Embark on a Global Journey with Award-Winning Photographer Jody MacDonald

Photography and exploration go hand-in-hand, often inspired by curiosity. Visual storytellers document and learn with every new encounter as visual storytellers document and learn as we go.

Photography is an ever-evolving journey and we find ours fascinating!

Jody MacDonald, an award-winning photographer and long-term PhotoShelter member, is no stranger to traveling the globe and experiencing different cultures. She regularly makes stops along her travels – visiting many corners of it!

At her core is an enthusiasm for taking risks, whether that means train hopping through the Sahara or paragliding at 17,000ft in the Himalayas – whether to capture compelling storytelling and expedition experiences, or inspiring social change initiatives in an effort to preserve wild places.

Men’s Journal recently named her as one of the 25 Most Adventurous Women Over the Last 25 Years and gave her an opportunity to speak on the TEDx stage. Additionally, she has worked on high-profile campaigns for Disney, HP, Ford and Leica; you may recognize some of her images appearing in publications like National Geographic, Red Bull Outside BBC Patagonia etc.

Jody shares about her recent adventure in India, how it all started for her as a photographer, what is in store for her next international workshop (hint: it includes motorcycle adventure!), and more.

Jody is also being highlighted on Instagram this week – head over there to view more of her travel photography and follow @everydaymotorcyclediaries for updates!

This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and length, using cover images by Jody MacDonald.

How did you first become a photographer? JM: Although originally from Canada, my family moved to Saudi Arabia when I was two. Being exposed to exotic places as part of my childhood gave rise to my love of adventure and exploration; my exposure also fostered an early interest in art and outdoor sports as well. At university, my major was Outdoor Recreation but as an alternative class took a photography class instead and fell in love with photography’s creative medium – taking pictures now on all of my adventures is like fulfilling all three passions at once! JM:

Tell us more about your photography workshops, such as what they entail, their purpose and how you began this endeavor. What plans do you have for their future expansion in terms of time and location?
JM: Since recently, I’ve begun organizing workshops. So far I have conducted sessions in Namibia and Tanzania and will soon host one in September in the Himalayas – this workshop will have its own unique twist as it will take place using motorcycles!

Last summer I embarked on an incredible motorcycle trip through Ladakh, India along the Tibetan Plateau. It was so thrilling and extraordinary that I decided I wanted to share this adventure with like-minded individuals interested in improving their photography skills.

My primary aim in these workshops is to improve all participants’ ability to take beautiful images. I cover image-taking theory, planning and post-processing; with plenty of practice time for every participant allowing for plenty of shooting sessions with feedback provided afterwards. Furthermore, photography modules such as editing images, composition critiques and more will also be covered during these classes.

My goal in leading workshops is for my participants to have an unforgettable journey while returning home with new knowledge, unforgettable memories and beautiful photographs to remember it by.

My first workshop began by teaming up with a local touring operator in Namibia who could manage all travel, food and lodging logistics for my participants. This collaboration worked out perfectly well; and this has become part of my regular practice ever since.

Going forward, my hope for future workshops is to use what I’ve learned along the way and tailor them so as to provide as much value to clients as possible.

I was absolutely charmed by your recent post on Instagram about your motorcycle adventures – as well as your new Instagram account – which features these adventures. Can you elaborate? When did you begin riding? And, how has riding changed or affected any photographic adventures or assignments that you undertake?

JM: Although I had only ever dabbled with motorcycles casually over time, for some reason it has always been my dream to experience a solo motorcycle trip along the Tibetan plateau. So last July I just started doing it, without knowing anything about buying or packing my bike with gear, etc… It has all been very improvisatory ever since I made this commitment to myself and have continued winging it ever since.

As I am an advocate of creative constraints and wanted to push myself on this trip in terms of photography, I created @everydaymotorcyclediaries on Instagram to post one photo every day while on my journey using one camera and lens – so it will be interesting to see how my photography develops over time!