National Geographic Traveller (UK): The Masterclasses RECORDINGS

The Masterclasses by National Geographic Traveller (UK), sponsored by MPB, returned with a new series of virtual workshops, offering budding travel writers and photographers two days of expert-led online learning.

This is your chance to learn from senior National Geographic Traveller (UK) editors and designers, as well as some of the magazine’s award-winning contributors, who’ll be providing insights, ideas and examples to help you master your craft.

TRAVEL WRITING SESSIONS

These two panel sessions are designed to equip ambitious wordsmiths with all the skills they need to succeed as a professional travel writer.

Finding the story: what are editors looking for?

In this session, a panel of experienced editors will explain exactly what makes a great travel story, citing some of their favourite examples and offering tips on where to look and what to look out for when planning your own work.

Meet the panel (from left to right): Glen Mutel (moderator), Nicola Trup, Amanda Canning and Greg Dickinson

Glen Mutel is National Geographic Traveller (UK)'s managing editor Glen Mutel has been a travel journalist for nearly two decades. Having previous edited the travel trade title ABTA magazine, he launched Food by National Geographic Traveller (UK) in 2018, of which he was the editor for six years. Glen’s most memorable trips include hiking on Easter Island, sledding in Svalbard and admiring ice sculptures in Northern China.

Nicola Trup is a journalist and editor with a focus on travel and food. She is the editor of Food by National Geographic Traveller (UK) as well as the associate editor of National Geographic Traveller (UK). Nicola was previously the deputy travel editor at The Independent and has written for publications including The Sunday Times and The Guardian as a freelancer.

Amanda Canning is Deputy editor of National Geographic Traveller (UK), Amanda Canning is a journalist and editor with a career-long passion for travel content. She was previously the founding editor of independent magazine Good Place and the deputy editor of Lonely Planet magazine. Amanda has written for several leading print and digital publications including The Times, The Telegraph, The Independent and The Nudge.

Greg Dickinson is a London-based travel writer and editor. He is currently a senior travel writer at The Telegraph, where he covers topical travel news, destination insights and money-saving holiday advice. He has also presented several short documentaries for The Telegraph, including a series on overtourism. Greg was previously an editor at Rough Guides, DK Eyewitness and Bradt Guides, and has also hosted podcasts including Edgelands and Postcards.

The art of travel writing: tips from the pros

What does all the best travel writing have in common? How can you grab a reader’s attention and keep it until the very end? How do you bring an experience to life and make it jump off the page? Our panel of editors and writers will share tips and help you supercharge your storytelling.

Meet the panel (from left to right): Pól Ó Conghaile (moderator), Sarah Barrell, Daniel Stables and Shafik Meghji

Pól Ó Conghaile is the travel editor of The Irish Independent and a National Geographic Traveller (UK) contributor. He is the author of Secret Dublin: An Unusual Guide (Jonglez), features regularly on TV and radio, and was named Travel Writer of the Year (UK & Ireland) by the British Guild of Travel Writers in 2016. Pól has also worked as a mentor for the British Guild of Travel Writers and participated in several National Geographic Traveller (UK) Masterclasses.

Sarah Barrell is a longstanding senior editor across National Geographic Traveller (UK), Food by National Geographic Traveller (UK) and the annual National Geographic Traveller (UK) Winter Sports guide. She was formerly the travel editor at The Independent on Sunday, Olive magazine and BBC Good Food, and has contributed as a freelance travel writer to publications including The Times, The Telegraph and The Guardian. Sarah has previously lived in Australia and New York.

Daniel Stables is a Manchester-based travel writer. He writes about culture and travel for publications such as National Geographic Traveller (UK) and BBC Travel, and has also authored and contributed to more than 30 travel books for leading titles. Daniel is currently writing his first narrative non-fiction book, Fiesta, exploring cultural festivals around the world. He also hosts Hungry Ghosts, a podcast about food, culture and travel.

