Exclusive Interview: Travel Photographer Sherry Ott on Inspiration, Gear, and Capturing Authentic Stories
Inspiring Interview with Acclaimed Travel Photographer Sherry Ott of OttsWorld
Bio: Sherry Ott transitioned from a corporate IT career to become a full-time long-term traveler, award-winning blogger, and professional photographer. She founded OttsWorld and co-founded Briefcase to Backpack, providing career-break travel inspiration and advice. Sherry is also a key organizer of Meet, Plan, Go! events nationwide, motivating others to embark on transformative journeys.
What inspired you to pursue photography?
Travel ignited my passion for photography. While I snapped casual family photos before, my trip to Italy marked a turning point—from simple snapshots to intentional composition and storytelling. As I explored more destinations, photography became central to my adventures. The rise of digital sharing online provided invaluable feedback, helping me refine my skills. Now, after four years of continuous travel, I choose destinations for their photographic potential. I consider myself a serious amateur with a deep commitment to the craft.
Do you have formal training or courses under your belt?
Once hooked, I upgraded from point-and-shoot and enrolled in six months of classes at Photo Manhattan in New York City. These covered fundamentals and advanced techniques, but the real value was the motivation to shoot constantly—practice is key to growth.
What cameras and bags do you use for travel photography?
I travel light with a Canon 40D and three lenses, forcing creativity with limited gear. For bags, I've tried backpacks and Crumpler messengers but prefer my Tamrac 515 Compact Zoom Pack for its flexibility—it holds my camera and daily lens, with Velcro attachments for extras. For long-haul travel, the Brenthaven Expandable Trek Laptop Backpack serves as carry-on, accommodating camera gear, MacBook, drives, phone, books, and more.
What defines a great travel photograph in your view?
The best images offer fresh perspectives on iconic sites, like a novel angle on the Eiffel Tower. Standout photographers research deeply, especially with people—spend days building rapport for authentic shots. I favor wide compositions that tell a complete story in one frame.
Your top three photography destinations and why?
India and Nepal shine for portraits—their intense gazes create compelling images, and locals eagerly pose. Mongolia's Gobi Desert captivated me with its vast, barren landscapes, perfect for wide-angle shots. Markets worldwide offer endless composition opportunities through patterns and vibrant displays.
What do you love most about travel photography?
It leads to extraordinary places and lets me document remote cultures for global audiences. A highlight is gifting prints to candid subjects—they rarely have personal photos and cherish these mementos.
Do language barriers hinder your portrait work?
Not significantly—charades work wonders! But partnering with English-speaking locals, as in Laos, unlocks deeper access. Hiring guides enhances cultural immersion and shot opportunities.
Do you believe 'a picture is worth a thousand words'?
Absolutely. Eyes convey volumes—patience for eye contact with the lens creates intimate connections.
Tips for aspiring travel photographers?
It's a competitive business requiring marketing savvy and networking, beyond just shooting. Build infrastructure and hustle; National Geographic won't call unsolicited. For a strong foundation, consider the MatadorU Travel Photography Course—it covers essentials and industry insights.
