Glynn Lavender: Travel Photography Master | Get The Shot Ep. 1

Join us for an inspiring journey into the heart of travel photography with industry legend Glynn Lavender. In this debut episode, we explore why the best images are forged through genuine human connection and why your camera is simply a passport to meeting extraordinary people.

Watch the full episode here:

The Philosophy of Connection and The “Stupid Smile”

Glynn reveals that the secret to capturing intimate street portraits isn’t a long lens, but a disarming attitude. He emphasises that building a rapport is the critical first step before a shutter is ever pressed.

• Photography as an Excuse: Glynn admits his first love is travel, and photography serves as a reason to interact with people he wouldn’t otherwise meet. [00:41]
• The “Stupid Smile” Technique: To break the ice with strangers, Glynn walks around with a big, friendly smile. If someone smiles back, a connection is formed, opening the door for a portrait. [05:41]
• Reading Body Language: Observing how people react to your presence is key; if they are open and engaging, you have an opportunity, but if they are rushing, it is best to move on. [06:18]
• The Camera as a Time Machine: Glynn views his photos as time machines that transport him back to the smells, sounds, and feelings of the specific moment he pressed the shutter. [03:00]

Technique: The 4-Minute Rule and Stylised Shoots

While spontaneous moments are magical, Glynn also advocates for slowing down to ensure you get the shot right. He breaks down his approach to balancing technical problem-solving with capturing raw emotion.

• The 4-Minute Setup: If you have five minutes with a subject, spend four minutes setting up the light and composition, and only one minute shooting. [09:51]
• Solving Problems First: By resolving lighting and background issues before shooting, you can focus entirely on the subject’s expression and connection during the exposure. [11:08]
• Stylised vs. Natural: On his tours, Glynn mixes natural street photography with stylised, set-up portraits to teach lighting principles, though he notes the natural shots often hold more “soul.” [07:59]
• The “Chimping” Moment: That moment of pure joy when you check the back of the camera and realise you’ve nailed the shot perfectly in-camera. [17:51]

Gear vs. Knowledge: What Truly Matters

In an industry obsessed with the latest technology, Glynn offers a refreshing perspective on the role of equipment. He argues that understanding light and storytelling trumps having the most expensive camera body.

• Knowledge is Power: Glynn asserts that equipment means nothing without the knowledge to use it; a basic modern camera is superior to what the masters used in the past. [19:51]
• Light and Storytelling: Rather than obsessing over sharpness or megapixels, photographers should focus on how to use light, shadows, and narrative to create compelling images. [20:24]
• JPEG vs. RAW: Surprisingly, Glynn shoots primarily in JPEG, trusting his ability to get the lighting and exposure right in-camera to save time and workflow. [17:19]
• Limitation Breeds Creativity: Referencing the days of film where a wedding photographer had only 120 shots, he suggests that shooting with intention is better than “spray and pray.” [11:43]

The Joy of the Process

For Glynn, the final image is secondary to the experience of creating it. He discusses the mental approach to photography and why personal satisfaction is the ultimate metric of success.

• The Experience is Everything: If the act of going out and taking photos isn’t joyful enough on its own, the resulting photos will never satisfy you. [21:29]
• Personal Resonance: Glynn notes that the 6-10 photos he loves most each year are often the ones that get the least attention on social media, and he is perfectly fine with that. [22:12]
• Teaching as a Reward: The greatest reward in his workshops is seeing a student capture an image they never thought they were capable of creating. [16:34]
• Fear of Failure: He shares a story from his first wedding shoot at age 15, illustrating the high stakes of event photography and the lesson of resilience. [12:18]

“If the doing, the going out and taking photos isn’t joyful enough… doesn’t fill you enough with joy and happiness, the photos never will. The experience of actually shooting has got to almost be enough.”

– Glynn Lavender

We hope you enjoyed this insightful episode with Glynn Lavender. Whether you are planning your next overseas adventure or just walking your local streets, remember that a smile is often your most powerful lens. Be sure to subscribe to Get The Shot for more conversations with the masters of photography.