Photogenic Presents, Episode 6: Tim Landis (@curious2119)

Tim Landis is a world-famous professional travel photographer based here in Philadelphia. Tim has achieved what many aspire to - he makes his living traveling the world and sharing incredible photographs with his 600,000 Instagram followers as @curious2119.

Tim's busy schedule finally freed up a bit, so we got together to create some original designs, a tribute to the spirit of adventure, fun, and true passion for photography that permeate his work. 

To celebrate the launch of the Photogenic x Tim Landis Collaboration -  our biggest one yet - we met up with Tim to learn more about what drives him and how he got to where he is. 

Stay tuned, more original designs coming soon...

All images ©Tim Landis, used with permission. 

How did you got started with photography and how long have you been shooting?

I started out with photography by second shooting for my wife on weddings and portrait sessions. After that I traveled for a job I had and took pics all over with my iPhone. I’ve been at it for about 8-10 years.

You’re known for traveling around the world to take photographs, and you’ve been to some incredible places. Of all the places you’ve been, what are one or two that stand out to you. Why?

That’s a really tough question. I love places because of each place is unique but if I had to choose one I’d probably choose Turkey. The whole country is so diverse in landscape and culture. Second would be Jordan. Especially Wadi Rum because you feel like you’re on set of a Star Wars filming.

What is your favorite subject to photograph?

I really, truly love photographing people in different spaces and environments. Some of my favorite photos I’ve taken are with people in them.

What cameras do you personally own in your collection? Which one is your primary camera these days?

I have shot a lot of different cameras over the years but I’m always drawn back to Canon. I shoot with the Canon 5ds and iPhone currently.

How did you initially get into becoming a photographer who gets paid to travel?

The real answer to that is a long one but the short of it is through Instagram. Tourism boards for various companies want you to come and promote for them with epic photos. Some are rad projects that I’m partnering with cool non profit organizations.

What is your favorite portrait that you’ve ever taken? 

I would have to say a photo of my friend Andrew in an old abandoned green house. The greenhouse was empty and nothing in it but a shopping cart so we used the shopping cart. I enjoy going in spaces where it stretches you creatively and you have to problem solve.

What’s your favorite landscape that you’ve ever taken 

Probably some from Turkey. Balloons in Cappadocia or Waterfalls.

What’s your favorite other photo that you’ve taken? 

Maybe one from a safari in Africa. Such an amazing experience.

In ONE word, how does one get to 600k Instagram followers?

Blessed!

Now elaborating a bit: what do you think are the necessary elements for a lasting and engaging online presence in today’s world, whether on social media or elsewhere?

Hustle, consistency and sharing what you are absolutely passionate about and a little transparency. Be authentic. I know that’s kind of cliche but be YOU!

What other hobbies do you have, besides presumably traveling the world and taking photos?

With a family, I really don’t have too many hobbies. Some of my favorite things to do outside of photos and traveling is going on dates with my wife and watching my kids thrive at what they love to do.

If you could meet and spend a day with any one photographer, living or dead, who would it be?

That is one of the toughest questions you could ask.I actually would love to use the “pass” card here…. No but if I had to choose I would have to say Steve McCurry. (@stevemccurryofficial) 

His work is timeless and definitely a true inspiration to my work. When this all ends for me, if I can have a photo collection even 1/3 of what he has, I’ll be winning.

What’s your favorite TogTees design (other than the Curious x TogTees ones!)

That’s a trick question… haha… but really I love all the TogTees designs.

Who is one famous person we should send a Curious Tee to?

Hmmmm….I think maybe Ansel Elgort @ansel. Since he follows me on the Insta and all.

Name a couple other photographers we should make a collab tee with.

My friends Pei Ketron @pketron and Jonathan Sweet @jontaylorsweet

Thanks so much for your time - we look forward to following your photography adventures around the world! 

Thanks guys.

Visit Tim Landis' Instagram to see more of his incredible photography, and be sure to check out the Photogenic x Tim Landis Collection. 

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Editor's Note: From 2016-2021, Photogenic Supply was called TogTees. We changed our name in mid-2021, but you might still occasionally see our old name on our website. We're still the same people :)

You can also read the full Photogenic Presents Series, follow us on Instagram, or contact us.