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 best travel destinations in North America & the Caribbean in 2025

• Sony unveils new A1 II flagship camera

• This overlooked German region deserves the spotlight

• Canadian pet photographer wins international award

Read time: 5 minutes

DESTINATIONS

The Best Travel Destinations in North America & the Caribbean in 2025 🌎 read the full article here

Article published: November 15, 2024

Snapshot: Shoutout to the NW hemisphere. CN Traveler released a list of 2025’s most travel-worthy locales across North America and the Caribbean. From the icy landscapes of Alaska to the vibrant streets of Cuba, this year’s top destinations offer a mix of dramatic scenery, cultural depth, and unique opportunities for travelers.

Key Destinations:

• Alaska: Celebrate Alaska’s centennial with iconic photography moments like the Iditarod Sled Dog Race and Glacier Bay’s icy grandeur. Capture brown bears at Kodiak Island or cruise the fjords under the midnight sun.

• Barbuda: Barbuda’s pristine beaches and turquoise waters are a dream for photographers. Stay in eco-luxe spots like Barbuda Belle and capture unspoiled beauty far from the crowds.

• Greenland: Direct flights to Nuuk open up Greenland’s icy landscapes. Photograph Ilulissat’s towering icebergs, the northern lights, and Arctic communities along the Disko Bay.

• Cuba: Havana’s colorful streets and vintage cars make for vibrant portraits. Venture to Viñales for tobacco fields and stunning limestone cliffs, or capture Trinidad’s colonial charm.

The Verdict: Whether you’re chasing the northern lights, remote island tranquility, or glacial grandeur, 2025 promises unforgettable travel photography opportunities. With easier access and new experiences, these destinations are ready to inspire your next adventure. And unless you want to catch some rays with the light from your viewfinder, I would recommend visiting Alaska and Greenland post-February.

GEAR

Sony Unveils New A1 II Flagship Camera 📸 read the full article here

Article published: November 19, 2024

Snapshot: Sony has just dropped the A1 II, a flagship camera so advanced it might as well have a passport. With cutting-edge autofocus and jaw-dropping image quality, it’s here to make sure your travel shots don’t just wow your followers—but make them rethink their 9-to-5.

Key Takeaways:

• Autofocus That Gets It: Sony’s new AI-powered autofocus can now detect multiple subjects in one shot—no more switching modes or losing precious moments.

• All the Pixels, All the Glory: 50.1MP stills, 8K video, and a 199MP composite mode—because sometimes you need to capture every leaf on the tree.

• Built to Roam: A comfier grip and a 4-axis tilt screen mean no more wrist yoga while shooting over cliffs or dodging street performers.

• Ready to Share (or Brag): Dual Wi-Fi antennas and lightning-fast card slots keep you connected. Perfect for uploading your masterpiece before anyone knows they were on their bad side.

The Verdict: The Sony a1 II is more than a camera—it’s your travel sidekick that never asks for snacks or directions. With AI smarts, absurd resolution, and video that could outshine Hollywood, it’s perfect for those “I woke up like this” sunrise shots. At $6,499, it might cost more than your next trip, but at least it’ll make sure you remember it in excruciating detail.

HIDDEN GEMS

This Overlooked German Regions Deserves the Spotlight 🇩🇪 read the full article here

Article published: November 14, 2024

Snapshot: While everyone flocks to Berlin and Munich, Saxony is like the cool, quiet cousin at the family reunion—rich in history, culture, and scenic views. From soaring cathedrals to rock formations that look like they belong in a fantasy movie, this eastern German gem is practically begging for a spot on your travel bucket list.

Key Takeaways:

• Historical Heartbeat: Dresden’s a city that’s been through a lot, from being bombed to bouncing back with baroque glory. You’ll find timeless spots like the Frauenkirche, perfect for capturing centuries of resilience.

• Dynamic Cities: Leipzig is like that trendy café everyone’s talking about—full of old-world charm mixed with modern flair. Think art galleries, trade fairs, and enough photo ops to make your Instagram explode.

• Natural Beauty: Saxon Switzerland isn’t just for hikers—it's for photographers too. The Bastei Bridge and Königstein Fortress are like nature’s version of a movie set.

• Underrated Charm: Bautzen is like a medieval theme park, but real. Between Sorbian culture, winding streets, and festivals, you’ll never run out of unique things to see and do.

The Verdict: Saxony might just be Germany’s best-kept secret. Whether you’re chasing history, landscapes, or quirky old towns, this underrated region offers endless potential. Just be ready: you’ll probably fall in love with its charm—and its lack of tourists—and wonder why you didn’t discover it sooner.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Canadian Pet Photographer Wins International Award 🐕 read the full article here

Article published: November 18, 2024

Snapshot: From pharmacy assistant to award-winning pet photographer, Andrea Wafler has made the leap from prescription pads to pet portraits. In just three years, her shots of dogs in the wild have earned international acclaim—proving that even fur-tography can be a serious art form. With 60,000+ social media followers and clients flying in from as far as Kansas, Wafler's photos are a dog's best friend.

Key Takeaways:

• Golden Hour for Dogs: Wafler’s portraits capture the essence of her subjects with remarkable timing—like her shot of Everest the husky, a moment frozen in the wild, featuring the perfect glance and a lifted paw.

• Mountains as Backdrops: Wafler’s shooting locations around Chilliwack Lake and the B.C. wilderness offer photographers a treasure trove of landscapes, from lush forests to serene lakesides.

• Candid Yet Captivating: What started as casual snaps of her own dog, Callie, evolved into a purposeful approach to capturing dogs in their natural environments, offering lessons in composition and natural lighting.

• Photography as a Business: Wafler’s business model shows the power of social media—what began as a hobby turned into a thriving photography venture, proving there’s a growing demand for pet photography.

The Verdict: For photographers who love dogs (or simply want to learn how to make nature and pets look this good), Wafler’s journey is pure inspo. Whether you’re snapping your own dog or chasing that perfect wilderness shot, her work offers both technique and emotion. Just don't forget to bring treats—these dogs drive a hard bargain.

NEWS

What’s trending…

• Exchange rates are making these countries more affordable than ever

• This compact film camera could be the ‘next big thing’

• Travelers are starting to flock to this less-visited Moroccan city

• Feeling lucky? These are the best photography competitions to enter in 2024

• Here are 15 things to do in the Westfjords of Iceland

• Photoshop tutorial—when to use curves vs. levels

• Tokyo tour guide offers their best tips for avoiding crowds in Japan

TIPS

For your next adventure

💥 Travel smarter: these are the 15 best U.S. airports for finding cheap flights

💥 Creative savings: Adobe knocks $359 off all creative cloud apps

💥 Economy row: 9 of the coolest free perks for ‘back-of-the-plane’ passengers

💥 Flying high: check out these epic Black Friday drone deals (feat. DJI)

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 Sooi M., who captured an awaiting tuktuk driver in Bangkok, Thailand.

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.