Bob Krist: Why Real Travel Beats Instagram (Part 1)

What does Authentic Travel Photography mean in the age of Instagram and filters? For Bob Krist, it was nearly 40 years of globetrotting with National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler — capturing authentic moments on film in more than 150 countries. In Part 1 of our conversation, Bob takes us back to the Golden days of Travel Photography: assignments that dropped him into big cities and rural back roads with nothing but some rolls of film and a good sense of humor. He shares how he stumbled into former editor Bob Gilka's office with some photographs under his arm, what it was really like to shoot for NatGeo in those days, the challenges of working with film on tight deadlines being surrounded by the world greatest photographers, and why travel photography has always been more about patience, trust, and storytelling than about staging the perfect shot. It’s a conversation full of wanderlust, authenticity, and behind-the-scenes tales from someone who’s lugged gear across every corner of the globe. And make sure to come back for Part 2 next week — where we dive a bit into Bob’s personal life and how it intertwined with his career, his switch from stills to video, publishing his books, and more unforgettable NatGeo stories. Pour yourself a cup, settle in, and let’s journey together (plus — it’s the episode we had the most laughs recording!). Be ready for it! ***** 📸 See more of Bob’s work: https://bobkrist.com/ ***** 🎧 Your Weekly dose of Photography Inspiration: https://www.thecameracafeshow.com