Interview: Susanne Kremer - Travel Photographer of Beautiful Destinations
Photographer: Susanne Kremer
Based: I am a German girl in Miami, Florida, USA
Instagram: @skremerphoto
Portfolio: www.susannekremer.com + www.wanderlustbysusanne.com
Print Stores: www.susannekremergallery.com + https://wanderlustskremer.etsy.com
Quick-Fire Questions
Favorite lens? Sony FE 12-24mm
Presets or manual editing? Manual
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise
Favorite snack while shooting/travelling? Cliff Bar with Nuts or Oats
The #1 photo location you’ll always recommend or return to: New York
Photographic Journey
1. How did you first get into photography? What sparked your interest in travel photography specifically?
I guess Photography runs in my blood—my great-grandfather owned a photo studio in Germany, and creativity was always a part of me. As a teenager, I loved to paint, but it wasn’t until much later that I found my true creative outlet. A close family friend, who happened to be a photojournalist, inspired me, and in 2008, I decided to take the plunge. I bought my first professional camera, a Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III, along with the legendary Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM lens.
Without knowing what I was doing, I started out using my camera's P mode—just pointing and shooting in the garden or capturing casual family portraits. It was fun, but I quickly realized I wanted more.
I wanted to create images that told stories, that captured emotions, and most importantly, that took me beyond my backyard.
At first, I just played around, experimenting on my own and figuring out how to make sense of this incredibly powerful camera. But soon, I realized I needed more guidance, so I started investing in Photography Teaching Books and Field workshops. That’s when everything clicked—literally and figuratively! I discovered that my passion wasn’t in macro, portraits, or wildlife photography, but in landscapes. I fell in love with capturing the beauty of the world around me.
Of course, once I got a taste of landscapes, I wanted more—more scenery, more variety, more adventure. So, I packed my bags, grabbed my gear, and began traveling with a companion. It was during this time that my work caught the attention of an agency in Germany. After publishing a few articles and photos in German media, everything changed. I knew my purpose: travel more, explore the world, and tell its stories through my lens.
2. Are there any photographers, destinations, or personal experiences that influence or inspire your photography style or motivate you to pursue it more seriously?
Surprisingly, I wasn’t inspired by any photographers when I started out. Instead, I found my inspiration in Impressionist painters like Monet, who captured the beauty of landscapes and seascapes in such a dreamy way. My style developed naturally—I’d see something, feel its essence, and click.
Over time, I realized that composition improves the more you shoot, especially when you put yourself in unfamiliar situations. Your brain learns to adapt to new scenes and environments, and that’s when your unique style starts to emerge. The key? Just get out there, shoot, and challenge yourself in new locations or scenarios.
After teaming up with my agency, I started traveling, and I haven’t stopped since. Exploring new countries, cultures, and places is something I truly love. Capturing the essence of a location or a moment in time through my lens is both incredibly rewarding and deeply satisfying. For me, every photo is more than an image—it’s a connection to a place, its people, and its story.
“The sheer stillness and serenity of the desert at night were breathtaking. The sky was a perfect deep blue during the blue hour, dotted with countless stars, and the night before, we were treated to the Milky Way—it was absolutely magical..”
Badwater Basin, Death Valley, USA
3. What cameras and lenses do you usually pack for your travels? Are there any accessories you never leave home without?
I always work with 2 or 3 camera systems: the Hasselblad XCD 2, Fuji GFX 100, and my trusty Sony A7R V. I’m a big fan of full-frame cameras, which is why I rely heavily on wide-angle lenses. My go-to lenses are the 12-24mm, 16-35mm, and 24-105mm. For certain landscape situations, I’ll pack a 70-200mm or even a 600mm, but to be honest, I rarely use them when traveling.
For people shots, the sony 24-105mm is my favorite, while for food photography, I love the versatility of the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8. No matter where I go, I always bring my Really Right Stuff tripod and a GorillaPod for added flexibility.
