Welcome, 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

• The 57 most beautiful places on earth

• The camera I’d choose if starting fresh in 2025

• The ultimate guide to sports tourism

• Portable large format camera becomes a crowdfunding success

Read time: 5 minutes

DESTINATION TRAVEL

The 57 Most Beautiful Places on Earth 🌎 read the full article here

Article published: January 27, 2025

Snapshot: Bad news for your 2025 financial goals—CN Traveler released their list of the 57 most beautiful places in the world. Whether it's the surreal desert of Atacama, the lush bamboo groves of Japan, or the dramatic cliffs of Ireland, these spots promise endless inspiration for your camera—and maybe a few spontaneous adventures along the way. Let’s just say, your travel bucket list just got a whole lot longer.

Key Takeaways:

• Epic Landscapes: Destinations like Antarctica, the Grand Canyon, and Angel Falls offer dramatic vistas of glaciers, cliffs, and waterfalls that are perfect for bold, powerful shots.

• Vivid Colors: Spots like China’s Danxia Landform and New Zealand’s Lake Tekapo burst with vibrant hues, creating striking color contrasts in every frame.

• Atmospheric Magic: Ha Long Bay and the Atacama Desert provide unique, mystical atmospheres—hazy waters, otherworldly deserts, and shifting light.

• Cultural Stories: The Avenue of the Baobabs and the Azores combine breathtaking beauty with rich cultural layers, giving photographers a chance to capture both visuals and stories.

The Verdict: These 57 locations aren’t just beautiful—they’re a reminder that the world is full of jaw-dropping sights begging to be captured. For travel photographers, each destination is a playground of scale, light, and color, with plenty of "wow" moments (to make your followers jealous). Whether you're chasing sunsets on the Dalmatian Coast or trekking the rugged peaks of Banff, one thing’s for sure: your camera roll is about to get a major upgrade.

OPINION

The Camera I’d Choose If Starting Fresh in 2025 📸 read the full article here

Article published: January 25, 2025

Snapshot: A thought experiment for the dreamers: What camera would a seasoned pro choose if starting their career fresh in 2025? According to Christopher Malcolm, an award-winning LA based photographer, the Nikon Z6 III could be the perfect tool for newcomers to the industry. It balances price, performance, and future-proofing—while still keeping pace with the rapid shift toward video and digital content creation.

Key Takeaways:

• 24MP Does the Job: For most digital campaigns, 24MP is plenty. With social media and digital ads dominating, this resolution meets all your needs without splurging on extra megapixels.

• Hybrid Camera Power: The Z6 III’s 6K video capabilities make it a versatile choice, letting you shoot both stunning stills and quality video without switching gear.

• Compact & Travel-Ready: Its lightweight, compact design is a major win for photographers constantly on the move, offering ease and convenience during long shoots.

• Smart Investment: Priced around $2,000-$2,500, the Z6 III is an affordable camera that doesn’t sacrifice quality, making it a solid choice for those just starting out in photography or filmmaking.

The Verdict: If you’re just starting your career in 2025, the Nikon Z6 III might just be the ideal camera to help you build your portfolio. It’s not too fancy or too basic—just the right mix of affordability and performance. As the world increasingly embraces digital-first content, this camera will serve you well for both photography and video. Plus, with a price tag under $2,500, it won’t break the bank while offering a great foundation for your growing skillset.

SPORTS TRAVEL

The Ultimate Guide to Sports Tourism ⚽ read the full article here

Article published: January 23, 2025

Snapshot: Imagine planning your next photography trip around the thrill of sports. Welcome to the booming world of sports tourism, a sector worth over $600 billion and set to grow even further. From iconic events like the Tour de France to once-in-a-lifetime experiences like the Ryder Cup, sports tourism is combining travel and fandom in new ways. Whether you're snapping athletes in action or capturing the atmosphere of legendary stadiums, this trend is bringing together sport, travel, and unforgettable moments.

Key Takeaways:

• Mega-Events Are Major Tourist Draws: High-profile events like the Olympics and F1 Grand Prix are driving tourism and boosting local economies, creating prime photo ops for travel photographers.

• Active Tourism Is on the Rise: Sports enthusiasts are not just watching—they’re participating. From cycling the Tour de France route to running marathons, there's plenty of action to capture.

• Las Vegas Is the New Sports Hub: Vegas is combining sports with entertainment, making it an exciting destination for photographers looking to capture both.

• Women’s Sports Are Gaining Popularity: With the rise of women’s sporting events and media coverage, more diverse sports tourism opportunities are emerging for photographers to explore.

The Verdict: Sports tourism is a growing, dynamic sector that offers travel photographers an endless supply of action-packed moments and vibrant locations. Whether you're capturing the thrill of a cycling race or the excitement of a high-profile event in Las Vegas, this is a field ripe with opportunities. As more cities and countries vie for hosting rights, expect an even greater diversity of events and stories to capture.

PHOTOGRAPHY NEWS

Portable Large Format Camera Becomes a Crowdfunding Success 💥 read the full article here

Article published: January 26, 2025

Snapshot: Say hello to the future of large-format photography! The Smartflex SLR 4x5 camera has successfully crowdfunded its way into the spotlight, offering a lightweight, portable, and versatile design for those who want to take large-format film photography on the go. With cutting-edge materials and modern features, this camera is set to change the game for those looking for high-quality shots without the traditional tripod-bound hassle.

Key Takeaways:

• Portability Redefined: Unlike traditional large-format cameras, the Smartflex SLR 4x5 is designed to be easily carried, even with a neck strap, for spontaneous and on-the-go photography.

• Modern Materials, Classic Aesthetic: Built with lightweight 3D-printed materials, carbon fiber, and CNC-machined aluminum, the camera combines durability with style.

• Versatile Design: It supports both landscape and portrait orientations and can even accommodate medium format backs, making it adaptable for various photography styles.

• Affordable Access to Large Format: With compatibility for Instax Wide film, Smartflex makes large-format photography more accessible to those who want to try the medium without breaking the bank.

The Verdict: The Smartflex SLR 4x5 is a game-changer for large-format enthusiasts, especially for travel photographers looking to combine portability with top-notch image quality. While it comes with a higher price tag than some other options, the innovative design and the option to shoot in a variety of settings make it an exciting new tool for your photography kit. Whether you’re chasing landscapes or capturing spontaneous moments on the road, this camera could offer a fresh perspective on your craft.

NEWS

What’s trending…

• How to spend a week working for free in a cozy cabin in Norway

• Discover the 2024 Travel Photographer of the Year winners

• Are you a digital nomad? These are 10 countries you should be living in

• Lightroom hack—make your digital photos look like film

• National Geographic’s most anticipated travel essentials

• Check out the top drones for capturing stunning photos and videos

• 13 scenic winter road trips across the US

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 Marco D., who captured the mesmerizing colors of an incense village outside of Hanoi, Vietnam.

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.