Riding through the back streets of Hanoi, Vietnam ©Diana Mayfield

I’ve made my living as a photographer for almost 40 years. I’ve been labeled a travel photographer, the Society of American Travel Writers have given me their Travel Photographer of the Year Award 5 times, but I’m simply a photographer who travels. I’m a location photographer. I don’t work in a studio, I don’t shoot weddings, children or pets not that there’s anything wrong with any of these. I just don’t do them.

On the summit of Mont Blanc age 20

When I was in my early teens, a long, long time ago, my passions were photography and climbing. I always had a camera with me and expeditions to the Himalaya after college lead to a love of Asia. My first real assignment was to Northern Pakistan as the photographer for the Royal Geographical Society’s 150^th anniversary expedition, the International Karakorum Project. It was also my first assignment for National Geographic Magazine. I soon realized this was how I wanted to spend my life.

In New Orleans with Chef Paul Prudhomme

I was 35 before I plucked up the courage to quit my day job as a city planner and plunge into the insecurity of professional photography.

I still travel but as editorial markets have dwindled I have focused on my other passions: food and wine.   I have also moved into film with my partner in www.lumariaproductions.com, Andrea Johnson. The secret to my ability to stay in this crazy business is flexibility.

My other love is sharing my passion for the medium through teaching. For over 20 years I have co-chaired the country’s leading conference for travel journalists and photographers at www.bookpassage.com

Every year I take a group of enthusiasts to some of my favorite places such as Vietnam, India, Myanmar and Cuba. I would love you to join me. See what we have in store at www.lumariaworkshops.com

On a photo workshop at Pushkar Camel Fair, Rajasthan, India ©Andrea Johnson

This blog is a window into my world and hopefully along the way will inspire you to get out there with your camera and have fun.