The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast
The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast is where travel, food, and culture meet. Hosted by San Francisco–based travel writer, storyteller, and mom of two teens Shannon Gomes, the show features thoughtful conversations with experts in the food and wine world, avid travelers, creators, tastemakers, and locals who reveal what truly makes a destination memorable—and how to experience it like a local, with food always at the center of the journey.
From unforgettable meals and hidden neighborhoods to meaningful cultural experiences and practical travel insight, each episode is designed to inspire curious travelers—especially Gen X listeners who value depth, connection, and great food—to explore the world more intentionally and to bring a sense of discovery back home.
Shannon is also the writer behind The Gomes Guide (https://thegomesguide.substack.com), a weekly travel-focused Substack filled with stories, recommendations, and inspiration for meaningful travel. Listeners are invited to subscribe for fresh ideas, insider tips, and destination inspiration delivered each week.
Whether you’re planning your next trip or simply dreaming about one, The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast celebrates connection, community, and the joy of experiencing new places through food and travel.
The Gomes Guide Travel Podcast
Travel Photography Tips from a World-Renowned Photographer (Storytelling, Composition & Real Moments with Robert Holmes)
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Want to take better photos when you travel? This episode will completely change how you see the world.
I sit down with legendary travel photographer Robert Holmes, who has been shooting professionally since 1979 (including work for National Geographic), to talk about what actually makes a great travel photo.
We go beyond camera settings and gear, and get into the real heart of photography: storytelling.
Bob shares why the best photos capture a true sense of place, not just something “pretty,” and why building a connection with people matters so much more than snapping a quick shot. We also talk about the ethics of travel photography, especially in places like Morocco, where tourists often miss the human connection entirely.
He shares incredible stories from his career, including time spent with Ansel Adams (yes, really), shooting around the world, and how his approach has evolved from film to digital (and now video).
We also get into practical advice you can use right away, like:
- How to train your eye to see like a photographer
- Why your first impressions can lead to your best shots
- The importance of light, composition, and emotion
- Why editing your photos (and revisiting them later) matters more than you think
But one of my favorite takeaways? The most meaningful photos aren’t always the “best” ones… they’re the ones that connect you to people and moments.
If you love photography, travel, or just want to capture your trips in a more meaningful way, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.
👉 For more travel inspiration, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories, subscribe to my Substack at The Gomes Guide.
Chapters
00:00 The Journey of a Photographer
07:07 Scouting and Capturing Moments
15:05 The Ethics of Travel Photography
23:28 The Art of Storytelling Through Photography
26:12 The Importance of Human Connections in Photography
28:38 Upcoming Travels and Responsible Tourism
31:30 The Journey Behind 'Passages' Book
33:49 Advice for Aspiring Travel Photographers