Look closely. That is the ship I was on, dwarfed by a giant ‘berg, Antarctica
I spotted this growing next to the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok
And in deciding which accounts to feature here, I started pondering – what would Ansel Adams or more recently, Galen Rowell think about the incredible amount of digital photography filters and related photo enhancements if they were still alive today? What would their portfolios look like now? Would their works still stand out from the millions who now have public platforms to showcase their own photography?
It is neat to see the quality of photography improve over time, both perhaps with the skills of the photographer but also coupled with advances in technology. Placing a small paper weight on the PGDN key on my keyboard, then walking away for snacks and returning to the each of these accounts and scrolling up from their earliest photos rather then down, offered some insights to how some of these photographers have improved their portfolio over the years.
The following are 10 of our favorite travel focused Instagram accounts (listed in alphabetical order) with two of our favorite photos from each of their accounts – most are professional photographers, some are not – we have met some of these individuals, some we would certainly enjoy meeting.
Callum Snape – an incredible outdoor photographer – based in Vancouver, many of his photographs are of the Canadian Rockies. A dazzling array of mostly mountain scenery: @calsnape
Dave Levart – I have to list my own Instagram account 🙂 – mostly focused on nature, with people and food photographs thrown in occasionally. Photos from experiences and spaces around the globe, all 7 continents: @DaveDTC
Jimmy Chin – in the climbing world this man has led a storied and accomplished life. Climber, National Geographic photographer and film maker. His work takes him all over the great mountains of the world. His photos are simply stunning: @JimmyChin
Josh McNair – we first met Josh in Conejo Valley. He focuses on California photography both urban and the outdoors. Note a number of photographs on his Instagram account are re-posted from talented photographers, but Josh also selectively posts his own photographs: @californiathroughmylens
Katie Goldie – this talented International photographer focuses on the outdoors and wildlife. Her travels have taken her all over the planet with plenty of inspirational mountain photography to salivate over. @goldiekatie_
Kirsten Alana – we first met Kirsten in San Francisco. One quickly sees Kirsten’s photography is all about space and balance – making even the most mundane of scenes come alive. A good mix of both the urban and the natural world. A very talented photographer. @kirstenalana
Nathan Kelly – is an adventure and wildlife photographer splitting his time between Los Angeles and Alaska. He is also a photographic instructor for National Geographic Linblad Expeditions: @nathan__kelley
Pete Halvorson – noted for his beach photography, including the Manhattan Beach Pier, his travels also take him around the world working with charities as well as luxury brands. And urban photography. One of the first Instagram travel photographers we met who used his Instagram account in part as a platform towards a career in photography. @PeteHalvorsen
Rachel Rudwall – there are certainly a number of stunning Instagram accounts but few feature both the depth of rich and introspective commentary with quality photography as Rachel’s account – Los Angeles based but travels the world: @RachelRoams
Tiffany Nguyen – one look at her Instagram profile will elicit a single word, ‘wow’. This Los Angeles based travel photographer focuses on stunning outdoor scenery. Her photography is in a league with few others. @tiffpenguin
And that wraps it up – do you have any favorite travel Instagrammers? Leave your comments below.
I am more drawn to Instagrammers who stay true to their own style, non pretentious and always bring a breath of fresh air to the social media world.
Yes, having your own feel or ‘style’ as you put it is important 🙂
How about https://www.instagram.com/the_wanderinglens – another account with some pretty cool photos!
Susan – thanks, looks like another good one 🙂
Thank you so much for the feature, Dave! Such a nice surprise.
Kirsten – for sure, hope you’ve got some cool trips lined up!
Those are lovely. I may need to add some of them to my Instagram feed! I like the photos that tell as story, even if they aren’t as drop-dead gorgeous as some of the other ones.
Mel – good point regarding photos that tell a story – I also look for the photographers style 🙂
Beautiful photos! I have followed them all now!
Thank you so much for sharing this!
Jade – sounds good 🙂
There’s so many great travel Instagram accounts out there that I can spend hours looking at travel photos!
Michelle – yep, hope you discovered a few more from ones I listed above 🙂
Another good one, LA based photographer, Tanver Badal – https://www.instagram.com/tanveerbadal
Thanks for sharing these valuable list of inspirational travel Instagram accounts. I will personally follow them.
Amazing profiles . I will follow them from my profile @everycornerofworld
Pamela – sounds good, I’ll check out your photos as well 🙂
Wow these photos are beautiful!
Nancy – yes, when I need photographic inspiration, I just start scrolling through these accounts 🙂