travel photography

Street Photography Meets Street Art

Street photography is all about capturing life as it happens — candid moments, fleeting gestures, the poetry of everyday existence. It’s about roaming the streets with a camera, open to whatever unfolds. No staging, no second takes, just real people in real places.

Street art, on the other hand, is expression painted directly onto the city. Murals, stencils, graffiti — they transform grey walls into living canvases. Art for everyone, not locked away in galleries. It reflects politics, culture, and identity. Together, street photography and street art create a fascinating mix: one captures life happening in the present, the other leaves its mark on the walls for the future.

When I travel, I love nothing more than to roam the streets — camera in hand — and let things unfold. If I stumble across street art, all the better. It adds another layer to the story, another voice to the frame. It’s exactly what Ian Plant (whose street photography workshop I recently reviewed) talks about: finding abstract elements in the urban environment, and then waiting for people to bring the scene to life. A mural, an advertisement, even just shadows and architecture — all can become part of the composition.

Street Art and Street Photography in Barcelona by Geraint Rowland

One of my favourite examples of this is the image above, shot in the Raval area of Barcelona (or Ravalistan, as locals sometimes call it due to its multicultural flavour). It’s a moment of pure poetry: a woman in a colourful headscarf walking past a mural of another woman with her head covered looking on. A fleeting alignment of art and reality. Same theme, two worlds — one painted, one lived.

📸 Canon EOS 5D Mark II | EF50mm f/1.4 USM | ƒ/7.1 | 50mm | 1/320s | ISO 200
Location: Raval, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, Europe

That’s the beauty of this kind of work: sometimes you wait, sometimes you just get lucky. Either way, it’s the mix of patience, instinct, and curiosity that makes street photography so rewarding.

For more on my Barcelona adventures, check out my earlier post: Street Photography Tours in Barcelona.

And below, I’ve included a slideshow of more of my street photography and street art captures from around the world — each one its own little dialogue between painted walls and the lives passing by. From the raw, vibrant streets of Santiago, Chile, to the colourful icons splashed across Wynwood Walls in Miami. Barcelona makes several appearances too — a city constantly reinventing itself through the paint on its walls. In Mexico City’s Condesa, a Star Wars stormtrooper seems to take aim at an unsuspecting passerby, while in Havana, portraits of Che Guevara and Jimi Hendrix keep watch over the streets.

Street art fades, gets painted over, or disappears — but in that brief moment when it collides with real life, it creates something timeless. That’s what I try to capture: those fleeting conversations between wall and world.

👉 All images are available to purchase — get in touch via my website for prints or licensing.

#streetphotography #streetart #urbanphotography #artinpublic #citylife #travelphotography #documentaryphotography #streetphotographer #urbanart #photooftheday #barcelonastreetphotography #streetartphotography #everydaylife #streetphoto #peoplewatching #globalstreetart #urbanstories #streetcapture #candidphotography #visualstorytelling

PhotoWhoa Review: How to Take Compelling Street Photography by Ian Plant

1. Introduction

I chose this masterclass because street photography has always been close to my heart. For me, travel and street photography are inseparable — nothing beats getting lost in an unfamiliar city, camera in hand, and just roaming. From Lima to Varanasi to Amman, I’ve spent countless hours wandering, watching, and waiting for those fleeting stories to unfold. I’ve also long been drawn to street art and how it collides with daily life — the perfect backdrop for the unscripted.

But I’ll admit, working heavily with stock agencies like Getty, I sometimes feel I’ve lost a little of the spark for pure street photography. Street work is about energy, spontaneity, and play — things that can get dulled when you’re focused on keywords and commercial value. That’s why I turned to Ian Plant’s Street Photography Masterclass. Having previously reviewed his Travel & Nature Photography Masterclass for PhotoWhoa — and being impressed by his enthusiasm, laid-back style, and artistic vision — I wanted to see how he applied those same qualities to the streets.

PhotoWhoa Review: How to Take Compelling Street Photography by Ian Plant

2. Overview of the Masterclass

As I mentioned before this isn’t Ian Plant’s first appearance on PhotoWhoa, and while he’s best known for landscapes and wildlife, here he turns his eye to the street. He makes a strong case for why street photography is worth practicing: it’s a great way to sharpen your eye, learn to see differently, and ultimately become a stronger photographer in any genre.

The course runs about 1 hour 38 minutes and covers the fundamentals of street photography: what it is, how to capture compelling candid moments, and how to think more abstractly and artistically about the everyday world around you. Plant defines street photography as “the study of the human condition” — not necessarily about the streets themselves, but about ephemeral moments where subject, mood, composition, and light combine to create art.

