The Best Travel Inspiration on Instagram | Five to Follow

Travel
Written By
pablo-15.png

Travel has been on my mind lately, so here's some travel inspiration on Instagram that I wanted to share in case it's been the same for you too.

@asiyami_gold

Asiyami calls herself a "visual storyteller" for good reason. Her pictures transport me to another place, and I find myself constantly saving her posts to a list called "One Day."

@hey_ciara

Not only does Ciara capture exotic locales (like Bangkok), she shares touching insights that make her more than just another travel influencer.

@simplycyn

This woman has my dying to visit every.single.island in the Caribbean. The way she captures the island vibes is incredible.

@thecatchmeifyoucan

Jessica is on a quest to become the first black woman to travel to all the world's countries. She's visited 152 out of 195 and her journey is a sight to see.

@spirtedpursuit

Zanzibar. Lee is in Zanzibar. I've been fascinated by this country since elementary school when my dad would make up bedtime stories based in Zanzibar. Lee's images and stories are truly inspiring.

View this post on Instagram

On the topic of using people (particularly children and people of rural tribal communities) as props when you travel...🤔 • There’s absolutely nothing wrong with admiring + capturing people with cultures that are different from your own - it all lies in HOW it’s done. I’ve spent the past few years traveling + trying to create content that honors, dignifies, and keeps my subjects at the center of their own narratives. Here’s a personal guide I’ve developed for myself to help me stay ethical: • 1. I don’t photograph people who do not want to be captured and have their permission to shoot 100% of the portraits I take. When shooting open/public spaces, I obviously cannot ask for permission from people so I instead try not to be invasive and keep things general. • 2. I do not photograph children (particularly those who are living in extreme circumstances) without the permission/presence of a parent or guardian. Think about it like this...would you ever feel comfortable with a stranger walking up to your child taking their photo and then walking away? Probably not. • 3. I try not to center myself in any of the portraits I take. Even if I am in the photo, I make every effort to avoid positioning myself as superior or as a savior. • 4. I try to spark conversation with people prior to asking for a photo. Sometimes this isn’t possible, but it’s something I really try to do. It makes people feel like you have a genuine interest in them and also allows them to feel more comfortable with you (a stranger) taking their photo. • 5. I do not take pictures of people who are clearly in compromising circumstances or who are not proud of the conditions of which they are living. I prefer to leave that to ethical documentary photographers who can provide accurate context + narratives. • 6. I prefer to capture the humanity in people. This ensures that I am dignifying my subjects and portraying them in a positive light. • Just a reminder that it is never ok to marginalize people, present yourself as a savior of people, or steal images from people. There is a huge responsibility that comes with having a camera, smartphone, et al when traveling - please use it wisely. // #spiritedpursuit

A post shared by Lee Litumbe 🇨🇲🇺🇸 (@spiritedpursuit) on

Previous

Making Tough Decisions | Side Hustle Saturday Vol. 3
Next

Spain Travel Guide| Barcelona, Seville & Granada