05.02.2025 - Those Who Lead and Those Who Follow

In this episode, I touch on some recent Travel Photographer of the Year competition news and dive into a really interesting email I received last week from a regular reader and follower of my work, the crux of which is included below:

'Hey Josh, You know I love your photography as this isn't my first email :-). You have a unique minimalist style that really sets your work apart; its truly wonderful that you not only find and create such amazing photographic art in this insane world but that you help others also achieve their photo dreams. But something has been bothering me and its these other workshop leaders who seem to be copying everything you do. I have followed you for years and watched you lead unique first of their kind trips for Arctic Fox, Greenland winter, Pallas Cat in Mongolia and more. I have also watched others copy exactly what you do. I am sure you are aware of it, but I get quite annoyed on your behalf when I see these others market themselves as 'the first', or 'class leading' or whatever term they choose to use. I have no idea if it bothers you, but I hope you continue to look forward and not back. Keep up the incredible work. I know there are many others out there who feel the same as me about your work and how you are being copied. I just wanted you to know you had some support out there and that we have your back."

Firstly, thank you so much to the author for the wonderful words about my own work. Hugely appreciated. After I received this email, I had to think long and hard about how I felt about this topic. I had a subsequent follow-up email discussion with the author, and we both decided that this topic was worthy of a podcast. It's bound to be somewhat divisive, and perhaps that's what is required at this juncture? I am unsure, and I certainly don't want to come across as arrogant, but what I do know is that I have no rear-vision mirror of consequence for those who choose to follow in this field. I have always looked forward, and I believe it's firmly up to the person choosing and booking a workshop, whether they want to go with someone who chooses to lead in their field - or someone who follows the crumbs. Every person can and should decide who they travel with and why.  Just one of the many reasons it's so important to do your homework when booking any trip. As they say, onward, forward and ever upward....