Award-winning travel photographer Mark Edward Harris has been to an astounding 102 countries — including many that evade the average traveler and, as he puts it, places that are “seldom seen and even lesser understood.”

Many times, Harris is traveling for business, on assignment for publications such as Vanity Fair, LIFE, The New York Times, Newsweek, Time, National Geographic Traveler, Vogue and TravelAge West, among others — and he’s the recipient of many prestigious photography awards for his work.

He’s also the author of several travel photography books, including “Inside Iran,” “North Korea,” “The Way of the Japanese Bath” and, most recently, a book about orangutans called “The People of the Forest.”

In this episode of Humans of Travel, Harris dives into some of his most thrilling adventures, from his time in North Korea and his coverage of the Tokyo Olympics to his experience photographing orangutans for “People of the Forest.” He also reflects on the times when it’s been more appropriate to put down the camera, and how he gets his subjects to trust him. Plus, he offers some advice for succeeding as a travel photographer.

INSIDE THIS EPISODE

1:00 Meet Mark Edward Harris, award-winning travel photographer 

2:30: How did Harris get interested in photography, and travel photography specifically? 

9:20: Harris gives us the scoop behind the photo on the cover of his book "North Korea."

12:15: It's not all about pressing the shutter, according to Harris.

15:15: Harris talks about the ethics of travel photography — and when it's more appropriate to put the camera down.

22:00: Harris offers advice for wannabe travel photographers. 

27:45: What camera/equipment does Harris recommend? 

31:00: Harris explains how to best shoot action shots and speaks about his time covering the Tokyo Olympics 

35:00: Harris talks about finding stories in his own backyard, rather than going to far-flung locales. 

36:30: What’s next for Harris?

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Harris’ Instagram 

Harris’ Website

Harris’ Books:

The People of the Forest

The Way of the Japanese Bath

North Korea

South Korea

The Travel Photo Essay: Describing a Journey Through Images

ABOUT YOUR HOST 

Emma Weissmann is the Managing Editor of TravelAge West, a print magazine and website for travel advisors based in the Western U.S. She is also the co-host of Trade Secrets, a podcast created with sister publication Travel Weekly. 

TravelAge West also produces national trade publications Explorer and Family Getaways, as well as events including the Future Leaders in Travel Retreat, Global Travel Marketplace West, the WAVE Awards gala and the Napa Valley Leadership Forum. 

ABOUT THE SHOW 

TravelAge West’s podcast, “Humans of Travel,” features conversations with exceptional people who have compelling stories to tell. Listeners will hear from the travel industry’s notable authorities, high-profile executives, travel advisors and rising stars as they share the highs and lows that make them human.

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