He stresses the importance of learning to see in the abstract — shadows, light, framing, and negative space become the raw ingredients for your compositions. A flare of sun between two buildings, the silhouette of a stranger passing by, or the geometry of city architecture: all of these become part of the visual toolkit for street photography.

Interestingly, he also highlights how street photography overlaps with other genres like travel, cityscape, and even abstract architecture. The human element is often what defines it as “street,” but he encourages photographers not to feel bound to sidewalks or plazas — airports, lobbies, indoor spaces can all provide opportunities to capture stories of people and place.

Plant also downplays the importance of gear, pointing out that technical perfection is overrated in street photography. Instead, he introduces the idea of “strategic technical imprecision”: intentionally playing with motion blur, off-focus, or unconventional exposure to create artistic, expressive images. Whether you’re using a DSLR, a mirrorless setup, or even just your phone, he argues, the essential tool is your vision, not your kit.

What is Street Photogrpahy - a PhotoWhoa Masterclass by Ian Plant

3. Instructor’s Teaching Style

Like in his other masterclass, Ian Plant comes across laid-back but deeply thoughtful. He’s not rigid about rules — instead, he encourages experimentation, imperfection, and developing your own creative approach. What I like about his teaching style is that he’s not obsessed with gear talk or technical jargon; he’s more interested in helping you see the world differently.

His examples are clear and often artistic, showing how he applies his philosophies in real-world scenarios. He makes you feel like it’s okay to get things wrong — blur, overexposure, missed focus — as long as the image communicates something. That’s motivating in itself, because it frees you up to try more, take risks, and chase those fleeting moments.

Black and white photography in Airports

4. Video Quality & User Experience

The production quality of the course is solid. The video is sharp, the audio clear, and the editing smooth enough that it doesn’t distract from the teaching. Ian’s examples are well-presented — you can clearly see the photographs he references, and the on-screen visuals help reinforce the points he’s making. The platform itself is easy to navigate, with chapters broken down logically so you can dip back into specific sections if you want to revisit a technique or example.

It’s not flashy or overproduced, which I actually prefer. The focus is entirely on the content and Ian’s insights, which keeps the learning experience straightforward and practical.

Photography courses by PhotoWhoa

5. Content Relevance & Depth

Street photography is notoriously hard to teach, but Ian breaks it down into practical, transferable lessons. He stresses the importance of abstraction — seeing light, shadow, shapes, and textures as building blocks. He also dives into storytelling: capturing emotions, gestures, juxtapositions, and personality in fleeting moments.

One of the biggest debates he tackles is colour vs. black and white. His view is refreshingly simple: if colour adds impact, use it; if monochrome makes it stronger, strip it back. There are no rules, only choices that serve the story.

How to Take Compelling Street Photography - A Masterclass by PhotoWhoa

Techniques & Approaches

Ian balances two main methods. The first is the “Spider in the Web” approach: finding an interesting composition or pocket of light, setting up (even with a tripod), and waiting for the human element to enter the frame. It’s patient, deliberate, and often leads to powerful, layered images.

The second is the “On the Fly” approach: roaming, reacting, and moving quickly to catch fleeting moments. Here instinct matters most — noticing patterns, bold shapes, or a peak gesture before it disappears. This method sharpens your eye for light and composition and builds creative reflexes.

Across both, he emphasises:

  • Look for bold contrasts of light, even harsh midday sun.

  • Use graphic shapes and architectural details as compositional raw material.

  • Experiment with “strategic technical imprecision” — blur, defocus, unusual exposures — to embrace imperfection as art.

  • Incorporate colour intentionally: bold primaries, complementary tones, or expressive personalities that bring life to the frame.

  • Go where the people are — parades, protests, markets, festivals — where energy and unpredictability collide.

Importantly, he also addresses ethics and respect — something too often skipped. Street photography may happen in public, but that doesn’t mean respect goes out the window. Ian stresses treating people with dignity, avoiding invasive behaviour, and always being mindful. Whether you shoot candidly or with permission, be honest, be decent, and keep a low profile. It’s a valuable reminder that the best photos should never come at the cost of someone else’s humanity.

PhotoWhoa Masterclass review by Geraint Rowland

6. Uniqueness & Value

What sets this masterclass apart is Ian’s fusion of artistic philosophy with real-world practicality. Many street photography guides focus only on camera settings or gear; here, the emphasis is on vision, abstraction, and respect — the harder but more rewarding parts of the craft.

Favorite Tip/Trick: Ian’s idea of “strategic technical imprecision” stood out — embracing blur, motion, and imperfect focus as artistic tools rather than mistakes. It flips traditional thinking on its head and encourages experimentation.

Actionable Tips & Assignments: While the course isn’t structured around formal assignments, it’s loaded with exercises you can take straight into the field — from finding a single location and waiting, to hunting shapes, light, and gestures while on the move.