Occasionally, I’ll pack my drone to capture unique aerial perspectives. And one thing I never leave home without? My waterproof sling bag from Wandrd or Patagonia —it’s an absolute must for keeping my gear safe and ready for any weather.
4. Do you have any favourite camera settings or post-processing techniques you rely on for capturing travel moments?
I typically shoot in Aperture Priority mode, setting my desired f-stop based on the scene and ISO . For medium format cameras, I often go with f/16, while for my Sony, I prefer f/11—it all depends on the composition and lighting. I’m particularly drawn to long exposure shots at sunrise, whether it’s capturing the motion of waves in a coastal landscape, the flow of a waterfall, or the dynamic streaks of car lights in the city . For these, I rely on a sturdy tripod and often use my cellphone as a remote trigger for precise timing.
When it comes to post-processing, Photoshop is my go-to tool. I always start by converting my RAW files in Camera RAW, ensuring I retain as much detail as possible to bring out the full potential of each image. This combination of thoughtful settings and post-processing helps me achieve the look and feel I envision for my travel photography.
5. How would you describe your photography style? What kind of stories or emotions do you aim to convey through your images?
I would describe my photography style as vibrant and full of life. I love leaning toward a slightly more colorful palette, bringing scenes to life with energy and a sense of optimism. My mood is dynamic and motivational—I aim to capture moments that inspire viewers to feel the excitement of the place and the story behind it. Through my images, I strive to convey a sense of wonder and connection, encouraging others to see the beauty and adventure in the world around them.
6. Which editing software do you prefer to use, and how important is post-processing in shaping your final images?
Post-processing is absolutely essential for me—it's 100% part of shaping my final images. I start by converting my RAW files in Photoshop Camera RAW, where I ensure the foundation is strong. From there, I clean up the image by removing distractions like cables, dust spots, garbage cans, or any unwanted objects that take away from the scene. Once the cleanup is done, I focus on fine-tuning the contrast and color corrections to bring the image to life. Each step ensures the final result is polished, vibrant, and true to my creative vision! 😊
7. Can you share one of your most memorable photography moments while traveling?
This is such a tough question because I’ve had so many unforgettable moments, but if I had to choose, it would be my time in Death Valley. One experience that stands out is walking across the Badwater Basin salt flats in total darkness before sunrise , guided only by a GPS to a sunrise spot we had scouted the evening before. The sheer stillness and serenity of the desert at night were breathtaking. The sky was a perfect deep blue during the blue hour, dotted with countless stars, and the night before, we were treated to the Milky Way—it was absolutely magical.
What made it so special was the total silence. There was no sound, no wind, just complete stillness. It felt otherworldly, like walking on the moon. The only noise was the crunching of our boots on the salty crystals beneath us. We were so captivated that we hardly spoke, just soaking in the peacefulness as we waited for the sunrise. It was cold, so we’d occasionally do a little happy dance to stay warm, adding a bit of fun to the moment. When the sun finally rose, bathing the landscape in golden light, it was incredibly rewarding. We couldn’t even see our car from where we were, so we used the GPS to guide us back, walking slowly, still savoring the experience. It was a truly unforgettable moment that keeps pulling me back to Death Valley
8. Which destination surprised you the most or left the greatest impact on your photography?
That’s a really tough question because so many places have left a lasting impact on my photography, but if I had to pick one, Peru stands out. I was absolutely in awe of its beauty and rich culture. It’s been a while since I traveled there, but I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to go with someone who spoke Spanish and was familiar with the country. The combination of stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, incredible food, and adventurous experiences made it unforgettable.
Standing on top of Machu Picchu was nothing short of breathtaking—the scenery, the connection to ancient history, and the feeling of being surrounded by such a timeless place were indescribable. Climbing the steep, ancient stairs was an exhilarating challenge, and even the train ride to get there was its own adventure! Peru offered the full spectrum of inspiration for me as a photographer: gorgeous landscapes, fascinating culture, warm and welcoming people, and, of course, amazing food. It’s a place I’ll always cherish and hope to return to one day.
