In one of its latest instalments, the photography newsletter by National Geographic Traveller (UK) saw picture editor Ben Rowe meet with one of the publication’s long-time contributors, Francesco Lastrucci, for a coffee in Florence, where the latter is based.  

This meeting launched the ‘Coffee with a photographer’ format, which will see more of National Geographic Traveller (UK)’s photographers invited to share their professional insights in the future. Coming up is an exclusive interview with Annapurna Mellor, an award-winning outdoor and documentary photographer based in the UK. 

Of the experience, Ben said: “With travel photographers based all around the world, the chance to meet one in person is few and far between. On a recent trip to Italy, I was lucky enough to catch up with one of our regular photographers, Francesco Lastrucci. Between slices of pizza and sips of coffee, we got into his process and perspective.” 

Read the full interview with Francesco Lastrucci below: 

BR: How did you get into travel photography?   

FL: As a documentary photographer, I see travel photography as a natural extension of my work. Beyond my endless wanderlust, I’m drawn to travel photography because it allows me to engage with and develop themes that are central to my documentary practice. These include the relationship between people and their environment, conservation and sustainable ways of living, as well as the complexity of culture and daily life. 

BR: Which destination shoot stands out as your favourite?   

FL: It’s one of the hardest questions to ask a photographer who falls in love with every place they visit and capture! Still, it’s usually places I’ve formed a strong bond with, including the colourful magical realism of Colombia’s Atlantic coast, the lush and mystical landscapes of South India and the enigmatic heart of inner Sardinia’s karst plateaus.  

BR: What is your dream location to capture?   

FL: My dream location is one that invites you to dig deeper: a layered place that isn’t immediately obvious, but reveals its beauty catching you by surprise as you come to understand it. Some places on my wish list include China’s Sichuan region for the mix of landscapes, modern life and ancient heritage, as well as the dense forests between the Mexican state of Campeche and Guatemala’s Petén department with all their biodiversity. 

Want to learn more about Francesco’s photography process? Find out how he got this shot, here: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/photography-capturing-serenity-rome  

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From spotlighting archival photo stories to exclusive interviews and more, the bi-monthly, thematic newsletter features exclusive photography content and insights by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Don’t miss out on the upcoming editions — sign up here: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/y/CBAF91B121B1B55A  

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About APL Media 
APL Media is a multi-award-winning content marketing agency and publisher, creating high-quality print, digital and live media across the travel and lifestyle sectors since 1997. It has published National Geographic Traveller (UK) under licence from National Geographic Partners LLC since 2010, alongside brand extensions including guides, events and digital platforms. Its portfolio includes Living360, a digital lifestyle brand spanning wellness, travel, food, sustainability and culture.  

APL Media delivers custom content, branded campaigns and editorial consultancy, internship schemes including Step Up and produces leading events such as the Travel Media Awards. It is also a leading reseller of advertising for national newspapers. Its trade titles include Postcards and the ASTA Worldwide Destination Guide, with content also created for national newspapers. aplmedia.co.uk