Howdy, 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

• This alpine gem above the clouds is a photographer’s dream

• These are the best smartphones for photographers in 2025

• Travel demand is easing as Americans face economic uncertainty

• Tourists are illegally riding this train for photos

Read time: 5 minutes

TRAVEL INSPIRATION

This Alpine Gem is a Photographer’s Dream ⛰️ read the full article here

Article published: March 16, 2025

Snapshot: Good news for travelers under 25—you don’t need a car to reach this photogenic village above the clouds. Mürren, a car-free Swiss village perched high in the Alps, is now easier to reach thanks to the world’s steepest cable car. Between jaw-dropping mountain views, cozy chalets, and a rich skiing legacy, it’s a paradise for photographers looking to capture Alpine magic.

Key Takeaways:

• 🚡 Cable Car Thrills: Mürren's new cable car whisks you up 775m through breathtaking Alpine scenery in just four minutes.

• 🏔️ Winter Sports Legacy: Home to the world’s first slalom ski races and the Kandahar Ski Club, Mürren has a rich skiing history.

• 🌼 Summer Trails & Views: In summer, Mürren’s wildflower-strewn trails and paragliding spots offer unbeatable views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

• 🍷 Alpine Charm: From glühwein in cosy pubs to historic hotels like the Mürren Palace, the village blends tradition with comfort.

Check out the best attractions in Mürren.

MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY

The Best Smartphones for Photographers in 2025 🤳🏼 read the full article here

Article published: March 15, 2025

Snapshot: In 2025, the battle for the best smartphone for travel photographers is on! With the iPhone 16 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro, Samsung S25 Ultra, and OnePlus 13 all stepping up their game, picking the right one depends on what you're shooting. Whether you're capturing stunning landscapes, low-light scenes, or those Instagram-worthy portraits, there's a phone for every photographer’s style. Let’s break down which one takes the crown.

Key Takeaways:

• 📸 Pixel Perfection: The Google Pixel 9 Pro continues to deliver realistic colors and superb low-light shots, making it your go-to for all-around travel photos.

• 🎥 Pro Video: The Apple iPhone 16 Pro rules when it comes to video quality—4K 120p and ProRes support will have your travel vlogs looking cinematic.

• 🌙 Low-Light Master: The Samsung S25 Ultra is your night-time hero, offering incredible performance in dim conditions, with the bonus of raw file shooting for more control.

• 💸 Great Value, Great Shots: The OnePlus 13 is a budget-friendly option with solid night mode and portrait shots, perfect for capturing your travels without breaking the bank..

Here is the full comparison (with photo examples).

TRAVEL NEWS

Travel Demand Eases as Americans Face Economic Uncertainty 📉 read the full article here

Article published: March 16, 2025

Snapshot: Summer travel plans are looking a little murky as the economy takes its toll. With consumer confidence dipping and fears of a recession looming, even the most passionate travelers are tightening their belts. But there’s still hope for those seeking to capture the world through their lenses — budget-friendly adventures and potential travel deals may be the way forward for photographers on the hunt for the perfect shot.

Key Takeaways:

• 💸 Affordable Escapes: With a focus on shorter, regional trips, local destinations are becoming hidden gems for your next photo adventure.

• ✈️ Flights on Hold: Economic uncertainty is making travelers wait longer to book, so keep your eyes peeled for last-minute flight deals that might land you in a beautiful location for less.

• 📉 Spending Slump: While luxury travel may take a hit, there could be great opportunities for deals across mid-range and budget travel — perfect for snapping picturesque landscapes without the premium price tag.

• 🌍 Shifting Priorities: People are cutting back on extravagances, meaning your next shoot might involve the quiet beauty of domestic locations rather than crowded tourist spots.

Take a look at the full scoop on how the economy is reshaping summer travel plans.

PHOTOGRAPHY NEWS

Tourists are Illegally Riding This Train for Photos 🚂 read the full article here

Article published: March 13, 2025

Snapshot: Social media’s obsession with “bucket list” experiences is putting travelers at risk of breaking laws and exploiting cultures for the perfect shot. Case in point: tourists illegally riding atop a massive iron ore train in Mauritania for that ultimate desert photo. But is the photo worth the price — ethically, legally, and personally? It’s time to rethink what we’re willing to do for that perfect shot.

Key Takeaways:

• 🚫 Illegal Adventure: Despite a ban, travelers still climb atop the iron ore train in Mauritania, risking fines, injury, and exploitation for a photo op.

• ⚖️ Privilege at Play: Tourists bribe officials to access dangerous experiences while locals are forced to travel this same train out of necessity.

• 📸 For the Gram? The question arises — would you risk your safety or break laws if you couldn’t post the adventure on social media?

• 🌍 Ethical Travel Matters: Mauritania offers stunning beauty, but it’s vital to respect local laws and cultures, choosing responsible tourism over reckless stunts.

Instead, here are the best train trips in the world to take in 2025 (ethically certified by yours truly).

NEWS

What else is trending…

• Done with crowds? These are 7 alternatives to Europe’s most popular cities

• Sony World Photography Awards 2025 open competition winners & shortlist

• Stop counting countries! Here’s why.

• Read this if you want to up your street photography game

• This hidden gem is a top safari destination—here’s how to plan your trip

• Travel camera hunting? Here are some of the best options in 2025.

• This flash sale offers 30% off six iconic European cities

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 Cheng L., who captured a couple admiring the sunset behind St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Italy.

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.