Examples & Illustrations: Ian backs up every idea with visuals — from New York skyscraper shots framed in sun flare, to airport candids full of abstraction. These examples make the concepts stick.

Bonus Value: By emphasising ethics, patience, and creativity over gear obsession, Ian makes the course feel both modern and timeless. It’s less about copying techniques and more about training yourself to see the world differently — which is what makes it stand apart.

Street Photography in colour or black and white? You decide!

7. Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. If you’re serious about street photography — or if, like me, you need a reminder of its raw energy and creativity — this masterclass is well worth the time. Ian Plant manages to be both practical and inspiring, showing you how to embrace abstraction, think like an artist, and still keep your work grounded in respect for people.

It’s best suited for intermediate photographers who already know their way around a camera but want to sharpen their vision. That said, beginners will also find it accessible thanks to Ian’s laid-back teaching style. Whether you’re traveling the world or just wandering your own neighbourhood, the lessons here will help you see the streets differently — and capture them with more meaning.

Photography Deals To Improve Your Skills by PhotoWhoa

8. Where to Find It

Learn How to Take Compelling Street Photography by Ian Plant today, click on the link below:

👉 How to Take Compelling Street Photography Masterclass – PhotoWhoa

#StreetPhotography #TravelPhotography #DocumentaryPhotography #StreetPhotoTips #PhotoWhoa #PhotographyMasterclass #IanPlant #UrbanPhotography #StreetLife #PhotographyInspiration #ianplant #photographylessons #geraintrowlandphotography

🌸 Flowers Through My Lens 🌸

There’s something timeless about photographing flowers. Wherever I travel, I always find myself drawn to the colours, textures, and delicate shapes of blooms — from wildflowers on coastal paths to vibrant markets overflowing with petals. Nature always provides inspiration, and flowers often offer the perfect balance between fragility and resilience. Check out some of my favourite flower photographs in the following slideshow:

I’ve always enjoyed experimenting with wide apertures, capturing flowers in an almost dreamlike, painterly way. Using shallow depth of field allows me to isolate a bloom, blur the background, and create something more abstract and artistic than a straightforward documentary shot. It’s these moments — the little details and hidden beauty — that make photographing flowers such a joy.

Click through the following slideshow featuring some of my favourite flower images from my travels:

If you’d like to explore more of my flower photography, I have a dedicated Flickr album here:
👉 Flower Album on Flickr

And of course, many of my flower and nature images are available for purchase — perfect for bringing a little bit of natural beauty into your home or workspace. You can find them on my website:
👉 www.geraintrowland.co.uk

Flowers may seem simple at first glance, but to me they’re an endless source of creativity and inspiration. Whether it’s their colour, form, or the emotions they evoke, flowers remind us to slow down, look closer, and appreciate the beauty right in front of us.

💐 *If you’d like to purchase prints, commission a piece, or discuss collaborations, feel free to get in touch via my website.
👉 You can also license my images directly through my Getty Images portfolio.

#geraintrowlandphotography #flowerphotography #travelphotography #naturephotography #abstractphotography #documentaryphotography #artisticflowers #wideaperture #wanderlustphotos #artprints #artsale #photosale

Life Imitating Art: A Moment in Iquitos,

Travel photography, when it’s at its best, often blurs the line between documentary and theatre — and sometimes, as if by cosmic mischief, the street itself sets the stage.

This shot was taken in the wild, sweaty chaos of Iquitos, Peru — a fascinating city deep in the Amazon jungle that cannot be reached by car or road. Yep, you heard right: no highways lead here. It’s boats or planes only, baby. A proper isolated Jungle City, bursting with life, madness, and charm.

I spent a week in Iquitos with a mate, soaking it all in — from the famous Belén Market and Belen Village, half floating, half crumbling into the river, to boat trips up the mighty Amazon itself. We even stayed a few days upriver, tucked away in the thick green. A strange and beautiful place — part frontier town, part jungle fever dream. Take a look at my black and white photography blog taken in Belen Village - click here.

But back to the photo. Right in the Centre of Iquitos, amongst the grand old colonial buildings and cracked pavements, I spotted this absolute gem of a moment: a man — drunk? asleep? lost in thought? — sprawled out beneath a Pacific War memorial statue. And above him, in bronze, another weary soul frozen forever in near-identical pose. Life copying art, or art copying life? Either way — street photography magic, click here to view the black and white edit on my Flickr Account.

I shot this on my trusted Canon EOS 5D Mark II with a 50mm f/1.4 lens — settings: ƒ/8.0, 50mm, 1/250 sec, ISO 250 — the perfect travel camera kit for wandering streets, catching moments like this where history and humanity meet in strange symmetry.

