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

• Why Dakar, Senegal tops a travel photographer’s list 

• The ideal travel camera setup involves three cameras

• You should visit these three wild U.S. sites before they’re gone

• Australian surf photographer offers youth mentorship program

Read time: 5 minutes

TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY

Why Dakar, Senegal Tops a Travel Photographer’s List 🇸🇳 read the full article here

Article published: December 9, 2024

Snapshot: In Dakar, style isn’t reserved for the runway; it’s everywhere you look—on the streets, in the architecture, and even in the bougainvillea-lined alleys. South African photographer Trevor Stuurman’s love affair with Senegal’s vibrant capital is as bold and effortless as the city itself, where every corner feels like a living art gallery and every moment, a photo waiting to happen.

Key Takeaways :

• A Style Capital: Dakar’s creative energy oozes from its streets and people. From bold boubous to iconic landmarks, style is a daily celebration here.

• Visual Poetry: Stuurman’s lens captures Dakar’s seamless blend of fashion and architecture—where the colors of a turban echo a mosque’s hues, and woven mats transform construction sites into art.

• A Living Museum: From the historic Gorée Island to the striking African Renaissance Monument, Dakar’s layers of history and resilience provide profound moments for photographers.

• Endless Inspiration: Whether it’s Khadija Aisha Ba’s avant-garde designs or impromptu roadside discoveries, Dakar is a city that inspires photographers to look closer and think deeper.

The Verdict: Dakar isn’t just a destination—it’s a muse. For travel photographers, the city is a dreamscape of effortless beauty, deep cultural roots, and vibrant energy. Pack your camera, leave room for spontaneity, and let Dakar’s cluster of colors, patterns, and stories spark your next great shot. So when are you going?

GEAR

The Ideal Travel Camera Setup Involves Three Cameras 📸 read the full article here

Article published: December 6, 2024

Snapshot: Choosing the perfect travel camera is like picking your best man—you’re hoping it won’t let you down, there are some backup options, and you might lose them after a couple of drinks. But what if the answer isn’t a camera but a team of them? This clever “travel trifecta” of action cams, drones, and 360-degree magic will have your adventures looking sharper than your tan lines.

Key Takeaways:

• Action Shots, Sorted: The GoPro Hero 13 and Insta360 Ace Pro 2 are designed for extreme sports and underwater adventures.

• Anti-Awkward Photos: The Insta360 Ace Pro 2’s flip screen and 50MP photo capabilities make it a perfect choice for those who want amazing photos without relying on strangers or self-timers.

• Quick Aerial Shots: The DJI Neo provides easy, cinematic drone footage without the need for drone expertise. At just 135 g, the Neo is light and portable making it an ideal travel companion.

• Drone-Free? No Problem: The Insta360 X4 mimics the drone experience without the hassle of flying restrictions, perfect for capturing sweeping shots when drones aren’t an option.

The Verdict: The "perfect" travel camera kit may not be just one device, but a well-thought-out combination that covers all your bases. Whether you’re after stunning action shots, scenic timelapses, or a creative workaround for drone bans, this trifecta can deliver. It might take up more space than a single camera, but in exchange, you get the flexibility and quality to capture everything your wanderlust-filled heart desires.

DESTINATIONS

Visit These Three Wild U.S. Sites Before They’re Gone 🌲 read the full article here

Article published: December 9, 2024

Snapshot: Forget Jackson Hole and Maui—it's time to explore some of the last true wild places in the U.S. From Arctic tundras to sacred marine sanctuaries, these hidden gems offer jaw-dropping landscapes, wildlife shots, and opportunities to support conservation efforts. Visiting these pristine spots not only fuels your wanderlust but also helps protect the Indigenous lands that have been guardians of these places for centuries.

Key Takeaways:

• Untamed Beauty: The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary in California, and Fones Cliffs in Virginia are some of the U.S.'s last wild frontiers.

• Support Conservation: By visiting these protected sites, you're helping support efforts to preserve biodiversity, prevent development, and promote sustainable travel.

• Indigenous Stewardship: At these locations, Indigenous communities are at the forefront of conservation, from the Iñupiat and Gwich’in in Alaska to the Chumash in California.

• Epic Landscapes, Rare Wildlife: Whether you’re photographing the Arctic’s caribou or the Chumash’s marine life, these areas are home to rare species and breathtaking scenery that should be on every photographer's bucket list.

The Verdict: Ready to swap the crowded tourist traps for places where the wilderness still reigns? These wild spots offer more than just amazing photos—they’re an invitation to help protect and preserve some of the last truly untouched landscapes in the U.S. So pack your gear, and be a part of the movement that keeps these places wild for generations to come. Time to save the turtles!

PHOTOGRAPHY

Australian Surf Photographer Offers Youth Mentorship Program 🌊 read the full article here

Article published: December 9, 2024

Snapshot: In the vast and remote West Australian desert, renowned surf photographer Russell Ord is shining a light on the creative talents of disadvantaged school kids. Through his Desert Light Foundation, he’s turning a passion for photography into a life-changing opportunity for young people who might not otherwise have access to artistic outlets. Crikey mate!

Key Takeaways:

• Photography for Good: Russell Ord’s Desert Light Foundation is providing underprivileged kids in Western Australia with the tools and skills to express themselves through photography, making creativity a lifeline.

• Lessons Beyond the Lens: While the kids are snapping photos, they’re also gaining resilience, self-expression, and a sense of belonging. Who knew a camera could double as a tool for emotional growth?

• Island Help: With support from Fuji, the foundation is giving students semi-professional gear, allowing them to shoot, edit, and even print their own work.

• Capturing the Unexpected: From photos of basketball hoops to portraits that will make a pro jealous, the students are not just learning photography—they’re creating art that could rival any professional shoot.

The Verdict: Russell Ord’s Desert Light Foundation proves that photography isn’t just about snapping pretty pictures—it’s about creating opportunities and sparking creativity where it’s needed most. By empowering young people in remote Australia, he’s turning the desert into a canvas for self-expression, resilience, and connection. If you’re looking for some travel inspiration that’s both impactful and photogenic, check out the Desert Light Foundation’s work.

NEWS

What’s trending…

• Flights to Japan and the Caribbean are at a three-year low, according to Kayak

• 5 essential everyday carry accessories for photographers

• U.S. travelers will require authorization to enter the UK in 2025

• Creative photography techniques for capturing famous locations

• The world’s top 23 destinations for solo travelers

• Modern specs with a retro feel—check out the Hasselblad 907X

• This is the best time to visit New Zealand for fewer crowds and great weather

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 Yoav A., who captured the Church of Trinity in the highlands of Kazbegi, Georgia.

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.