As director of photography for Athletes Unlimited, Jade Hewitt takes thousands of pictures every season. In her travels she takes almost as many. Interviewing Hewitt for Talking Travel allowed me to discuss two of my favorite topics: travel and softball.

I first met Hewitt about a decade ago when she was team photographer for the Dallas Charge of National Pro Fastpitch. When NPF folded, Hewitt found a new home with the just-started AU women’s pro softball league. AU has since expanded its women’s sports platform to include volleyball, lacrosse and basketball, and Hewitt is there to photograph all of it.

Avid softball fans, we could have easily talked about softball for the entire interview, but I also wanted to know about her travels with AU and on her own. I always enjoy seeing her travel pictures on social media.

Hewitt discussed the challenges of being creative with her sports photos and adjusting to each sport. She also spoke about her photos on Topps trading cards. In addition to simply being cool working with Topps, the cards are tangible promo pieces Hewitt gives young fans at games, as she is always trying to grow women’s sports.

When the seasons end, Hewitt makes it a point to travel. She listed a few of her favorite destinations, planned trips and dream trips. She also gave a lot of insight into taking pictures as a tourist. Hewitt freely gave tips, just as she does to anyone who contacts her.

When I asked about a potential picture book, Hewitt indicated it is a possibility. If that happens, I will be first in line to buy one. Hewitt is an amazingly talented photographer, and, more importantly, nobody works harder to promote women’s sports and nobody produces more beautiful promotional pieces for sports or travel.

Talking Travel is an interview series on Global Traveler. Subscribe to the GT YouTube channel to be notified of all future interviews and other travel-related videos.

— John Wroblewski, online writer