How did you become a travel journalist and photographer?

This is one of the most frequent questions I get asked in conversations. To answer this, I’ve created this guide to share my journey and offer advice for aspiring travel writers, photographers, and multimedia storytellers.

Photography and exploration are more than a career—this career is my lifestyle, a way of life, and also the way I see the world. I crossed the boundaries of this being a profession a long time ago.

Photography and storytelling are not just careers—they are the tools through which I explore and interpret the world. For over 26 years, I’ve travelled to more than 65 countries, documenting stories of human resilience and our natural environment's profound beauty. Some unforgettable adventures include train journeys through India, tea expeditions in Taiwan, and motorbike travels across Southeast Asia. I’ve explored and captured remote destinations, from the Arctic to African savannas, always drawn to narratives of sustainability, resilience, and the enduring connection between people and nature.

As a freelance travel and culture journalist, I create work that inspires curiosity and action. My journey began in South Africa as a photojournalist and has since evolved into a multidisciplinary career encompassing photography, storytelling, and sustainable design.

More about my work in travel, journalism, and photography

If you want to become a travel journalist or photographer, I’ve compiled this FAQ to answer common questions about my process, tools, and career.

What was your first job in journalism?

In 2007, I entered the world of journalism as a photojournalist at Media 24 in Cape Town, South Africa.

How did you get into travel writing?

I transitioned into travel writing after completing a master’s degree in journalism. My investigative work in sustainability and environmental issues, including marine pollution in Taiwan, ignited my passion for reporting on solutions and inspiring change.

What are your favourite destinations?

After living in Southeast Asia for nearly a decade, Asia holds a special place in my heart. My favourite experiences include exploring tea cultures in Taiwan, trekking through India, and working on textile projects in Malaysia and Indonesia.

Do you have a favourite photography subject?

While I’ve explored many subjects, my growing focus on portraiture reflects a desire to capture the depth of human emotion and connection—moments that tell a story beyond words.

A nomadic life

I have been a nomad for over 26 years, working internationally and living in places as diverse as Taiwan, India, South Korea, Malaysia, Germany and Spain. This lifestyle inspires my work, allowing me to translate my journey into compelling stories and images.

Tools I use in my job

What tools and programs do you use?

My creative process relies on Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and multimedia editing tools. These tools allow me to craft visually engaging stories across platforms. I also use Nikon gear for photography, ensuring I capture the highest-quality images in any setting. I always have my iPhone at hand. I record sound with Voice Record Pro and record interviews and sound bites with my iPhone for video content.

What’s your favourite social network?

Instagram and Twitter are my go-to platforms for sharing my work and connecting with a global audience. I also have a growing Facebook community on a new Facebook page, Studio Lizane Louw.

Things only my close friends know

What are your favourite drinks?

Aperol Spritz, French wines, and South African reds are my go-to choices when unwinding after a long day of creative work.

When you're not working, where can we find you?

When I'm not behind the camera or writing, you can find me painting, printing textiles, or working in my urban herb garden in Berlin. I also love exploring markets and galleries in our home city or camping and SUP during the summer.

Do you have any advice for aspiring travel journalists and photographers?

What advice would you give to those starting in the field?

Authenticity is the foundation of any meaningful creative career. Copying others harms your growth as an artist and the trust and integrity of the creative community—and people always notice.

Plagiarism is more than unlawful—it’s unethical. It diminishes your reputation and denies you the opportunity to discover your unique, creative, and artistic voice. Over the years, I’ve seen individuals take too much inspiration from my work, some for extended periods, project ideas, themes, and so much text plagiarism. Some even steal photographs...

Those who imitate and steal instead of create are doing themselves a disservice. True creativity comes from experimentation, originality, and the courage to open one's creative path with hard work—not from replicating and stealing someone else’s.

The art world values integrity and originality, not imitation. Mistakes and failures are part of the journey, but copying will never earn you respect or teach you to innovate. The world doesn’t need another version of someone else. 

So, that said, to get started:

• Learn about photography and journalism
• Build multimedia design skills.
• Embrace travel to unfamiliar and unknown places.
• Stay ethical: Respect your subjects and their stories
• Do your research before you pack your bags.

Get out there, get your hands dirty, make mistakes and learn. Most importantly, have fun!

Ready to explore more of my work?

Check out my work in progress and projects and connect:

Social: Instagram: @lizanelouw  

Email: lizane@lizanelouw.com

Read my stories: Foto-Kultur.com