What landscape photographers can learn from travel photography

When I think of landscape photography, I think of grand, open vistas and fantastic views, sunsets and a pursuit to capture the natural beauty of an environment. In contrast, I associate travel photography with culture, people and memories- capturing not only the beauty of an environment but moments that cannot be reproduced. To me, travel photography is all about capturing peculiar and unique moments that occur within a greater environment- whether this be through the people, cultural or other events. It is, in essence, a way of expressing what it was like to travel to a certain place- not just generally speaking but specifically for the traveler in question. 

Whilst trekking on Perino Morino glacier, I got this shot of our guide setting routes. By no means a landscape shot, this is a shot unique to my experience on the glacier (and also one of my personal favourites)

So given these significant differences between the two genres of photography, why do I think it's important that landscape photographers dabble in and learn from travel photography?

It's with increasing frequency that landscape photography bores me. This is not to say that I have anything against landscape photography or landscape photographers- after all I am a landscape photographer myself and typically love setting out with a full camera set up, tripod, filters and the works at sunset to get that perfect shot. However, it's often that I feel landscape photography falls away from being unique and individual. The countless times I have viewed the same locations at the same angles, simply by different photographers, astounds me. I see sunset shots of half dome, the road into the Fitz Roy mountain range, Lofoten at night and so many other locations so frequently, that somehow these amazing places become normal. 

Tourists admiring Perino Morino glacier

The photos are without a doubt beautiful- stunning depictions of what are amazing locations; but all too often they simply seem one and the same. They fall into the category of 'nice landscapes' that we all like and appreciate for a few minutes, but don't truly remember or make any emotional connection with. 

This shot of the Fitz Roy and El Chalten houses is by no means a landscape shot- but also isn't exactly a travel photo either. It's that blend between the two that I love- a unique moment and perspective crossed with a fantastic location.

Great travel photos on the other hand often go beyond this and actively stick in your memory. They've captured a moment - something unique - and because of that they are memorable. Why don't we, as landscape photographers, cash in on these same ideas? Surely not every great photo we take has to be with a tripod, or at sunset? Notably, there are landscape photographers who have incorporated this into their style. Take Chris Burkard or Max Rive -human elements often make their photos less of just a landscape, and more of a moment and memory that was unique and finite.

This shot is of my brother and sister- taken as we finished the last day of the W trek in Torres del Paine. Again, it's an image that both has a personal connection and was taken in a fantastic place.

I'm not saying we shouldn't take landscape photos as we do, or that great landscape photos can't be taken. I just think, that maybe from time to time, we should focus on taking hold of the moments we were presented with and our unique experiences- not just be determined to get another shot from that all too famous viewpoint.