The Traveling Photographer

The Traveling Photographer

Author: Steve Brazill November 18, 2021 Duration: 52:25

If you’ve been watching the show for a while then you may have seen the “Aurora and the Night Sky” episode with Dave Williams. Dave is a travel photographer, based out of London, and one of the most adventurous people I know. More on that in a minute.

I met Dave by chance a few years ago at Photoshop World. I was interviewing people in a hallway when I asked two people walking by if I could ask them some questions (they kindly said yes). What I didn’t realize at the time is that it was Dave Williams and Sian Elizabeth. Before this chance meeting I was aware of Dave Williams, due to his work with KelbyOne, but I really didn’t know it was him when I asked for that interview, until noticed his instructor badge. Since that time I have gotten to know Dave a bit better, and have even had the pleasure of hanging out with him at a Platypod dinner. He is one of the most knowledgable guys in the business, and yet one of the most humble.

Dave’s mantra is, ‘lend me your eyes and I’ll show you what I see’.  I like that saying, and it sums up his work well. Dave’s images take you places, and make you feel like you’re there, and that work has been featured in publications and campaigns for clients including Time, National Geographic, Forbes, Boeing, Huawei, Microsoft, Triumph, Conde Nast, and Shell to name a few. He also works closely with several companies within the photography and travel industries, including Platypod, Wandrd, Litra, Drobo, Blackrapid, Passion Passport, and Lonely Planet.

You can find Dave’s tutorials and writings in various places, and I have the links below, but many will know him the same way I did, his classes at KelbyOne, along with his writings for Photoshop User Magazine and ScottKelby.com, and through Photoshop World. He also writes writes journalistic and inspirational articles for DIY Photography.

Since that last episode, Dave’s life has changed a bit. He now lives in a van he calls “Kofifernweh”, and this is not a ‘normal’ van. Seriously, this thing is insane – you can read about it here, and take a tour of it here. While living in this van, Dave is traveling, and photographing, and writing, and doing a cool new series called Due North.

Due North is a series documenting his winter mission to hit as many Nordic countries as possible. You get to follow along with Dave as he drives through some of the most photographic landscapes in the world. You can catch the show over on his YouTube channel.

I’m so glad Dave has found the time to come back on the show, and for this episode we will be talking about his image of the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. This location, and the old trains that travel it, has been seen in four Harry Potter movies, The Crown, and in many other shows and movies.

Join traveling photographer Dave Williams and me as we chat about his life in a van, and as we discuss his image of the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, on this episode of Behind the Shot.

Connect with Dave

Website: idavewilliams.com
Facebook: @idavewilliams
Twitter: @idavewilliams
Instagram: @idavewilliams
YouTube: @idavewilliams

Dave’s Due North Series

YouTube.com

KelbyOne

Dave Williams on KelbyOne

Dave’s Aurora Book

Amazon: The Complete Aurora Guide: for Travelers and Photographers

Dave on DIY Photography

diyphotography.net

Dave’s Photographer Pick

Kersten Luts: kerstenluts.com

Sian Elizabeth (Mentioned during the show)

Portfolio: sianelizabeth.co.uk


Steve Brazill hosts Behind the Shot-Video, a series that goes far beyond gear lists and camera settings. Each conversation is a deep exploration of the creative and technical journey behind compelling images. You’ll hear working photographers unpack the entire process-from the initial spark of an idea and the challenges of the location to the critical decisions made in post-production. This podcast sits at the unique intersection of art and practical technology, offering tangible lessons for anyone looking to improve their visual storytelling. Rather than abstract theory, these discussions provide a real-world look at problem-solving under pressure and the artistic choices that define a signature style. Tune in for honest, detailed breakdowns that reveal how memorable shots are truly built, layer by layer. It’s an essential resource for visual artists seeking both inspiration and actionable knowledge, all grounded in the lived experience of accomplished creators.
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