Welcome to 10.Q Interviews. This section usually features interviews to Humanitarian & Cultural Photographers, their work and photography.

This week in 10.Q Interviews, Tom Bourdon:

“Tom Bourbon is a UK born, award winning, international travel photographer specializing in shooting cultural festivals and celebrations across the globe, He relishes taking his camera to some of the worlds craziest events. His extensive travels have taken him to many celebrations worldwide where he consistently creates simple, strong and powerful images at each event…” [read more]

“Well I guess I have to start by saying that having seen part of the list of Photographers interviewed for 10Q that I’m one of the new guys here, and it¥s a real honor to be included, so thanks Heber.”

1. Tell us about you and your photography. How long have you been shooting?
What kinds of shooting have you done? Can you name any current or former clients?

It was my first trip to India that got me totally hooked on photography some ten years ago, I was fascinated by the colors of India but so disappointed with the prints I returned home with. Within weeks of leaving India I had purchased my first SLR and a handful of books, determined to learn what I was doing wrong.
My first real professional gig came some 5 or 6 years later, It was shooting property in some of the most upmarket areas of London, shooting multimillion pound homes for estate agents and interior designers. The work was extremely challenging balancing natural light with multiple off camera speed-lights, a steep learning curve and a great introduction to the photographic world. However I soon realized that this was nowhere near what I wanted to be shooting. I remember in my job interview for the position the company director asked me the pretty standard interview question “What would you like to be doing in 5 years time?” my reply was that I’d love to be a travel photographer  – he laughed and offered me the best of luck.

I knew I had to be shooting something I loved, something I cared about and enjoyed. This is where the idea of shooting celebrations came from, I love the excitement, the pace, the color and the fact you never know exactly what’s going to happen or where.

2. How did you get into Cultural/Travel photography?
Where did you get your vision for it, and what are your dreams?

In 2008 I won the travel photo of the year competition run by Wanderlust magazine and The Independent newspaper, it’s the largest travel photography competition in the UK and a real privilege to be part of. From this I discovered that actually, yes, I can combine the 2 great passions of my life and make a living. Since then it’s been a case of hard work not just on my images but also learning about branding, marketing and all other aspects of running a small business.
As far as dreams go, to travel and explore new destinations, meet new people and learn about new cultures is the dream that got me started on this journey, if I can continue that I’ll be more than happy.

© Tom Bourdon - U Bein Bridge in Northern Myanmar | image available for license from www.4CornersImages.co.uk

For me it’s extremely exciting, if slightly concerning too. It’s been said many times that the future of photography is facing uncertainty, and no one knows the best move to preserve the industry – is the answer better contracts with clients? A new licensing model? Video? Or something totally different? That will mould our future? I find this more exciting than a threat, a time of opportunities. I believe, however, there will always, at least in my lifetime (and I plan to live along time), be a requirement for high quality creative photographs.

4. What are the characteristics that a good cultural photographer needs to have?

I’d say patience and respect are the most important two.
When traveling things never go exactly as planned and can cause major headaches if you’re not prepared, or willing to let things pass, things I used to take for granted at home such as water and electricity can literally just disappear in the blink of an eye, not to mention delayed flights and buses, unexpected rare diseases, grumpy immigration officers who refuse to give you a visa. Getting frustrated is not going to help the situation, you need to just carry on and shoot what you can as well as you can. I guess you could call it a “go with the flow” attitude.
Many travel photographers talk about respect for one simple reason. Without respect we have nothing and of course respect is something much larger then photography that encompasses everything in life.

5. How much do you travel every year?
How do you manage your family time?

It totally depends. I am fortunate to have just returned from 6 months in South Asia, shooting some incredible celebrations and street life. South Asia, in particular India, is an incredible place for photography – the streets are like a theatrical performance played out against the sounds of tooting horns and shouts from street venders.
When I travel I love to take my time to spend weeks or even months in one place and really learn as much as possible about the culture. I like to get lost, both physically and mentally, I get totally absorbed in the moment and just watch real life unfold. Travel photography has given me some incredible experiences, from having tea with some hermits living in the Himalayas to  meeting Aboriginals in Australia. It’s all been truly amazing.
For sure I miss my family and there is no greater feeling than returning home after a long trip and into the arms of my parents. My partner often comes with me on the longer trips and is a great help in so many ways.

