For most, the pictures taken during their travels are just for personal keepsakes, but there are some that aspire to see their photography in print. Whether you wish to contribute to magazines, books or calendars, there are rules to the game and certain pictures that have greater potential for selling. If you're interested into getting into professional travel photography, you'll need to know the ropes before jumping in. After all, travel is expensive and cameras, film, developing and equipment all carry considerable costs as well.

Just as in any endeavor, research is always the first step. Checking out different markets and what they're looking for from different locations, be it scenery or culture, is important. Also, finding out the ins and outs of legal responsibilities, like getting signed release from people captured in your photographic art is also important.

A great resource to begin with is Susan McCartney's Travel Photography: A Complete Guide to How to Shoot and Sell. She's very detailed and thorough about the process from start to finish and dishes out practical, straightforward advice that will save you a lot of time and frustration. She even includes model release forms in over 25 different languages. It's clear that McCartney is an experienced travel photographer and has spent a considerable amount of time thinking through and answering all the important questions a newbie would ask.

There is definitely a living to be made in travel photography, but there is more to success than just capturing a beautiful picture. You have to know what you're looking for, how to bring a picture to life and how to optimize your work's sale potential.