Behind the Lens With 24 Best Travel Photographer Annapurna Mellor

Annapurna Mellor's images of Asia and Africa sweep us off our feet. As one of this year's 24 Best Travel Photographers, she has captured our imagination with her joyous street scenes, intimate portraits, and serendipitous snapshots of people in their environments.

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a photographer and writer based in Manchester, UK. I've been taking photos for around three years, mostly focusing on Asia and Northern Africa and the cultures of those lands.

2. How would you describe your photography style?

Travel with a strong documentary angle. I like to tell stories of people and their ways of life. I shoot lots of portraits and am also very attracted to color, which is why I'm drawn to places like India, Morocco, and Myanmar.

My favorite thing to do is combine images and words to portray the emotions and feelings of being in a destination, living with local people, and absorbing a new culture.

3. What do you love most about photographing on the road?

Photography has opened many doors in terms of interacting with local people in a way that feels meaningful. I choose destinations based on the photography opportunities, and I tend to stay awhile in one place instead of backpacking around. Photography has given travel a whole new purpose for me, particularly when I'm traveling solo.

4. Where are you headed next?

I recently moved back to the UK after a few years of in Asia, which is a nice change. I'm visiting Copenhagen next, and I hope to spend a few weeks in Morocco later in the year — it's such a wonderful place to photograph.