© Tom Bourdon - Vegetarian Festival in Phuket, Thailand | Image available for license from www.4CornersImages.co.uk

Inspiration? It’s difficult to say. Many places I guess, there are many photographers past and present whose work I certainly admire and I guess I’m inspired by names like Steve McCurry and James Nachtwey immediately spring to mind. On a more personal note I have a good friend called Adeel Halim, a talented street photographer from Mumbai who has been a huge help along my photographic journey.
When it comes to blogs, I’m sure almost every person interviewed on 10Q will mention the work of David duChemin – this guy has taught me so much, not just in terms of photography but also in terms of running a photographic business and generally how to be a good guy. So a big big thank you to David.
Other blogs I read are Bob Krist’s who writes an often amusing but always informative blog that is well worth checking out and Tewfic el Sawys’s, better known as The Travel Photographer, blog that is a real blessing, he features a different travel photographer or photojournalist everyday and can be a great source of inspiration.

7. What do you have planned for the next 12 months?

I’ve recently launched the Barcelona photo explorer (link: http://tombourdon.co.uk/index.php/workshops-tours/) where I’ll be offering one day and half day private photography workshops for individuals and small groups, here in Spain.
I’m also organizing a longer workshop in India where we’ll be visiting sacred lakes and remote temples along the worlds holiest river as we follow the Ganges upstream from Varanasi and into the Himalayas. These are both important events that will take up a fair amount of time. I’m sure I’ll squeeze in a few festivals too.

8. Is social media/Internet important in promoting your work? If so, how?
Is it over rated perhaps?
Due to this, have you been forced to change your branding or the way in which you do business?
Nowadays I don’t think its possible to over rate the importance of the internet.
Social media is something I’ve been investing time in over the last 6 months but it already seems to be paying dividends. Twitter is currently my main networking tool, although its difficult to keep up to date with extended periods of travel, it has increased the number of hits to my site which is never a bad thing. I’ve also recently signed up with Facebook and LinkedIn, time will tell which of these tools proves to be successful for me.
I still send out postcards and believe its extremely important to use mixed media when seeking clients. So much communication happens online, so for a client to receive something physical gives you an edge – well, that’s my thinking anyway.

© Tom Bourdon - Lantern being lit during Loy Krathon, Thailand | www.TomBourdon.co.uk

I’m not much of a gear freak. Preferring to stick with what I’ve tried and tested instead of getting caught up with the latest technology.
This may surprise a few folk but the latest piece of gear I bought and absolutely love was an 18 inch shoot through umbrella that I use with my speed-light. I usually only use it for creating portraits on location, its easy to carry and weighs next to nothing and provides beautiful soft light.

10. What would be your advice for a photographer who is just starting out in this field?
What is the biggest obstacle you see facing new photographers who want to work on this type of photography?

Shoot what you love, if you don’t really love it, then it’s not going to work out for you. I don’t mean to sound too negative here. Sure going on holiday and taking a few snaps is great but don’t be fooled into thinking that that’s what travel photographers do. Awake before sunrise, out till dark and as for weekends? well…
OK so that’s the negative part over with and you want some real advice. Firstly shoot, shoot, shoot, until you have a collection of images you think is suitable as a portfolio, 20 images is enough, don’t fall into the trap of thinking more is better when it comes to portfolios quality is so much more important than quantity. Share that portfolio with as many people as possible, in as many ways as possible.
Selling photos through stock libraries can provide a major income to a travel photographer, there are hundreds around although I would avoid selling images at microstock sites. These site often sell images at ridiculously low prices that can only damage the photographic industry. Alamy (www.Alamy.com) is a great place to start the journey of selling stock images.

One final thing. Get an online identity, make it a good one and protect it.

Website: www.TomBourdon.co.uk
Blog: www.TomBourdon.co.uk/blog
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/TomBourdon
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/TomBourdonPhotography
Linkedin: http://es.linkedin.com/in/tombourdon