Shafik Meghji is an award-winning travel writer, journalist and author specialising in Latin America and South Asia. The co-author of more than 45 guidebooks for Lonely Planet, DK Eyewitness and Rough Guides, he writes for National Geographic Traveller (UK), BBC Travel, Wanderlust and more. Shafik’s first book, Crossed Off the Map: Travels in Bolivia, was shortlisted for the Edward Stanford Travel Book of the Year award in 2023. His next book explores forgotten British history in South America and will be published in late 2025.

TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS

Looking to take your photography to the next level? Pick up expert advice from contributing National Geographic Traveller (UK) photographers.

Shoot like a pro: travel photography tips

Join our panel of expert photographers, who’ll share some of the tricks and insights they’ve picked up over the course of their careers. From finding the right location and choosing the right kit to mastering composition and grappling with conditions, the subjects covered in this session will put you on the fast track to success and help you transform your travel photography.

Meet the panel (from left to right): Martin Perry (moderator), Celeste Noche and Jonathan Stokes

Martin Perry is the co-founder and creative director of OutThere magazine. He is an art director and professional photographer with work spanning travel, fashion, portraiture and documentaries. Most of Martin’s work is created on location around the world, from the Atlas Mountains to Swedish Lapland and Bangkok. In addition to creating editorial content for OutThere, he also heads up its adjacent creative agency OutThere Studio, producing advertising campaigns for travel industry clients, including the Tourist Authority of Thailand and Visit Malta. His work has appeared in numerous publications including The Guardian and The Times.

Celeste Noche is a Filipino American editorial and documentary photographer based between San Francisco and Portland, Oregon, specialising in food, travel and portraiture. Her work — for the BBC, British Airways, Travel + Leisure, The New York Times and more — explores memory, displacement and identity. She is the founder of Portland in Color, an initiative highlighting creatives from underrepresented backgrounds in Portland, and lives with her husband, toddler and two cats.

Jonathan Stokes is a photographer based in London and the French Riviera. Since completing a conceptual arts degree, Jonathan’s career has seen him work across five continents. Alongside producing travel photography for renowned publications including National Geographic Traveller (UK), the Financial Times and the travel pages of The Sunday Times, he also works with hotels, tour companies and lifestyle brands.

How to get your photography published

This session examines the various routes to publication, from understanding what art editors are looking for and how to position yourself to practicalities such as creating a portfolio and pitching stories. Learn from established photographers, who will explain how they made the breakthrough and how they’ve kept up their success.

Meet the panel (from left to right): Nori Jemil (moderator), Annapurna Mellor and Sophia Hsin

Nori Jemil is a London-based photographer, writer and videographer and a regular contributor to National Geographic Traveller (UK). She authored The Travel Photographer’s Way, which was shortlisted for the Photographic Travel Book of the Year at the Edward Stanford Travel Writing Awards and the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Reader Awards in 2022. Nori has written, filmed and photographed for BBC Travel, Fodor’s Travel, Oceanographic and Lonely Planet, and is an experienced public speaker and expedition photography guide. She was named Photographer of the Year by the British Guild of Travel Writers in 2017 and won the LATA award for Best Published Travel Image of Latin America in 2023.

Annapurna Mellor is a professional travel photographer from the UK. Her work, which has taken her to more than 75 countries, has appeared in National Geographic Traveller (UK), The Guardian and on the covers of Penguin Books publications. She also works commercially for clients including Intrepid Travel, Canon, the National Trust and Flashpack. Annapurna was a finalist at the Travel Media Awards 2024. Her affinity for India and Nepal sees her return to both countries frequently.

Sophia Hsin is a still-life, food and lifestyle photographer based in Vancouver, Canada. She has previously worked with Tourism Toronto, Apartment Therapy, People magazine and more, drawing on a creative process influenced by her background in classical music and design, and by a deep appreciation for craft and hospitality. Sophia – whose work is also inspired by her Taiwanese heritage – believes the best images are those that evoke an emotional response in others.

Past attendees have said:

“The virtual sessions were so informative and inspiring. I loved being able to learn from the experts without leaving my home!”

“A great opportunity to gain insights directly from National Geographic Traveller (UK) editors — it really elevated my storytelling skills.”

Don’t miss your chance to learn from the best — book your virtual seat today!

NOTE: Recordings will be availble from date of purchase to Saturday 30 August.