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

• Is the US becoming a no-go zone for travelers?

• This man captured the viral Olympic surf photo—but it’s not his favorite

• Centuries-old trails reopen for modern explorers

• Germany declares film photography a cultural heritage

Read time: 5 minutes

TRAVEL NEWS

Is the US Becoming a No-Go Zone for Travelers? ⚠️ read the full article here

Article published: March 31, 2025

Snapshot: We get it—there are always a ton of places vying for your next travel snap. But lately, the U.S. is getting the cold shoulder from some international travelers. With mounting travel warnings and a shift in global vibes, many are swapping their American vacation plans for sunnier (and friendlier) destinations. So, what’s going on? Here's the lowdown:

As the U.S. gets a little more intense on border security and a lot more combative with foreign policy, some visitors are rethinking their trips. Canadian and European tourists, in particular, are hesitant to cross the border, spurred by President Trump’s new policies, including tariffs, immigration crackdowns, and general political tension. The result? A growing travel boycott, especially among our neighbors to the north.

Key Takeaways:

• 🇨🇦 Canada’s Cold Shoulder: With 20 million Canadians visiting the U.S. yearly, a 20% drop in February shows the impact. Losing those visitors means big bucks for U.S. businesses.

• 🚨 Safety Concerns: Travelers worry about getting stuck at the border, with increased detentions and tougher security. Many are heading to countries like Portugal and Mexico instead.

• 💸 Economic Fallout: A 10% drop in Canadian visitors could cost the U.S. $2.1 billion. Small businesses are feeling the pinch, especially in tourism-heavy areas.

• 🌍 Cultural and Economic Loss: If travelers, artists, and entrepreneurs continue avoiding the U.S., it could hurt innovation and the country's global reputation.

Bottom line: The U.S. is seeing some serious travel tension. If you're still planning on crossing the border, just be prepared for a potential border security drama—and a possibly different vacation vibe.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Remember that Surf Photo from the Olympics? 🌊 read the full article here

Article published: April 1, 2025

Snapshot: Meet Jerome Brouillet, the photographer behind one of the most viral surf photos of the Olympics. While he’s made waves (pun intended) with his work, he’s also got some thoughts on what makes a perfect surf shot and how his love for sports, adventure, and nature drives his work. But hey, not all of his best moments come from surfing, as you'll soon see. Here’s the inside scoop on his journey:

Jerome, a self-taught photographer from southern France, found himself in Tahiti because of his love for surfing and a bit of romance. He’s carved out a unique niche in the surf photography world, capturing the raw beauty of waves at Teahupo’o, one of the most iconic surf spots. But it wasn’t until he shot the Olympics that his career took an unexpected viral turn.

Key Takeaways:

• 🌊 Passion Fuels the Lens: Jerome’s photography is all about capturing the raw energy of sports—especially surfing. His love for the sport shines through in every shot.

• 🚤 Teahupo’o’s Waves Are Wild: Shooting from a boat in one of the most iconic surf spots means a lot of time on the water and exposure to the elements. But hey, that’s where the magic happens.

• 📸 That Viral Shot: Jerome didn’t know his shot of Gabriel Medina would go viral, but the moment of pure emotion was too good to ignore. It’s a reminder that sometimes it’s not about the perfect action shot.

• 🖼️ Print Is the New Digital: Jerome’s now focused on getting his work into galleries, proving that some moments deserve to be seen in print—where every detail pops.

Bottom line: Whether it’s catching a wave or capturing a golden moment, Jerome’s journey reminds us that it’s about the feeling you capture, not just the perfect shot.