9. What do you enjoy most about being a member of The Travel Photography Club and do you have a favourite resource so far?
What I enjoy most about being part of The Travel Photography Club is Lisa’s incredible knowledge and her pulse on the ever-changing photography industry. She always shares valuable, up-to-date information, and her style of teaching and guiding is both kind and highly professional. It feels like getting advice from a trusted friend or mentor who truly wants to help you grow.
I absolutely love and enjoy all of her eBooks and location-specific guides—they’ve been such valuable resources for my photography journey. Plus, anytime I have a specific question, her prompt and thoughtful replies make all the difference. It’s a fantastic community, and I’m so grateful to be part of it!
10. Have you pursued any study for photography?
I’m a self-taught photographer, and my journey has been shaped by a combination of self-teaching, reading books, and participating in local workshops out in the field. Over time, I’ve also taken several workshops from The Wandering Lens, focusing on travel photography and setting up an online photography business. These workshops have been incredibly valuable, offering practical tips and strategies that have helped me refine my craft and build a more professional presence in the industry. Each step has contributed to where I am today, and I’m always eager to keep learning and growing.
11. What are some challenges you’ve encountered as a travel photographer, and how do you overcome them?
As a travel photographer, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges! From camera gear malfunctioning, getting wet, or even taking a tumble, to physical setbacks like twisting an ankle or catching a cold while traveling, a flat tire, car damage—bad weather for several days, it’s never dull.
There are also mental challenges, like feeling that my photos or trips aren’t good enough compared to the incredible work already out there. And then there’s the unpredictability of harsh conditions—freezing cold hikes through snowstorms, sweating it out in tropical heat, or waking up at 2 a.m. to walk guided over a lava field.
I’ve learned to overcome these obstacles with preparation, patience, and a positive mindset. I always carry backup gear when possible, pack for extreme weather, and remind myself that every trip is a learning experience. These challenges, as tough as they can be, are often the moments that make the journey—and the images—so much more rewarding.
12. What one piece of advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in photography, or may have just purchased their first camera?
Be patient with yourself and enjoy the process! Photography is a journey, not just a destination. And always Remember, it’s just a photo—you’re not performing surgery in an emergency room! Take it easy, don’t stress over perfection, and most importantly, have fun. Let yourself experiment, make mistakes, and learn as you go. The more you relax and embrace the experience, the more your creativity will shine through
13. How do you plan to continue growing or evolving as a photographer? Are there any new techniques or directions you’re keen to pursue?
I’m always looking for ways to grow and evolve as a photographer. One of my ongoing goals is to refine my editing skills to make my images stand out and truly reflect my vision. I’m also excited to explore the Fine Art sector more deeply, pushing my creativity to develop pieces that feel timeless and unique. Growth, for me, is about constantly learning and experimenting while staying true to my passion.
14. Lastly, is there anything you’d like to say to those who might be considering joining The Travel Photography Club or taking a course with The Wandering Lens?
If you’re considering joining The Travel Photography Club or taking a course with The Wandering Lens, I’d highly recommend it! The club and Lisa are incredible resources, especially for aspiring travel photographers. You’ll find so much valuable information in one place, which not only saves you time but also money. It’s a fantastic way to grow your skills, connect with like-minded photographers, and take your photography journey to the next level
15. Do you have any exciting trips or photography projects planned? What are you looking forward to capturing next?
Absolutely! I always have exciting trips and photography projects in the works. For me, it’s all about balancing the energy of cities with the serenity of nature. Upcoming destinations include Paris, Malta, Chicago, the Smoky Mountains, and most likely another visit to New York. Each of these places offers such unique photography opportunities, and I can’t wait to explore and capture their beauty from fresh perspectives.
