Happy new year, 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

• Photographer shoots 20,000 photos from window on US train trip

• A step-by-step guide to apply for Global Entry

• The key to becoming an unforgettable photographer

• Discover real-life Middle-earth along the Tolkein trail

Read time: 5 minutes

TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY

Photographer Shoots 20,000 Photos from Window on US Train Trip 🚂 read the full article here

Article published: December 30, 2024

Snapshot: What do you get when you mix a cross-country train journey, a long lens, and a father-daughter duo armed with walkie-talkies? Katie Edwards’ Portrait of America—a photographic project capturing 20,000 fleeting moments from train windows as she traveled nearly 10,000 miles across the US. From sunlit landscapes to serendipitous scenes, Katie’s work proves that travel photography is as much about timing as it is about the thrill of discovery.

Key Takeaways:

• A Natural Frame: The dark vestibule and bright train window naturally framed Katie’s shots, creating a cinematic effect that made each photo feel like a scene from a movie.

• Fast Gear, Sharp Shots: With her Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 lens and a 1/8000 sec shutter speed, Katie avoided motion blur and captured every fleeting moment in crisp detail.

• DIY Genius: Katie’s cardboard light blocker, secured with Velcro, eliminated reflections on the window and allowed her to focus on capturing clear shots.

• Spotter Support: Her dad’s walkie-talkie guidance from further up the train ensured Katie was ready to snap breathtaking scenes before they vanished from view.

The Verdict: Katie’s Portrait of America isn’t just a photography project—it’s a testament to the magic of slowing down and observing the world through a moving frame. For photographers, her story is a reminder that inspiration often lies in the overlooked: a train’s dirty window, a fleeting shadow, or a well-timed callout from a co-adventurer.

TRAVEL ADVICE

A Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Global Entry 🌎 read the full article here

Article published: December 27, 2024

Snapshot: Waiting in customs lines is like forgetting a house key after a long car ride—are you really home yet? But with Global Entry, you can skip the chaos, breeze through customs, and save your energy for capturing the perfect shot. Think of it as the fast pass every traveler didn’t know they needed—because let’s face it, jet lag and long lines don’t make anyone happy.

Key Takeaways:

• Fast-Track to Freedom: Global Entry grants quicker entry into the U.S. after international travel—goodbye long customs lines.

• TSA PreCheck Perk: Membership includes TSA PreCheck, saving time both on arrival and before your flight.

• Eligibility Rules: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and citizens from 15 countries can apply, but criminal records or incomplete applications may disqualify you.

• Free Membership Option: Many premium travel cards cover the $120 fee, so you can skip the cost while enjoying the perks.

The Verdict: Global Entry isn’t just a time-saver; it’s a sanity-saver for travel photographers who value efficiency as much as composition. Whether you’re racing to an epic sunrise or heading home after a packed assignment, the program ensures customs lines won’t keep you from the shots that matter. So, snag that fast pass, skip the stress, and let your travel stories shine.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

The Key to Becoming an Unforgettable Photographer ✅ read the full article here

Article published: December 25, 2024

Snapshot: In a world awash with countless images and smartphones masquerading as cameras, being a memorable photographer is like being a Michelin-starred chef at a taco truck in rural Mexico: it’s all about intentionality. By slowing down, thinking deeply, and shooting with purpose, photographers can turn their images into art that lingers in viewers’ minds longer than the average TikTok scroll.

Key Takeaways:

• Shoot With Purpose: Approach photography with clear intentions. Decide what story or emotion you want to convey before clicking the shutter.

• Quality Over Quantity: Focus on creating a cohesive body of work by curating images that align with a central theme or vision, rather than snapping aimlessly.

• Embrace Flexibility: Start with a clear goal, but remain open to unexpected opportunities that can add depth or new perspectives to your narrative.

• Make It Personal: Your photography is your voice. Developing intentionality means identifying patterns in your work, refining your style, and letting your photos speak to your experiences.

The Verdict: Intentionality is the secret sauce to creating images that speak louder than words. It’s not about snapping the Eiffel Tower like a thousand others—it’s about capturing the way its shadow falls on a quiet street corner at dawn. By embracing purpose, photographers elevate their craft and turn fleeting moments into lasting impressions. So next time you’re in the field, ask yourself: what’s your photo really saying?

DESTINATIONS

Discover Real-Life Middle-Earth Along the Tolkein Trail 💍 read the full article here

Article published: December 29, 2024

Snapshot: Middle-earth may be a fictional realm, but its landscapes are grounded in reality. From England’s lush Ribble Valley to New Zealand’s Fiordland, Tolkien’s inspirations for The Lord of the Rings and The Rings of Power are a treasure trove for travel photographers. These locations don’t just echo Middle-earth’s magic; they practically invite you to step into the pages of the epic saga, camera in hand.

Key Takeaways:

• A Hobbit’s Home: Lancashire’s Tolkien Trail mirrors the idyllic Shire, complete with historic bridges and lush countryside. Even the names, like the Shireburns, hint at their hobbit ties.

• Magical Caves: Cheddar Gorge’s sparkling formations inspired the Glittering Caves of Helm’s Deep—a photographer’s dream.

• Epic Highs and Lows: Tenerife’s Teide National Park captures the eerie desolation of Rhûn, while New Zealand’s Fiordland boasts the untamed beauty of Fangorn Forest and the mighty River Anduin.

• Iconic Doors and Troll Encounters: From the yew-flanked doorway of St. Edward’s Church to Denize Bluffs’ Trollshaws, Tolkien fans will find photo ops that scream “Middle-earth magic.”

The Verdict: Middle-earth may not appear on any map, but Tolkien’s inspirations bring its charm to life across the globe. For travel photographers, these landscapes offer a chance to channel their inner adventurer and immortalize the otherworldly beauty that inspired the legendary tales. So grab your gear, embrace your inner hobbit, and set out on a Tolkien trail.

NEWS

What’s trending…

• These hidden gems are 2025’s best destinations according to travel planners

• 20 must-listen photography podcasts for 2025

• Alaska Airlines to launch new international routes in 2025

• Check out these landscape photography tips to try out in the new year

• Planning to travel in 2025? Don’t miss these key changes

• See these aerial views of Kazakhstan’s Mangystau Plateau

• 10 travel products to skip—and to buy—in 2025

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 Hasan A., who captured a man enjoying a beverage in Yazd, Iran.

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.