Robert HardingA chat with Jordan Banks
British travel & documentary photographer Jordan Banks has worked in over 100 countries, capturing high end images that immerse you in the colour of the world’s most vibrant festivals and destinations. He talked to us about his career, his ambitious road trips and his favourite places.
Young novice monks in the window of their quarters, Punakha, Bhutan
Where are you from and where do you live?
I am originally from Yorkshire, grew up in Saudi Arabia and now live in the village of Pinkneys Green in the Berkshire countryside.
How long have you been a professional photographer?
Around 15 years now
Hot air balloons over the temples of Bagan
How did you first get into photography?
Whilst none of them did it as their profession, all my father’s side of the family were keen photographers. I think this was probably the biggest catalyst in me starting out in photography.
Where are you now and what are you shooting?
I’m writing this from my studio in the UK. I have had a busy year with shoots in Argentina, Uruguay, Scotland, and the deep south of the USA, Croatia & Spain. My next trip is going to be to San Francisco and over to Yosemite to shoot the national park in fall.
Paint powder
What are your favourite destinations/subjects to photograph and why?
I love to shoot people as I have always been fascinated with how fundamentally similar we all are whilst living within such different cultures. I don’t really have a favourite destination but I was blown away with how beautiful Scotland is. I just love being on the road and shooting.
How would you describe your style?
Travel & Documentary I guess.
Traditional fisherman on Inle lake
Can you recall a favourite experience on your travels?
A few years ago now I drove a motorbike through, Burma, Cambodia, Vietnam & Laos. I was attempting to cross the border north of the town in Dien Bien Phu in Vietnam into the Phongsali Provence of Laos. When I turned up in Dien Bien Phu I was told there was no way I was going to be allowed to cross the border with my bike. The one hotel in town proved this to me by showing me the 100 plus dusty bikes of the previous attempts. Undeterred by this I set of early the next morning on the 30km ride to the border ready to do whatever it took to get myself into Laos with the bike. I had come this far and was not prepared to give in now. A lot of hand talking, begging, a few bribes and a number plate swap and I was over and on my way to the Laos border. It was a very satisfying ride that day.
Local man in the blue streets of the Medina
Can you recall a particularly challenging experience while taking photos/travelling?
I was in the Isle of Skye at the Old Man of Storr this January when a storm came in. I was held up in a little cove in the rock side for 2 hours unable to move. I couldn’t see a metre in front of me. The wind was so strong it blew me over when I tried, on top of that the hail hitting me in the face made it impossible to see. When the storm finally cleared enough to head down I couldn’t find the path as it was covered over from the snow. I spent the next few hours wading through three feet of powder with all my equipment.
Sadhus after bathing on the holiest day of the decade at the Maha Kumbh Mela
What cameras and equipment do you use? Do you have a favourite piece of equipment?
I primarily use Nikon cameras and lenses. My favourite pieces of equipment are probably my ND filters and tripod
What are your tips for taking a good photo?
Engage with your subjects, take your time, have a shoot plan.
Temple at Shwe Yaunghwe Kyaung monastery just outside from Inle Lake
What advice would you give for young photographers starting out?
Practice & persistence.
What are your future plans?
Photo wise I don’t really have a plan. I’m already doing what I want to be doing in photography. Outside of photography; open a beach bar in Mexico or Central America. I’m still looking for the perfect location.
Jetty and boat on the turquoise water