Bonus: The Varanasi Street Comedy Shot

For fans of unplanned street theatre, you’ll also enjoy the infamous Varanasi Street Comedy photo — another moment where real life took on an uncanny artistic pose. You can check that image out and a blog on Varanasi by clicking here.

Slideshow: Iquitos & The Amazon

Here's a little slideshow of some more snaps from my Iquitos & Amazon adventures — market life, jungle river scenes, and those little visual stories that make travel worthwhile. Click through the images below and enjoy:

Explore More

Oh, I travel boy!

#Iquitos, #Peru, #StreetPhotography, #DocumentaryPhotography, #TravelPhotographer, #BlackAndWhitePhotography, #AmazonJungle, #Canon5DMarkII, #ArtImitatingLife, #Photojournalism

Here Comes the Money Train, Machu Picchu, Peru

Street photography, motion blur & modern tourism in Machu Picchu Pueblo

Camera details:
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
ƒ/22.0 | 50mm | 0.8 sec | ISO 200 | Flash off

A train blurs into the station of Machu Picchu in Peru, long exposure photography by Geraint Rowland

There it is — the blue blur of PeruRail rolling into Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes. Not just a train, but a symbol. A modern-day pilgrimage, ferrying thousands of tourists each day from Cusco to the base of one of the world’s most iconic archaeological wonders — Machu Picchu.

I titled this photo Here Comes the Money Train, Machu Picchu. Because that’s what it feels like: a high-speed vessel packed with tourists, influencers, and dreamers all chasing a slice of Incan majesty. The train arrives with a roar, a rush of energy through a small town built on the tourism that fuels it. It’s beautiful and brutal all at once.

Machu Picchu: Beauty with a Burden

Perched high in the Andes at over 2,400 metres, Machu Picchu is a breathtaking 15th-century Incan citadel that somehow escaped Spanish destruction. Discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 (or “rediscovered,” depending who you ask), it’s become a bucket list icon — and with that status comes a steady tide of visitors.

Most arrive via train from Cusco, either on PeruRail or IncaRail. The journey is dramatic, winding through the Sacred Valley past steep cliffs, misty peaks, and dense jungle — ending at this small, riverside town. From there, it’s a short bus ride or long hike up to the ruins. I was lucky enough to spend a week at Machu Picchu, exploring the surrounding peaks and taking photos for the tourism board of the Peruvian Government. Click here to read my blog on my week photographing Machu Picchu. I enjoyed staying in Machu Picchu Town itself, a small run down village, similar in parts to a Favela, that a large majority of the daily visitors to Machu Picchu ignore. From the Town you can get some alternative images of the surroundings, capture some street images and enjoy some local food. From the town you can even brave Putucusi Mountain which begins with a huge and scary near vertical ladder. The hike took me half a day, offered amazing alternative views to Machu Picchu, and best of all I only saw five other hikers all day.

Motion Blur in Street Photography

This shot was all about shutter experimentation. By narrowing the aperture to ƒ/22.0, I dropped the shutter speed to 0.8 seconds — just enough time to turn a moving train into a blur of electric colour and motion, while the man in red stands still and sharp, anchoring the scene. The contrast between movement and stillness is what makes it.

Fast shutter speeds (e.g. 1/1000s) freeze action — good for wildlife, sports, or crisp moments in street work. Slow shutter speeds (like this one) open the door to mood, mystery, and energy. They let light and movement stretch across the frame. It's less about the literal, more about the feeling.

I use the same technique with my ocean abstracts — slowing the shutter right down, while moving the camera to capture the motion of waves in a painterly way. Same idea, different subject. Blur becomes brushstroke. Have a read of my blog about taking abstract motion images by clicking here.

Tourism, Contrast & Chaos

There’s a story in the contrast here. One man stands still, possibly a local, watching the blur of a tourist train scream past. I t’s a quiet moment against a backdrop of movement and noise — a reminder of how places like Machu Picchu are caught between everyday life and the rush of global tourism.

This isn’t your classic postcard shot. It doesn’t scream “I made it to Machu Picchu!” — but it does hint at what it’s like to be there, right in that in-between space. And that’s the kind of moment I’m always chasing with my camera.

💰 Want to license this image or others from Peru?
Check it (and more from South America) via my Getty Images portfolio — every sale helps fund the next misadventure.

🔗 Related reads and images from Peru:

My Peruvian travel images on my Flickr account - click here.

Some of my Peruvian images taken with an Anamorphic lens - click here.

The Q’eswachaka Bridge Building Festival near Cusco, Peru - click here.

