Interview with Gary Arndt: Capturing the World Through Travel Photography
Join us as we delve into the journey of acclaimed photographer Gary Arndt. From his humble beginnings with a Nikon D200 to his globetrotting adventures, Arndt shares his insights on his love for travel and straightforward approach to photography.
This is a brief interview, but his photos speak for themselves and I think it provides inspiration for getting out there and taking photos.
Brandon Ballweg: How did you get started in photography?
Gary Arndt: I purchased a Nikon D200 back in 2007 when I sold my home to travel around the world. I figured buying an expensive fancy camera would automatically mean taking good photos. I quickly figured out that wasn’t how it worked.
I spend the next several years traveling around the world, honing my craft, and becoming a better photographer.
BB: What drew you specifically to travel photography?
GA: In 2007 I set out to travel around the world, which I did up until the pandemic started in 2020. I’m a traveler first and foremost, and my photography comes out of my love of travel. I have no interest in wedding photography or other types of photography.
BB: Do you have any influences in photography?
GA: I grew up reading National Geographic, and I actually have one of the largest collections of National Geographic magazines in the world. Other than that, I can’t say I really studied any particular photographer.
BB: Are there any photography books that inspired you or that you learned from?
GA: No. I never read any books on photography. I am 100% self-taught.
BB: How would you describe your photographic style?
GA: I am an opportunistic photographer. I am not going to spend a day setting up to get one shot. I travel and take images of what I see in the course of my travels.
BB: What’s your ultimate goal with your photography?
GA: To share with the world the places I visit and hopefully inspire people to visit on their own.
BB: What inspires and motivates you to create?
GA: I am inspired by the people and places I visit.
BB: What approach do you take as far as gear for travel photography? Do you pack as light as possible or bring a lot of gear with you so that you have the most versatile kit and get the best possible image quality?
GA: You can’t travel effectively while carrying a ton of gear. For the most part, I travel with just two lenses; a super zoom and a wide angle. That covers almost everything you will encounter. I do have a 500mm lens for wildlife shoots, but I only bring that if I know I’ll be using it.
BB: In what ways has your photography evolved over the years, and is there a particular style that you’re gravitating towards?
GA: I like to think it is gotten better, but there is no particular syle I’m trying to achieve. It is what it is.
BB: Where can people find your travel photography work?
You can find my photos at: https://travelphotos.everything-everywhere.com/
