One of the most subtle—and perhaps most powerful—storytelling techniques in photography is what I like to call the mystery box. The term comes from filmmaker J.J. Abrams, who argues that the most captivating stories are those that begin with unanswered questions. In photography, this approach invites viewers into a moment filled with ambiguity—one that suggests a story without ever fully revealing it.

Photography, like any visual medium, is ultimately about story. More than camera settings or compositional rules, it’s the narrative within an image that gives it meaning. A technically perfect photo may be beautiful, but it’s the story it tells that makes it memorable.

As a literature lover, I often think about photography through a literary lens. One theory I find particularly relevant is “The Author is Dead,” popularised by French critic Roland Barthes. The theory suggests that a work should be separated from its creator—that the author’s intent is irrelevant, and only the reader’s interpretation matters. The meaning lies not in the creator’s background or motivations, but in the text itself—or in our case, the image.

This idea is liberating. It means your photos should be able to stand on their own. No caption. No explanation. Just the frame—and the story it tells.

The other day, whilst overcome by some severely bad GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome), I purchased a second-hand Sony 100-400GM lens off Facebook Marketplace. It may not have been my finest moment — certainly not financially — but it may have resulted in some of the finest photos ever taken on my A7Cii. It’s certainly resulted in some of the cutest!

Everyone knows about the Solidarity movement and protests in Poland that led to the fall of communism there. The crimes and televised execution of Ceaușescu and his wife in Romania are also well known. But what about Bulgaria? How did communism come to an end there, and why is this former Soviet satellite still littered with Communist-era monuments?

About a month ago, I visited Kanha National Park in India to (hopefully) photograph some tigers with my trusty Sony a6400, a crop-sensor camera released in 2019. While it has older menus and autofocus that seems more interested in the branches and blades of grass in front of the animals, it still did the job. Now, why am I using this camera instead of shooting with my trusted full-frame a7Cii? Isn’t full-frame supposed to be better, with better dynamic range, a larger sensor, and image quality so good it practically convinces the animals to pose for their portraits? Well, it’s a little more complicated than that, and in fact, there are a lot of advantages to shooting wildlife with an APS-C camera. So, let’s talk about it…

Cyprus is an island nation in the Mediterranean, renowned for its idyllic beaches and rich, fascinating history. However, its past has left the island divided, raising profound questions about national sovereignty and international borders. Understanding this division is key to fully appreciating your visit and avoiding potential issues—such as inadvertently entering the island illegally, as I did.

Romania is a paradise for photographers in Europe, offering something for everyone, no matter their genre. Seasonal changes bring vibrant, diverse colors for landscape photographers, with crisp whites and blues in winter and rich oranges in autumn. And the landscapes themselves are breathtaking in their own right, featuring some of the continent’s most stunning hikes, majestic mountains, and the Transfăgărășan Highway, which Jeremy Clarkson once called “the most beautiful road in the world."

For those drawn to architectural photography, the country’s capital is filled with imposing, concrete structures from the communist era, dominating street corners with their stark designs. Beyond the capital, Romania is dotted with countless castles, churches, and unique regional architecture, my personal favorites being the charming, colorful houses in Botoș and Șurdești.

But it’s travel and people photographers who truly thrive in Romania, thanks to two simple reasons: the people of rural Romania are both untamed and incredibly welcoming.

The biggest, and most controversial, challenge faced by both travel and street photographers’ centers on how they approach photographing other people. At the core of genres is the desire to document life as it is; and how photographers interpret this principle can vary widely. Some prefer not to disturb the scene and attempt to take their photographs discretely, some forgo the personal space and comfort of others in the pursuit of their art, while others invite the subjects in on the collaborative process of their art in the search of something different. But I offer an alternative approach, a Hannah Montana-esque best of both worlds.