#geraintrowlandphotography #machupicchu #motionblur #streetphotography #travelperu #perurail #slowshutter #canon5dmarkii #gettyimages #moneytrain #aguascalientes #incatrail #oceanabstracts #shutterexperiments

Havana Street Portraits: Cuban Girls in the Doorway

There’s something about Havana. The heat, the hue, the hustle. It’s in the walls, the windows, the faces you pass without names. Havana, the Capital of Cuba truly is a photographer’s dream, there are literally great shots to be had around every corner. I took this image, one of my favourite from Havana around five years ago when I was out there exploring the streets. Somewhere on my walkabout I discovered these two Girls, presumably twins sitting in a doorway of their Father’s store or shopfront. It may have been a bakers or a car mechanics, I have no real recollection. I just remember seeing the two girls and taking a couple of shots candidly which captured their great expressions below:

Street Portraits of Havana, Cuba by Geraint Rowland Photography

One of my favourite images from my Cuban trip, I love the way both of the Sisters are looking towards the camera, both with different expressions. The one on the left more stunned and staring, the one on the right starting a smile, both girls dressed in the same clothing. For me this travel image is street photography in its truest form: Nothing added, nothing staged, everything real. I had to crop the image tight as there were some distractions to the right of the girls, but I wanted to keep the aspect ratio at the classic 3:2. Sometimes you have to take the frame of the moment during street photography and candid reportage, as you often don’t have the time to situate yourself perfectly.

The image was captured with my Canon 5D Mark IV, which I had recently purchased second hand, and the ever-trusty 50mm f/1.4 — my street stomping sidearm. The light? Natural. The moment? Unrepeatable. It’s also a quiet reminder — That the streets speak to those who listen. The people of Cuba are very expressive, I collected some great street portraits whilst I was out there, but as always I wish I had taken more! Here is a photography blog I wrote about some of the street portraits I took while in Havana. That photography trip to Cuba did a lot for my photography and paid dividends with the captures that I collected. The obvious one being the low level, wide angle image of the vibrant pink classic car I took down on the seafront of Havana after a rain storm. This image won me a trip to Hong Kong and Macau via the Travel Magazine Wanderlust. You can view that image and read about the win on my blog here.

Cuban Street Portraits in Black and White by Geraint Rowland

Want to use this image or story?

All of my travel and art images are available to license via Getty Images.
💰 Prints & enquiries: www.geraintrowland.com/contact
🖼️ Follow my ongoing street stories on Instagram: @geraint_rowland_photography
📍Location: Havana, Cuba
📷 Gear: Canon 5D Mark IV + 50mm f/1.4

Keywords: #Havana #streetphotography #Cubanpeople #sisters #candidphotography #kids #travelphotography #wanderlust #wanderlustmagazine #colourportraits #GeraintRowland #travelblog #photoblogger #50mm #Cubanculture #streetlife

Masterclass Review – How to Be Truly Creative (Alister Benn via PhotoWhoa)

1. Introduction

When PhotoWhoa reached out to me to review another one of their Masterclasses—after my previous review of Ian Plant’s excellent Travel & Nature Photography Masterclass —I took my time choosing. I was intrigued by several: one on capturing street portraits, another tracing the evolution of street photography. But in the end, I was pulled toward something deeper—Alister Benn’s "How to Be Truly Creative".

As a travel photographer for Getty Images, my focus has always been on storytelling. From religious rituals in India to minimalist seascapes along the British coast, my photography has appeared in exhibitions across London, Spain, Cuba, and Peru. And what drew me to this course was its promise to help photographers reconnect with their inner voice—something I believe separates a good image from a lasting one.

How to be 'truly' creative a Masterclass by Alister Benn

How to be ‘truly’ creative, a Photography Masterclass by PhotoWhoa and Alister Benn

2. Masterclass Overview

This isn't your run-of-the-mill photography tutorial. There's no talk of megapixels, tripods or camera bags. Instead, Alister Benn guides you through a rich and reflective journey into creative expression through photography. Alister grew up in the Highlands of Scotland, and is now based on the West coast of Scotland where he has been teaching photography for over twenty years. His mission is to help photographers reconnect with their voice, their instincts, and their emotional responses to the world. It’s not about the technical perfection of an image, but the energy and presence it conveys. Topics covered include:

  • The 5 Triggers Of Engagement – why we are attracted to certain things.

  • The Creative Photography Lessons- Hierarchy Of Engagement.

  • Creative and expressive processing.

  • Mood in minutes…

Alister Benn teaching photography in beautiful Scotland through his company Expressive Photography

The course is cleanly structured, progressing through themes of emotional engagement, visual awareness, abstraction, and interpretation. It's broken down into digestible modules that you can work through at your own pace, each one rooted in ideas that challenge conventional thinking.

One standout concept for me was his Hierarchy of Engagement, a framework that helps you reflect on why you take photographs in the first place—what draws you in, and what holds your attention. It asks you to go beyond just looking and to start feeling your way through photography.

