Welcome, travel photographers!

Welcome to Global Shutter—a weekly dive into the latest news, trends, and quirky stories from the world of travel photography. As this is my first edition of the newsletter, I have compiled articles from the entire month of September (cut me some slack 😅).

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

• Discover whether the iPhone 16 can truly replace your travel camera

• