The Art of Exploration: Stories from Our Travel Photography Winners

Behind every breathtaking travel photograph lies a story—a journey that goes far beyond the frame. In our Travel Photography Contest, the winners are not only talented photographers but also storytellers who use their lenses to capture the essence of places, people, and cultures across the globe. Their images take us from bustling city streets to serene mountain landscapes, from vibrant festivals to quiet, intimate moments of everyday life.

This article presents the stories of our winning photographers, offering a glimpse into their creative process, their challenges while traveling, and the inspiration that led them to capture such unforgettable scenes. By sharing their experiences, we celebrate not only the art of travel photography but also the spirit of exploration, curiosity, and cultural appreciation that connects us all. Each winner brings a unique perspective that turns a simple image into a visual journey—one that invites us to see the world through their eyes.

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MAURO DE BETTIO

My name is Mauro De Bettio, and I am a photographer and storyteller devoted to giving a voice to those who too often remain invisible. For me, a camera is not only a tool, it is a bridge between distant worlds and those who watch, between silence and unspoken words.

My interest in photography grew naturally out of my desire to connect with people and tell their stories. Over the years, this passion has taken me to some of the most fragile yet authentic corners of the world. What drives me is the human element, the resilience, dignity, and hope that shine even in the hardest places.

A few fun facts about me: I am always restless and curious, constantly searching for stories that lie beyond the surface. Music is a companion I carry everywhere, often helping me to process the emotions I experience in the field. I also have the unusual ability to feel at home in places where most people would feel out of place, because I believe that the deepest humanity often reveals itself in those environments.

Throughout my journey, I have witnessed courage and pain, despair and hope. In Bangladesh, I documented the strength of women who survived acid attacks, and the dreams of young girls who dared to surf in defiance of social norms. In the slums of Nairobi, I followed little ballerinas whose art brings light into their daily struggles, and I spent time with orphans navigating life on the city’s streets. I have entered the overcrowded prisons of Manila, where life continues despite suffocating conditions, and I have walked through Afghanistan, capturing the contrasts and resilience of daily existence. In Nepal, I joined honey hunters climbing sheer Himalayan cliffs, risking their lives to keep an ancient tradition alive.

For me, photography is about far more than creating images. When I am behind the camera, I am thinking about the person in front of me, their story, their dignity, and how to portray them truthfully. Each picture I take is a fragment of life, holding within it both fragility and strength. I want my work to remind us that beauty and hardship are inseparable parts of the human condition.

As a photographer, my aspiration is to continue building bridges, between cultures, between emotions, and ultimately between people. I hope my images not only inform but inspire compassion and awareness, creating a deeper sense of our shared humanity.

You can find more of my work on:

Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/mauro_de_bettio/

or on my website  https://www.maurodebettio.com/

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JOY SAHA

I am Joy Saha. I am a Photographer and Visual Journalist who specializes in capturing compelling human and environmental stories through the lens. My work has been featured in over 100 world’s leading news outlets, including The Guardian, Financial Times, BBC, Wall Street Journal, TIME, National Geographic, GEO, Stern, Der Spiegel, Amnesty International, and The Daily Telegraph of London.

With a profound interest in Documentary photography, I am passionate about exploring the diverse aspects of human life and depicting the pressing environmental challenges of our time. I use photography as a powerful storytelling tool to shift perspectives and inspire action. My projects highlight daily life, vulnerable communities, and the impacts of climate change, emphasizing the urgency of global solidarity. I am on an endless journey of portraying human struggles and environmental impacts to evoke empathy and drive meaningful change.

I regularly contribute to ZUMA PRESS and undertake commissions from NGOs, Newspapers, Magazines, Photo Agencies, Industries & Business Clients.

According to me, Photography is more than a profession. It is the seed of my dire passion that l nurture daily. Without photography, I don't even exist. Through Photography, I can uphold the stories that are unknown and share them worldwide. 

Please check my work on Instagram: @joysaha.official

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LAURIN STRELE

My name is Laurin Strele, and I am an Austrian-born photographer and photojournalist. Ever since I can remember, I have been fascinated by stories, not just the ones told in books or films but the ones written into people’s faces, daily lives, and environments. Photography became my way of exploring those stories and sharing them with others.

Before I ever thought of myself as a professional, I would spend hours wandering through cities with a small camera, trying to capture fleeting moments such as a glance, a gesture, or the play of light on a wall. I did not realize it at the time, but those small obsessions laid the foundation for my career in documentary and conflict photography.

My interest in photography deepened when I began traveling more widely. Being in unfamiliar places forced me to observe more closely, to listen before I photographed, and to understand the importance of empathy in storytelling. Over time, my path took me to places of crisis and conflict. I have worked in Afghanistan, Iraq, Bangladesh, India, Cuba, and more recently Syria, Lebanon, and Ukraine. These assignments were never just about documenting war or violence. They were about capturing the resilience, humanity, and often surprising beauty that persists even in the harshest conditions.

If I had to define my favorite type of photography, it would be storytelling in its broadest sense. Images that reveal something about people and the worlds they inhabit. Whether it is a soldier in a war zone, a family rebuilding their home, or a street scene in Havana, what fascinates me is the humanity behind the image.

My aspiration as a photographer is to continue bridging cultural divides and to create work that sparks conversation. I believe photography has the power not only to inform but also to connect people across borders. When I am shooting, I am often thinking about how to honor the subject in front of me. How to capture their reality truthfully while still leaving space for dignity and complexity.

For me, photography is both a responsibility and a privilege. It is about being present in moments that matter and translating them into images that others can feel and reflect upon.

If you would like to see more of my work, you can visit my website at www.laurinstrele.com or follow me on Instagram @laurinstrele.

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Don't forget to take a look to our other open photo contests for more opportunities to showcase your skills and creativity. Explore them here: www.theartistgallery.art/open-contests.