Dave Watts talks travel photography

Winner of 2008's Wanderlust Photo of the Year - Travel Icon category and the Sony World Photography Award 2009 (Amateur Architecture), Dave Watts talks to The Good Web Guide about his winning photo, Persepolis, and what makes a great travel photograph.

Describe the moment when you took your winning photo, Persepolis.

I was just about to leave the ruins of Persepolis after spending the afternoon taking pictures when this bus load of ladies arrived. They walked up the Stairway of all Nations and walked through the ruins above me.

What kind of camera were you using?

It's a Nikon D300, a decent digital SLR, with a Sigma lens.

How many photos did you take and what made this one so special?

I must have taken half a dozen photos in the few seconds they walked past me. The one I chose had the best balance/composition.

What prompted you to enter the photo into the Wanderlust competition?

I've been meaning to enter this particular competition for a couple of years but I've always missed the deadline, this year I finally managed to get some prints sent in time!

What was your reaction when you heard you'd won the Travel Photograph of the Year, Travel Icon category?

I found out in Delhi, it was a great surprise! I hardly ever enter competitions and certainly didn't expect to win anything.

When did you first become interested in travel photography?

I first got into taking pictures at school, travel photography became a focus after my first trip to India with a couple of mates in 2003. The bright colours and friendly faces of Rajasthan are hard to beat. I work in the travel industry now which enables me to visit these fantastic places throughout the year.

Where have you been travelling in the last year and what trips do you have on the horizon?

Last year I visited Georgia, Iran, Italy, Pakistan and Oman. I've just got back from a ski trip in Kashmir and I'm back out to South India next week. Hopefully I'll visit Ethiopia later in the year.

Best travelling moment?

This is a tricky one… Snowboarding in remote areas of Georgia and Kashmir has been pretty special. Meeting amazing characters along the way - the world is a friendly and hospitable place!

Worst travelling moment?

Arriving back into Heathrow in the rain is never great... in fact Heathrow in general is pretty grim. I was a bit too close for comfort to the Marriot Hotel bomb in Islamabad last year, and I was robbed in Nepal… but generally I have been very lucky and haven't had too many bad experiences.

Which is your favourite subject matter to photograph when visiting a new country and why?

Ideally I like to take photos that have people in them as I think they make more engaging photos and it's also a great way to meet people. That said, I'm not too fussy about what I photograph - I'll snap away at anything.

Which travel photographer do you admire the most and why?

My favourite photographers would be Henri Cartier Bresson, Don McCullin and Martin Parr. They would all be classified as documentary photographers, and this covers travel photography. They have taken stunning photographs that really capture a moment and transport the viewer there.

How tactful do you have to be when taking photos of people in other cultures?

Every situation you have to judge whether it's appropriate to be waving your camera around. The more time you have with people the more likely they will relax around the camera and accept you taking pictures.

In your opinion, what makes a successful travel photograph?

There are all sorts of ‘rules' to making good photographs, form, light, composition, etc. I like pictures that tell a story, where it's not too staged or a fresh angle on a well known subject matter.

What key piece of advice can you give to budding travel photographers?

Don't lose your passport!

Interview by Emily Jenkinson

Dave Watts works as an expedition leader for award-winning adventure travel company, Wild Frontiers. Dave's photos are available to buy via his website www.wattsdave.com.