Stories from beyond the beaten track
Wild Travel Story is an independent editorial platform created by journalist and author Catherine Lawson and field-based editorial photographer David Bristow.
Through long-form journalism, photography and documentary film, we document stories of people, places and the natural world — from remote landscapes and ocean passages to conservation projects, cultural encounters and expeditions beyond the usual travel trail.
For more than two decades, we have followed stories across Australia, Southeast Asia and beyond, combining Catherine’s words with David’s photography to create immersive stories grounded in curiosity, experience and respect for place.
A life built around stories
Wild Travel Story grew from a shared fascination with wild places and a desire to understand them more deeply.
Our journey has taken us from family adventures and life aboard our catamaran, Wild One, to professional assignments, books, magazine features and documentary projects around the world. Living and working independently has allowed us to experience the environments we document — not simply visit them.
Along the way, our daughter has been part of this journey from the beginning. Growing up between assignments, expeditions and ocean passages, she has developed her own curiosity for storytelling and filmmaking. Homeschooled throughout her childhood, she is now finding her own creative path behind the camera.
While Catherine and David continue to work independently within their professional fields, Wild Travel Story remains a shared platform where journalism, photography and lived experience come together.
The people behind the stories
Catherine Lawson — Journalist & Author
Catherine brings decades of experience as a travel journalist, editor and author, specialising in stories that connect people with places. Her writing explores adventure, culture, conservation, sustainable living and the human experiences behind the destinations.
With numerous books and more than 2,000 published articles to her name, Catherine’s strength lies in finding the story within a place — the people, history and experiences that transform a journey into something meaningful.
David Bristow — Editorial Photographer & Documentary Filmmaker
David is a field-based editorial photographer and documentary filmmaker specialising in remote locations, environmental stories and human connections with the natural world.
His work has taken him across Australia and Southeast Asia, documenting wildlife, conservation initiatives, expeditions, maritime environments, regional communities and cultural stories for magazines, publishers, NGOs and media organisations.
Drawing on his background as a television lighting cameraman and field producer, David works across still photography and motion to create authentic visual stories from challenging environments.
Our approach
We believe the strongest stories are earned through time spent in a place.
They come from listening before documenting, understanding before interpreting, and building trust with the people and environments we encounter.
Whether covering a conservation project, an offshore expedition, a remote community or a journey into the wilderness, our approach remains the same:
To create honest stories that connect people with the world around them.
Work with us
Wild Travel Story collaborates with publishers, media organisations, conservation groups, tourism organisations and like-minded partners seeking thoughtful editorial photography, journalism and documentary storytelling.
We welcome collaborations, commissions and partnerships with organisations who value authentic stories and meaningful connections with people and place.
Our story continues
From our home aboard Wild One to remote field assignments around the world, we continue to follow stories that inspire curiosity, respect and a deeper understanding of the planet we share.
