Travel documentation isn’t awkward.

Isn’t that awkward?

It’s probably the No. 1 question I get asked when talking travel documentation. I get it. I’m following people around (sometimes I met them just recently), basically third wheeling the whole time. At least, that’s what a lot of people think it looks like.

The truth is, it’s actually quite comfortable for everyone involved - if prepared properly.

This blog post covers some of the pictures that were taken during Sien & Kevin’s Barcelona trip, february 2026.

I started my photography career as a teenager. Those were, in time and space, THE days for what most people now see as meaningless portraiture.

From a critic’s point of view, it was about going outside, having fun and looking cool on Instagram. Especially the ‘adults’ around me didn’t understand what I was doing. Many people would assume that hiring a professional photographer is only essential during life’s milestones. Proposals, or marriages, for instance.

What I’m trying to say is: some people break out of that pattern. Someone who is crazy enough to ask you to document their trip, has already stepped out of the idea that professional documentation is only useful during 2-4 days of their life.

In this specific case, I followed Sien to Barcelona, where Kevin - her partner - lives. Both growing up in Belgium, life happened. Job opportunities and international internships crossed their paths, resulting in a long distance relationship. They visit each other nearly every month. This time, to celebrate their 5 year jubilee.

The key in anti-awkwardness is in the approach. The photographer isn’t supposed to just follow around like a some paparazzo. Instead, they travel with the client.

I too, am making memories. Going along on walks, choosing a restaurant, involve myself in conversations. It’s about finding clients that let you exist in their space, too.

During a travel documentation, a camera shouldn’t be on all of the time. It always rests somewhere nearby, so that when you see a shot worth making, you’re there to do it. Just as you might do on a vacation with friends.
You saw a picture of someone having dinner, but you didn’t see the photographer agreeing on how good the food was.

None of the pictures above were posed, either. It’s about creating comfort to just be.

It reminds me of this picture I made of S&K in 2021. I had just met them for the first time, and I distinctly remember having had an awful morning until they came along. They had never done a photoshoot, and instead of thinking of it as awkward, the approached it with enthusiasm, they set the tone for one of my favourite shoots until this day, and the photography-based friendship that followed.

And let’s be real for a second. The joy of having your memories visualised beats the initial awkwardness anyway.