Beautiful landscape images by Alister Benn, check out his Photography Masterclass via PhotoWhoa

3. Instructor’s Teaching Style

Alister is calm, philosophical, and completely unpretentious—a rarity in a space that can sometimes feel overly technical or ego-driven. His teaching doesn’t hit you like a lecture; it lands more like a conversation, the kind you’d have while walking through misty Scottish hills with a camera slung over your shoulder.

He invites reflection rather than reaction. You’re not being told how to shoot—you’re being encouraged to pause, feel, and respond to your environment. His delivery has a meditative, almost hypnotic quality that lets the material really sink in.

What sets him apart is his ability to draw connections between photography and other creative mediums. He speaks of rhythm like a musician, of layering like a painter, of silence and space like a poet. These analogies help break you out of the rigid "rules" mindset and bring you back to the emotional core of image-making.

It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being present.

His tone throughout is generous and open, and even when tackling more abstract concepts, it never feels waffly or out of reach. Instead, it feels like he’s helping you remember something you already knew, deep down, but maybe forgot under the noise of trends, presets, and the algorithm.

Learn to appreciate nature and the World around you with Proffessional Photographer Alister Benn

4. Video Quality & User Experience

The production values are solid: sharp visuals, clean sound, clear on-screen examples, and useful breakdowns in Lightroom. PhotoWhoa's platform is easy to use and keeps your place as you move through the lessons. Whether you binge it or dip in and out, the course is built to suit your flow.

Ask yourself why are you making photographs in the first place? What is your purpose…

5. Content Relevance & Depth

What impressed me most is how universally relevant the material in this course is. Whether you shoot city streets, mountain ranges, or abstract textures, the creative principles apply. Alister explores:

  • Using aspect ratios to influence mood and interpretation

  • How light, geometry, and atmosphere can transform an image

  • The emotional language of temperature, contrast, tint, and luminosity

One particularly thought-provoking section dives into aspect ratios—how the frame itself changes the story you’re telling. Alister breaks down the psychological and compositional differences between classic formats like 4:3, cinematic wides, and panoramic crops. This hit home for me. I’ve always leaned into framing instinctively, but never consciously examined how aspect ratio alone can steer a viewer’s emotional response.

Several years ago, I delved into the world of anamorphic lenses and wrote a couple of blogs, including this one on cinematic wide-angle landscape photography, exploring the unique results possible when using anamorphic glass. In contrast, the square format—so beloved by Instagram—brings a punchy symmetry and instant balance. I’ve embraced it in several works on my Instagram, particularly when experimenting with minimalism and colour contrast, especially in my abstract seascapes. You can explore more of my abstract seascapes on my website at the following page.

Another insight that stood out was Alister’s take on flipping images—rotating or mirroring them to open up new emotional or compositional interpretations. As someone trained to see such moves as ‘cheating’ or unnatural, it challenged some long-held habits. But seeing it done tastefully and purposefully in his workflow was eye-opening. It made me realise that the only real rule in expressive photography is this: does it feel right?

In another memorable section, Alister demonstrates in Lightroom how small tweaks to contrast or warmth can completely shift a photo’s emotional tone. A woodland scene from the Canary Islands transforms from inviting to haunting with just a subtle adjustment to the temperature slider.

It’s a simple but powerful reminder that every tool in the digital darkroom carries emotional weight. It’s not just about editing—it’s about storytelling.

Changing the mood, feel and emotion of an image by using the Lightroom sliders

6. Uniqueness & Value

There’s no shortage of tutorials out there promising sharper shots, cleaner edits, or Lightroom hacks. But that’s not what this course is about. What Alister Benn offers is something far more valuable: a route back to meaning.

It’s rare to find a photography course that asks more of you than just turning dials or chasing trends. Alister encourages you to step off the conveyor belt of social media validation and start tuning into what really drives your creativity. He reminds you that good photography isn’t just about technical skill—it’s about presence, awareness, and voice.

In a world that often pushes photographers to conform to trends, this course pushes you to rebel. Thoughtfully.

And that resonated. In an era where algorithms seem to decide what “works,” it’s easy to lose your gut instinct. To forget that photography is, at its best, an act of emotional honesty. This course doesn’t give you templates or formulas—it gives you permission. Permission to be bold, to experiment, to break your own habits. To be quiet, if that’s what the shot calls for.

That’s what makes this Masterclass stand out. It’s less a toolbox and more a compass.

And personally, I found it reinvigorating. It reminded me that expressing mood, story, or soul through an image isn't something you copy—it’s something you cultivate.

In his PhotoWhoa Masterclass Alister Benn explains how to add depth and emotion to images using Lightroom

7. Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. This is the kind of Masterclass that lingers. It won’t just teach you how to make better photos. It will help you remember why you picked up a camera in the first place.

