Portland, Ore.-based photographer Joni Kabana recently went to the Democratic Republic of the Congo on behalf of Mercy Corps to help photograph and film several work and relief programs. Kabana accompanied writer Roger Burks throughout the country, provided field staff with cameras and created portraits of those who benefit from Mercy Corps' efforts.

Kabana continues her Mercy Corps travel blog at xanga.com.

By noticing small details that others may miss, the Bay Area's David Sanger specializes in finding sublime images in even the most mundane locations.

Veteran travel photographer David Sanger often wonders why anyone would visit some of the places he goes, especially when he struggles to find the photographs hiding there.

He knows some magic will probably happen, and eventually he'll find the shots to make the trip worthwhile. But first, there's often some real and powerful discouragement he must overcome...

After a long career with Seattle-based Glazer's Camera, including 12 years as general manager, Ken Smith has left the firm to create Navigate Photography, a company designed to connect the travel industry with the photographic industry. The new company will provide a variety of services, including workshops on cruise ships, land-based expeditions, rental equipment to cruise passengers, photographic consultation to businesses and large-format printing.

Another of Smith's new ventures, Photo Partners — a partnership with Dennis Wilson and...

Helpful hints from a veteran stock shooter who's been everywhere and tried everything

Not that the question needs to be asked, but why would anyone shoot stock abroad? After all, unless you're taking travel shots that depend on specific locations, what difference does it make if you're shooting in California or in Calcutta?

Well, I don't know about other photographers, but for me there are several reasons to shoot in foreign countries. For starters, I can get access to some locations and other resources that I could not in the United States. More importantly, travel rejuvenates me creatively and adds to the richness of my life...

Award-winning photographer Robert "Bob" Holmes has joined Mountain Light Pictures (MLP) as a contributing photographer. MLP is home to the Galen Rowell Image Collection and represents a growing list of some of the finest working outdoor and nature photographers.

Holmes began his career by covering the British Everest Expedition in 1975. His subjects have ranged from snow leopards in Nepal to...

When Seattle-based photographers Michele Westmorland and Karen Huntt set foot in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, they noticed something strange.

"This white dog ran past me, looking at first like he was covered in blood," says Huntt. "I was a bit alarmed and turned to walk after him when it dawned on me that the reason he had big red stains all over him was from people spitting betel-nut juice all over him. People weren't spitting at him on purpose — there's just so much spitting going on that the poor hound had crossed paths with a few too many chewers."

This first encounter with copious amounts...

"I wanted this to be a series of hero stories," says Phil Borges, author of "Women Empowered." His new book of portraits celebrates the contributions of women from developing nations who are playing a significant role in executing lasting social change.

"I consider these women on the vanguard of a global shift to bring feminine power back into the human experience," he says. "It's a slow shift that's happening right now. These are the unsung and unknown heroes on the vanguard of that movement."

Partnering with the organization CARE, Borges' "Women Empowered" builds upon the humanity, character and purpose of his previous works. His books "Enduring Spirit" and "Tibetan Portrait: The Power of Compassion" effectively raised awareness about the issues faced by people in the developing world...

Location: Scottsdale, Ariz. Ross has a 300-square-foot studio in his home, for portraits and still-life photography.

Latest assignment: "Last year I did a number of books, or partial books, for Fodor's "Travel Guides,' including a month in Costa Rica."

Favorite assignment: "They're all great. I am living my dream life by traveling around the world and using my camera to meet peoples I would not otherwise talk to."

Advice for aspiring travel photographers: "Stay diverse. Shoot many subjects to pay for the bills, especially when you are starting out. Portraits, corporate, weddings, your neighbor's dog - whatever."

Website: kenrossphotography.com...

Travel shooter Ken Ross has been roaming the globe taking photographs since he was a kid in middle school. It's not that he was some sort of prodigy; his mother was a famous author who lectured worldwide.

"The only way to see Mom was to travel with her," Ross says. "Twice a year I got to go wherever she went, and so I grew up taking photos all over the world – in great places like Brazil, Japan, the Nile – from the age of 13 or 14."

Ross' mom was Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, world-renowned author of "On Death and Dying" (which outlined the now-ubiquitous "five stages of grief"), as well as scores...