Merry Christmas, travel photographers!

Welcome to Global Shutter—a weekly dive into the latest news, trends, and quirky stories from the world of travel photography.

Pack your bags, charge those batteries, and get ready to explore the world through your lens. Safe travels and happy shooting!

Focus of the Day

• 12 destinations with cheaper flights in 2025

• US Senate bill eases rules for photographers in National Parks

• Add this South Dakota experience to your bucket-list

• 2024 key photography trends of the year

Read time: 5 minutes

AFFORDABLE TRAVEL

12 Destinations With Cheaper Flights in 2025 🌎 read the full article here

Article published: December 23, 2024

Snapshot: Promising news for all frugal kings and queens. 2025 is shaping up to be the year of affordable flights and new horizons for travel photographers. With cheaper fares to previously hard-to-reach destinations, your next iconic shot might just be a ticket away. Whether it's the mesmerizing grasslands in Mongolia or the tropical waters of Palau, these routes are opening up a world of natural beauty.

Key Takeaways:

• Remote Wonders: United Airlines is opening access to breathtaking locations like Greenland, Mongolia, and Palau. Perfect for capturing untouched landscapes and cultural gems.

• European Charm: Sicily’s Palermo and Catania, as well as Scandinavian cities like Oslo and Copenhagen, are now easier to reach. Think golden sunsets and minimalist cityscapes.

• Budget-Friendly Escapes: Iceland and Fiji remain top picks for affordable travel, offering roundtrip deals under $600 and unforgettable photo ops.

• Hidden Gems: New Haven, Conn., and Canada’s scenic backdrops are now within budget, proving you don’t need to go far for striking imagery.

The Verdict: 2025’s cheap flights aren’t just a win for your wallet—they’re a ticket to photographic inspiration. With diverse destinations spanning icy tundras, tropical paradises, and vibrant cities, the possibilities for travel photographers are endless. Pack your camera gear, scout these locales, and let the world’s new routes fuel your next great adventure.

PHOTOGRAPHY NEWS

US Senate Bill Eases Rules for Photographers in National Parks ⛰️ read the full article here

Article published: December 23, 2024

Snapshot: It’s a Christmas miracle: filming in national parks just got a whole lot easier. The U.S. Senate has passed the EXPLORE Act, a new bill that eliminates the need for permits for commercial photography and filming in national parks. No more dealing with arbitrary denials or paying fees just to capture that perfect shot. So, whether you’re shooting a documentary, capturing a wedding, or just chasing that golden hour, the parks are officially open for business—no red tape required

Key Takeaways:

• No More Permits: The EXPLORE Act eliminates the need for permits for commercial filming, as long as it doesn’t harm the park or its visitors.

• Public Access, No Red Tape: As long as you’re filming in areas open to the public and with fewer than six people, you’re good to go. No permit required, even if you plan to make a profit.

• Streamlined Filming: If an activity is already allowed in the park (like a wedding or a press event), no additional permit is necessary to film it.

• Victory for Free Speech: Photographers like Alexander Rienzie and Connor Burkesmith, who fought the outdated permit system, are celebrating the change as a win for free speech and creative freedom.

The Verdict: This bill is a game-changer for travel photographers. With fewer barriers to capturing breathtaking landscapes, you’ll have more time to focus on what really matters—finding that perfect shot. Whether you’re chasing the Grand Canyon at sunrise or capturing a wedding in Yosemite, the parks are officially open for business. So, get your gear ready and start planning your next adventure, because the national parks just became your ultimate photo studio.

EXPERIENTIAL TRAVEL

Add This South Dakota Experience to Your Bucket List 🦬 read the full article here

Article published: December 20, 2024

Snapshot: If you’re ready for a heart-pounding, dust-kicking, Old West experience, the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup is the bucket list adventure you didn’t know you needed. Each year in late September, over 1,300 bison thunder across the Black Hills, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle. The sound of hooves pounding the ground, the sight of wranglers cracking whips, and the raw energy of the herd make this a photographer’s dream come true.

Key Takeaways:

• Wild West, Real Deal: The Buffalo Roundup in South Dakota is more than a photo op—it’s an essential, time-honored tradition. The herd’s thunderous stampede, guided by wranglers on horseback, brings the Old West to life.

• Spectacle at Its Best: Over 1,300 bison in full stampede action—it's nature, history, and adrenaline rolled into one epic shot. And it’s free to attend!

• Bison With a Purpose: The roundup isn’t just for show. It’s a crucial event for managing the park’s bison population and maintaining the health of the land they roam.

• Prime Photo Opportunities: With viewing spots on the hillsides and plenty of room for your gear, you’ll capture everything from the first thundering sight of the herd to the stunning fall landscapes.

The Verdict: The Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup is a boot-knocking experience—a rare chance to capture the raw beauty of the American West in action. The energy, the spectacle, and the sheer power of the bison make it an unforgettable moment that belongs in any travel photographer’s portfolio. So pack your camera, stake out your spot, and get ready to snap the next iconic shot of the American wilderness.

TRENDS

2024 Key Photography Trends of the Year 📸 read the full article here

Article published: December 24, 2024

Snapshot: As 2024 comes to a close, the world of photography has seen some intriguing developments—from global shutters to AI-powered tools that help us snap and edit better than ever. While some trends have stayed the course, others have made significant waves in the industry. 2024’s shifts in tech and innovation are bound to shape how you shoot, edit, and even conceptualize your next adventure.

Key Takeaways:

• Global Shutter Technology: The Sony a9 III’s global shutter allows for high-speed, blur-free shots and will likely appear in more cameras soon.

• Color Mode Dials: With more brands offering physical color mode controls, photographers can now easily tweak the look of their photos on the fly.

• APS-C Lens Expansion: Canon and Nikon have expanded their third-party lens options, giving photographers more affordable, high-quality choices.

• Compact Full-Frame Lenses: Smaller, lighter full-frame lenses from brands like Sony and Panasonic are making travel photography easier without sacrificing quality.

The Verdict: 2024 has been a year of innovation that gives travel photographers more tools and options than ever before. Whether you’re capturing high-speed action or managing color on the fly, the tech is evolving to match the dynamic nature of your craft. As AI continues to grow in the background, photographers will have more time to focus on what matters most: capturing stunning images.

NEWS

What’s trending…

• This US city was named the most beautiful winter city in the world

• Master the chill and capture amazing winter photos with these tips

• These eco-friendly travel spots combine adventure and sustainability

• Top photography accessories for 2025

• Try and capture one of these 14 cool New Year’s traditions across the globe

• Check out these 15 breathtaking nature photos from 2024

• 15 genius packing hacks that can transform your travels—from $8

SHOT OF THE WEEK

Each week, we celebrate the amazing talent within our community by showcasing one of your travel photos.

This week’s photo comes from Rafael P., who captured an early morning shot of the Matterhorn in Zermatt, Switzerland.

Have a photo you’d like to see featured? Don’t forget to email me or submit your best travel shot below for a chance to be our next spotlight!

FEEDBACK

I would love to hear your thoughts or any interesting insights you’d like to share—feel free to let me know by replying to this email. And as always, please subscribe if you haven’t already.