DESTINATION INSPIRATION

Centuries Old Trails Reopen for Modern Explorers 🥾 read the full article here

Article published: April 1, 2025

Snapshot: Picture this: You’re walking in the footsteps of monks, tea merchants, and traders from centuries ago—feeling the ancient vibe, soaking in the views, and snapping photos that have historical significance. Welcome to the world of ancient trails. From the lush mountains of Yunnan, China, to the deserts of Jordan, these trails not only offer scenic hikes but also connect travelers with cultural history and local heritage. So, what’s the deal with these ancient paths? Let’s break it down:

In Yunnan, China, the Tea Horse Road, once a bustling trade route, has now become a must-visit for hikers wanting to reconnect with the land and history. Mei Zhang, founder of WildChina, is leading the charge in revitalizing this and other forgotten paths across China. But it’s not just Yunnan—around the globe, people are rediscovering ancient trails that tell stories of past civilizations and offer a new form of "slow travel."

Key Takeaways:

• ⛰️ Walk Through History: These trails aren’t just for nature lovers—they’re for history buffs who want to walk the paths once used by monks, traders, and nomads, like the Tea Horse Road in Yunnan or the Trans-Bhutan Trail.

• 🌍 Global Trail Renaissance: From the Finnskogleden in Sweden to the Wadi Rum Trail in Jordan, ancient paths are making a major comeback. It’s all about experiencing the local culture and history through your hiking boots.

• 👣 Trail as Heritage: These trails preserve the past and keep traditions alive. In places like Bhutan, they’re not just walking paths—they’re lifelines for communities and a way to keep young locals from migrating to cities.

• 📸 Perfect for Photographers: From the mountains of Yunnan to the desert landscapes of Jordan, these trails offer endless opportunities to snap shots of nature, culture, and history all in one frame.

Bottom line: Hiking ancient trails is more than just a walk in the park—it's an immersion into the past, with all the history, culture, and photo ops that come with it. So, lace up your boots and grab that camera—you’ll be walking through history, one step at a time.

HISTORY

Germany Declares Film Photography a Cultural Heritage 🇩🇪 read the full article here

Article published: March 31, 2025

Snapshot: Big news in the photography world: Germany just helped analog photography score a major cultural win. Thanks to the hard work of the German Photo Council, analog photography is now officially recognized as part of the country's cultural heritage. It’s a step toward global recognition, with the potential to be included in UNESCO’s prestigious Intangible Cultural Heritage list. And this isn't just about film cameras—it’s about preserving a key part of how we capture, share, and celebrate culture. So, what's all the buzz about? Here's the breakdown:

Analog photography, once on the verge of fading into the past, is being championed as a living cultural tradition. With this new recognition in Germany, the classic art form could soon join the ranks of other world treasures like Irish harping and beekeeping. But how did this happen? The German Photo Council, along with some key cultural leaders, pushed for this recognition, and they’re now one step closer to getting analog photography into the UNESCO spotlight.

Key Takeaways:

• 📸 Film Photography Gets a Gold Star: Analog photography is officially a cultural treasure in Germany and may soon be on its way to UNESCO recognition. It’s about preserving the craftsmanship and knowledge behind the art form for future generations.

• 🌍 Global Implications: If UNESCO gives it the nod, analog photography could join the ranks of other iconic traditions. Think of it as getting inducted into the photography Hall of Fame.

• 🎞️ A Storied Tradition: From the Apollo 11 landing to the everyday moments that define life, analog photography has captured pivotal moments in history. Now, it’s getting the recognition it deserves.

• 🧠 Preserving Skills for the Future: This recognition isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about passing down the knowledge and skills of analog photography to new generations, ensuring it doesn't fade into oblivion.

Bottom line: Analog photography isn’t just for vintage lovers—it’s a cultural legacy. With this major step toward UNESCO recognition, it's clear that film photography isn't just a medium; it's a movement. Get ready for some serious appreciation for the art form that keeps on giving.

NEWS

What else is trending…

• 23 must-visit destinations for your summer bucket list

• Your travel photography guide: tips for any location or subject

• Nomadic Matt’s guide to traveling the world on $75 a day

• Apple’s Photos app offers three underrated AI features

• US travel warning map: see the safest and most dangerous countries to visit

• TechRadar’s top travel camera just hit a record-low price

• She visited 60+ countries before 30, but there are 5 they won’t return to

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 Paul I., who captured the beautiful midday colors of Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona.

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

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