your brand because, I find that as the artist yourself, you’re the worst at knowing how to talk about yourself or positioning. I really have loved and appreciated my mentors.” — Sophia Hsin

“You never know when your personal projects will lead you to other opportunities. And I think that the best photos you're ever going to take are the ones that you're genuinely interested in. If you're looking to do more professional work, your portfolio should include things that you're really interested in and what you would like to be hired for versus what you think they want. So focus on the internal.” — Celeste Noche

“Don't underestimate connection and what it can mean to engage with folks. The people that you come across can really help shape what it is that you experience and how you tell that story of it, and how you approach your photographs. When you can connect to the humanity of the people of a place, it comes through in your photos.” — Celeste Noche

“It's useful to study magazine layouts and design if you want to shoot for them. It’s a way to visualize how your pictures are going to be displayed and think about how you compose them and light them.” — Jonathan Stokes