A Post Card From Borneo
I am in Semporna, Sabah on the island of Borneo. Nathan Watkins and I are covering a story on a people known as the Sea Gypsies of Borneo, the Bajau Laut. I was hoping to share images...
The Next
Twenty-Five
Tips, Tricks and Gear Suggestions for the Traveling Photographer
Subscribe to my newsletter and receive my latest ebook, “The Next Twenty Five“. In this free ebook, you will learn how to prepare for your latest photography adventure. In it I cover:
- how to quickly navigate through airport security
- how to choose the right camera and lenses for travel
- how to pack for an easier and more comfortable hotel stay
- gear you need to travel comfortably but effective
- and more…
By joining my newsletter list, you will be privy to news and update about workshops and classes before my blog readers.
Take pictures like these
Watching YouTube is a great way to start in photographic journey, but it’s limited. Visiting a website is a wonderful to supplement your knowledge as well. I hope you spend hours on my site soaking up the information on how to create amazing images. But, in the end the best way to learn anything is hands on. Join me on my next workshop and walk away with a portfolio of a lifetime.
The Blog
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A Traveler’s Guide to Bargaining
Almost completely off the topic of photography, but still very focused on what a photographer needs to understand for survival when he travels to a foreign country, is the topic of...
The Faces of Lebuh Kimberley
Yesterday, as with most Saturdays this past month, I led a group of students for a walk around Penang. Usually, I don't get a lot of chances to shoot and I certainly don't get a chance...
Farewell to the Nine Emperors
This past week I have had a few opportunities to drop in on the happenings down at the Temple of the Goddess of Mercy on Jalan Burma in downtown Penang, here in Malaysia. Things were hopping down...
Don’t drink the Kool-Aid!
Back in November 1978 when cult leader Jim Jones encouraged his followers to drink a cyanide laced "favor aid" and commit suicide rather than face the consequences of their actions (Several...
Depth of Field: Douglas Kirkland
Douglas Kirkland is one of photography's legends, there's no other way around it. He's made a treasure trove full of images of the greatest personality that we saw in the latter part of the 20th...
Posts you’ll find helpful
What camera should I use as a beginner?
Honestly, these days there are so many choices, which can make it confusing and overwhelming.
Kenya with the Fuji XF 16mm, f/1.4
I have been waiting for this lens since it showed up on the Fujifilm Lens Road Map. A 16mm f/ 1.4? That’s a lot of light!
Fujifilm Instax SP-1 Photo Printer
Opening so many doors with people to photograph this should be considered a must have for any photographer traveling.
The Human Form Divine
It’s a kind of law that may very well be unbreakable. It is what I call, “the law of the the human figure.”
Dear beginner, you make ripples!
Matt admonishes beginner photographers to slowdown and observe. Any beginners reading this, will find it helpful.
Composition: Prescriptive or Descriptive?
After importing the images into Lightroom, a lot of the other compositional elements come into play. It is now that the strong images rise to the surface.
Depth of Field Podcast
Depth of Field is a podcast hosted by me, Matt Brandon. In this podcast I interview working photographers from around the world and try to uncover what was it that help them get o where they are today. Listen as I converses with respected photographers from many different fields and uncovers what it took for them to be successful. Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, relax and listen to the photography leaders tell us secrets and stories of their journey.
Galleries
Check out a sampling of some of my favourite work.
Rickshaw Puller of Kolkata
The Valley of Kashmir
Sea Gypsies of Borneo
Puppet Masters of Penang
Ladakh, India
Varanasi, India
Testimonials
People are talking.
“I truly love Matt’s perspective on photo storytelling. I’ve been looking at other photographers that are very skilled, but seem to have a very different goal. That of taking a beautiful photo over telling the story of the moment. In my mind, you must have both good images that tell a story. That is what Matt is great at.”
“We are over the moon with the results of the (your) photography so considering the conditions your professionalism and talent shone through and delivered.
Again thank you so much for following through and completing the assignment for us.”
“Matt Brandon really knows his stuff, and has been in the photography game for several decades. He’s been traveling to India for many years now, where he leads photography workshops that look like amazing experiences. He’s strong in all aspects of travel photography but if I had to pick one area you could really learn from him it would be portraits, you can see a lot of feeling in his work here.”
“I’ve just returned from a tremendous week in West Sumatra, photographing Pacu Jawi and the Mentawai tribe on my second workshop with Matt. Thanks to Matt I’ve returned with great images and mastered off-camera light. He is a terrific teacher, knowledgeable, patient and generous with his time. He has an artists eye for composition and light and what makes a great picture. Matt consistently pointed out photo opportunities I would otherwise have missed. Matt’s attention to detail and the ability to put subjects from diverse backgrounds at ease shines through his pictures. He’s also the only person I know who can produce a perfect breakfast espresso in the depths of the jungle. What more can I say?”
Matt’s photos are
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