For me, it felt like a much-needed reset—a reminder that photography is less about rules and more about resonance.

‘Make Mood in Minutes’ with your photography using Alister Benn’s Photography Masterclass via PhotoWhoa.com

8. Where to Find It

Check out Alister’s excellent insights into photographic creativity below:


👉 How to Be Truly Creative by Alister Benn on PhotoWhoa

If you’re looking to refresh your creative vision or simply need a spark, give it a go. If you are interested in attending one of Alister’s Expressive Photography Workshops & Events click here. Alister’s Workshops are in high demand and in exciting and adventurous place including: Namibia, the Canadian Rockies, Iceland and of course Scotland.

#photographycourse, #creativephotography, #alisterbenn, #photowhoa, #photographytips, #artofseeing, #visualstorytelling, #geraintrowlandphotography #expressivephotography

Photo|Frome 2025 – 'inEquality' Photography Exhibition

I was recently honoured to have three of my photographs included in the Photo|Frome Festival as part of the ‘inEquality’ Exhibition, hosted at the excellent Roseberry Road Studios in Bath, England, UK. It’s always a buzz to see your work printed large and in good company, but even more so when the theme digs into something real—something that matters.

The 2025 edition of Photo|Frome brings together a diverse group of national and international photographers, each offering their own visual response to the timely and urgent theme of inequality. Whether economic, cultural, environmental or human, the imbalance is everywhere. The exhibition doesn’t claim to solve it, but it does demand we look.

Roseberry Road Studios, one of the newer venues for the festival, is a working creative space that fits the tone perfectly—raw, real, and grounded. The festival as a whole spans 14 free exhibitions across the town, with workshops, talks, photowalks, portfolio reviews and a ‘Faces of Frome’ portrait studio creating space for conversation and community. It’s great to see photography being used this way—free to view, open to all, and unafraid to ask hard questions.

My three selected images each take a slightly different approach to the theme of inequality, drawn from my travels over the last decade:

1. Sunday Morning, Kailash Colony, New Delhi
Captured on my most recent trip to India, this overhead shot shows several families approaching a car at a junction in the Kailash Colony area of Delhi, asking for food and money. It’s a quiet but confronting moment—routine for many, but hard to ignore. Shot looking down from the roof of my Hostel, it offers a removed, observational view that mirrors the distance many people feel from such realities.

2. Trash on the Streets of Cusco
Taken a decade ago while I was living in Peru, this image captures a woman in traditional Andean clothing rummaging through a pile of rubbish in central Cusco—the so-called gateway to Machu Picchu. Again viewed from above, the contrast between the city’s tourist veneer and the daily grind of local life speaks volumes about what gets seen and what doesn’t.

3. Contrasting Scenes of India, A Varanasi Ghat
One of my earliest shots from India, this scene from Varanasi’s Asii Ghat feels like a microcosm of the country’s layered contrasts. Again taken from above, the frame includes a group of Western Tourists sitting and chatting, local women in colourful traditional clothing having a break from work, a homeless, amputee beggar lying sleeping next to a large cow. It’s a surreal clash—privilege and poverty, devotion and despair, all sharing the same ancient steps in uneasy harmony.

All three images are connected by a literal angle—shot from above—but more importantly by the social divide beneath the surface. These aren’t posed or dramatic scenes, just slices of life that speak quietly but clearly to the subject of inequality.

Thanks again to the Photo|Frome and Roseberry Road Studios for selecting my work and for giving space to the kinds of stories that need to be seen. There are plenty more examples of inequality in my travel photography, to view more of my India selection take a look at my Flickr collection here.

#photojournalism #documentaryphotography #travelphotography #inequality #streetphotography #everydaylife #IndiaPhotography #PeruPhotography #visualstorytelling #humancondition #photofrome #roseberryroadstudios

Monkeys & Macaques of Shimla: Ice Cream Thief

While exploring the lively main square of Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, I witnessed a moment of perfect street wildlife serendipity. A Rhesus Macaque had snatched an ice cream from an unsuspecting tourist and was calmly enjoying it on a bench, entirely unfazed by the surrounding crowds.

I kept a respectful distance — these monkeys can be quite bold — but managed to capture a few decisive frames of the scene as the Macaque sat proudly, cone in hand, relishing its prize. It was a brief yet captivating encounter, one that speaks to the wild charm and unpredictability of street life in India.

Rhesus macaque monkey eating stolen ice cream in Shimla, India

A Rhesus Macaque Monkey eating a stolen ice cream in Shimla, India

One of the alternate Monkey images from this moment licensed today via Getty Images — a small but satisfying sale that reminds me of the value in staying observant and camera-ready at all times, especially in places as vibrant and chaotic as India.

