Robert Holmes, an award-winning travel photographer, has been honored four times as the “Travel Photographer of the Year,” by the Society of American Travel Writers. He has illustrated over 40 books and collaborated with major magazines, including National Geographic, Life, and Time. For over 30 years, he has been the Photography Chairman at the Book Passage Travel Writers & Photographers Conference taking place this month.
Your upcoming book, PASSAGES, includes writing alongside the photos. What inspired you to share these stories?
As we were putting the book together, the captions became so extended that the book morphed into a memoir. My daughters Emma and Hannah have always asked me to talk about my life as a photographer and adventurer so this is essentially for them.
The switch from photographer to wordsmith must have presented some unforeseen obstacles. What surprised you most about writing the text for this book?
This is the sixth book I’ve written but the first to be completely personal. The problem with any memoir is memory. I have documented all my travels as a photographer, and have a visual notebook of every journey I have made over the past 50 years. This has proved invaluable.
What advice would you give to photographers who want to develop writing skills to complement their visual storytelling?
If you want to write well, in my opinion there is no better training than to be a voracious reader. Starting is always the hardest part, just do it, and don’t procrastinate.
What’s something people can expect to learn from you at this year’s Book Passage Travel Writers & Photographers Conference?
My aim at the Conference is always to give inspiration. I hope I can teach people to see more clearly and creatively but more than that, I want participants to leave being excited about the potential of the medium.
Passages: Fifty Years of Stories, Journeys and Images
Embark on a captivating journey through five decades with Robert Holmes’ PASSAGES: Fifty Years of Stories, Journeys & Images. This stunning collection features 270 of Holmes’ travel photographs, transporting you to breathtaking places around the world. PASSAGES goes beyond the visuals — it’s a captivating blend of memoir and monograph, weaving a rich tapestry of Holmes’ experiences and the stories behind the lens.
Robert Holmes will appear in conversation with Don George at the Corte Madera Book Passage store on August 9th at 7:30 pm.
More Great New Reads
The New Whole30: The Definitive Plan to Transform Your Health, Habits, and Relationship with Food
Melissa Urban, co-founder and CEO of Whole30, releases her newest book this August. THE NEW WHOLE30 features an updated approach to food freedom, the Original and Plant-Based programs, and offers readers 100 new recipes.
Melissa Urban will be at Book Passage in Corte Madera on August 13th at 6 p.m. for an in-person and online event. Tickets at bookpassage.com.
A Great Marriage
In her latest work, bestselling author Frances Mayes introduces two unforgettable families and the arrival of a stranger who rearranges their futures. A GREAT MARRIAGE explores the enduring mysteries of love and marriage across generations.
Frances Mayes will be at Book Passage in Corte Madera on August 24th at 11am for an in-person and online event. Tickets at bookpassage.com.