One photographer I've long admired is Carrie Kellenberger. We've featured her site, My Several Worlds, and appreciate her many ESL articles here, as well. She's Canadian-born, and living in Taiwan. Her global adventures inform her photography, and she has a keen eye for small details that can make a photo extraordinary. The diversity of her subjects is also interesting - she's not just a landscape photographer, or a people photographer, etc.  - she's got the talent to shine in each area.

Street Vendor 

We were lucky enough to catch up with Carrie, and talk about her photography...here's what she had to say...

WE: How did you get interested in photography?

CK: I've always enjoyed taking photos, but I didn't get interested in the creative process of photography until 2007. I started blogging that year and that's when I realized the importance of having quality photographs to accompany my blog posts. I bought my first DSLR that year, and I've been hooked ever since.

San-Zhr Pod Village

To learn more about the San Zhi Pod Village in Taiwan, please visit http://www.myseveralworlds.com/2008/05/22/photo-journal-the-haunted-pod-village-of-san-zhi/

WE: How long have you been a photographer?

CK: Two years.

Model Vicoria for Escape Model Management at First Zoom Studios. EF 70-300mm f 4-5.6 IS USM and 580EX II 

WE: What is your favorite place to photograph? Or subject?

CK: I don't really have a favorite place to photograph. I have a camera with me all the time and I shoot whenever the mood strikes me. My interest in photography mostly stems from my travels, and that's because I get to shoot a little bit of everything: people, landscapes, nature shots, architecture... It's easy to find inspiration in everything you see when you're on the road.

This past year, I've worked on becoming more adept in a photography studio. I meet up with a few photographer friends at a local studio in Taipei every month or so. We hire models and play around with different lighting set-ups and themes. I love manipulating light to create certain effects, and this interest is starting to spill over into my travel photography. There are certain times of day that are terrific for shooting, and I've learned to carry around an external flash so I can add more depth or mood to my photography.

I'd like to start doing a bit more with sports or action photography this year. (That means I'm in the market for a new lens, which is always exciting!) My husband plays for several men's leagues in Taipei, so I've got a great excuse to go out and shoot.

Against Blue Skies

WE: How can photographers help change/impact the world, while they are traveling?

CK: Over the past three years, I've donated my photographs to various school projects that promote cultural awareness. I rarely say no to requests for photos when it involves education. Likewise, as a teacher, I have used my photos on many occasions to teach my students about cultures around the world.

Photographers, especially travel photographers, can encourage global awareness through their images. Photography helps us to have a better understanding of the world, because it allows us to record or document the world as we see it. I try to take photos of things that express where I am at the moment, or I might try shooting a popular tourist attraction from a totally different perspective. I might shoot from a different angle or focus on details in that area that are often overlooked.

Smithers, BC

WE: Are there rules in other countries people need to be aware of about who or what you can or cannot shoot?

CK: Just as it's your responsibility as a traveler to be aware of the rules and laws that govern different countries, it's also your responsibility as a photographer to be aware of what scenes are appropriate and inappropriate to shoot. Generally, military personnel, places of worship or religious events, and private properties are areas that photographers might be asked not to photograph.

A Scenic Stroll on Nong Sam River in Laos

WE: Any tips you want to share?

CK: When I first started shooting, I'd post something like 20 photos on my web site, or I'd post a ridiculous amount of photos on Flickr. After a while, I realized that putting all those photos up was actually doing more harm than good. I'd visit someone else's web site, for example, and I'd see loads of photos uploaded for a photo essay and my eyes would start to glaze over.

That's when I realized that I needed to be more selective about the photos that I was posting online.  Don't get me wrong, I still post more than I should, but I'm working on that. I'm definitely more selective about what I post on my own web sites. I try to narrow my choices to 8-10 photos from every shoot. Sometimes it gets really tough, because I might have hundreds of photos to choose from. It's all part of the fun, though, and it has really helped me to recognize a good photograph when I see one.

My community photography web site, Taiwan Photographers (http://taiwanphotographers.com/) has helped me hone the art of being selective with imagery. With over 1300 members, I have to sift through A LOT of photos.

Photographer who post just a few of their very best photos almost always make me pause and reflect on what I'm really supposed to see in an image.  

Village Kids in Northern Laos 

WE: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

CK: If you're interested in seeing more of my work, you can check out my portfolio web site at http://carriekellenberger.com/ or drop by www.myseveralworlds.com for a peek at some of my travel photography.

Man Vs. Beast

WE: Thanks so very much, Carrie! Your work is inspiring, and brings new places to life for me.

Blown Away
Model Su for Escape Model Management
at First Zoom Studios. EF 17-40mm f/4L USM and 580EX II 

All photos courtesy and copyright Carrie Kellenberger