Image Details and Camera Specs:
📍 Shimla Main Square, Himachal Pradesh, India
📷 Canon 5D Mark IV | 50mm f/1.4 lens
ƒ/5.0 | 1/500 sec | ISO 250

This scene is part of a broader series I’ve been developing, documenting the relationship between urban wildlife and public spaces throughout India. From Cows lounging on a ghat in Udaipur, to monkeys enjoying sunset at the Taj Mahal, it’s a celebration of the surreal, often humorous intersections of nature and the everyday. Take a look at the following slideshow for some more Maque Monkey Madness I captured on my trip to Shimla:

Shimla, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, is a town that offers more than just breathtaking views and colonial charm. The bustling streets are a blend of old-world architecture and the vibrant energy of its locals, making it a must-visit for any traveller. Known as the 'Queen of Hills,' Shimla’s cool, crisp air and lush green surroundings make it a perfect retreat from the heat of India’s plains. But it's not just the views and the cool weather that make Shimla a fascinating destination; the wildlife here adds a layer of intrigue and sometimes, a bit of chaos.

One of the most memorable moments of my visit to Shimla was catching that Rhesus Macaque in action. This cheeky Monkey had swiped an ice cream cone from a tourist and was leisurely devouring it on a nearby bench, completely unfazed by the surrounding crowd. It’s moments like these that make Shimla’s streets feel alive with a mix of humor and unpredictability, with the larger-than-life Monkeys adding a sense of wildness to the otherwise quaint setting. Whether it’s watching these Monkeys swagger across rooftops or seeing them interact with the tourists and locals, Shimla’s Monkeys — particularly the big, tough ones — are part of the town's charm, always keeping you on your toes.

If you ever find yourself in Shimla, be ready for encounters with both the urban landscape and the playful (and sometimes mischievous) Macaques. Whether you’re sipping tea on the Mall Road or exploring the more remote parts of the hill station, Shimla offers a perfect blend of culture, nature, and a dash of wildness — the perfect setting for capturing moments that are both beautiful and unexpected.

Check out more of my Indian Travel Photography:


🖼 Getty Images Portfolio

📷 My India Photos on Flickr

📷 Geraint_Rowland_Photography - Instagram

#Shimla, #Monkeys, #Macaques, #WildlifePhotography, #StreetPhotography, #HimachalPradesh, #IndiaTravel, #IceCreamThief, #RhesusMacaques, #TravelPhotography

Hide and Seek: A Moment in The Gambia

Home is more than just walls—it’s the comfort and protection we find within them. In the streets of Banjul, The Gambia, a young girl hides behind her mother, peering cautiously at the camera from the doorway of her home. Her mother stands as both a shield and a source of security, embodying the quiet strength that defines a sense of belonging.

Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, is a compact yet vibrant city, sitting on an island where the River Gambia meets the Atlantic Ocean. Despite its small size, it’s full of life—colorful markets, the call to prayer echoing through the streets, and a community spirit that is felt in every interaction. During my travels in The Gambia and neighboring Senegal, I was fortunate enough to stay with a local family, experiencing daily life from within rather than as just a passing observer. The children were full of energy, always eager to play, pose, or sometimes—like in this moment—shy away from the camera.

Hide and Seek: A Moment in The Gambia - Travel Blog by Geraint Rowland Photography

The Layers Within a Travel Portrait

Travel portraits are more than just faces—they tell stories, reflecting emotions, relationships, and environments. In this particular image, the game of hide and seek adds an extra layer to the scene. The girl’s cautious but curious gaze creates an emotional connection, while the vibrant patterns of her mother’s dress contrast beautifully with her tentative body language. The bold yellow and green fabric dominates the frame, serving almost as a protective barrier, reinforcing the idea of home as a place of safety.

While I captured several images of the children during my stay, this one stood out. It speaks of innocence, the quiet bond between mother and child, and that universal feeling of childhood curiosity mixed with the need for comfort. Moments like these are why I love candid photography—it allows real life to unfold without interference, capturing emotions that might otherwise go unnoticed.

In the following slideshow you can check out more portraits from this time—images of the lively, warm-hearted children I had the pleasure of meeting. The above photograph however, remains one of my favourites from my travels in The Gambia, a reminder that home isn’t just a structure, but the presence of those who make us feel safe.

Camera Details, West Africa Blogs & Keywords from The Gambia

📷 Canon 5D Mark II | 50mm f/1.4 | f/6.3 | 1/320 sec | ISO 250

#Gambia #Banjul #StreetPhotography #TravelPhotography #Africa #CandidPhotography #Photojournalism #SenseOfHome #Motherhood #WestAfrica #PortraitPhotography