Being a travel photographer basically seems like the dream job.

But we have questions.

We want to know what it's ACTUALLY like; everything from the lifestyle and the labour that goes on behind the lens. Is it as idyllic as theMamamiateam are imagining? How do you even begin (asking for a friend)? What's it like only having a lens in between you and a massive elephant?

Mamamiacaught up with Western Australian travel photographer, Rachel Claire (she's the ultimate slashie too: she also does work in documentaries, conservation and journalism) to chat about her photography career and the questions she's constantly asked on the job, about the job.

We were SO intrigued. Here's what she said.

So how does a career in travel photography even kick off?

Rachel, the creative behind FieldNotes, says she began dabbling in travel photography through an unconventional route.

“I studied film and television at University, so I sort of fell into photography in quite a non-linear sort of way.

“I ended up moving to London to work as a fashion photographer in my early twenties, but came to really dislike it. I didn’t last very long at all there, and ended up returning to Australia feeling pretty heartbroken by my experience in London.

“It wasn’t until I went travelling later that same year that I ended up sort of falling a little bit in love with travel photography and I found my passion for it.

“I really liked the idea of not having a permanent base. I loved travelling, I was a traveller before I was a photographer, I loved capturing moments, taking photos of my friends, and I think that working as travel photographer has meant that every day is so different. It’s a constant challenge.

What would surprise people to know about travel photography?

“Everyone has this perception of travel photography as being this really incredible, fun, high-pace and exciting thing. And it absolutely is, I love it. But it does come with exhaustion, a lot of very, very long days, really coming to terms with the fact that you’re not really able to sit and enjoy a holiday, you’re always switched on cause there’s always a client to work for.”

With the pace and exhaustion, how do you look after yourself?

“I’m trying to get much better at looking after myself when I’m on the road and when I’m working. One of the things I really need to do more of is hydrate myself. I’m a bit of a culprit for forgetting to drink lots of water on the road, which obviously isn't great on my body and my skin especially.”

Rachel said routine is key to her mental health and confidence, and an increasingly big part of this is her skincare routine.

She's a proud ambassador of beauty brand BOOST LAB, and Rachel swears by their serums especially when on the road.

Often working outdoors, and often even in extreme weather conditions, so the benefits of highly potent BOOST LAB serums give her targeted results to her skin concerns from being in the sun, dry skin, anti-ageing and uneven skin tone.

"Plus with the BOOST LAB serum bottles being a great size, they’re really handy when packing into my luggage so easily, as I need to pack as light as I can."

Her number one favourite product? Their 2D-Hyaluronic Hydro Boost Serum.

“That serum is SO helpful to me as it gives me deep hydration and keeps my skin looking and feeling plump and moisturised.

“What I love about this product is I can use it in conjunction with my moisturiser and it provides an extra layer of hydration for my skin.”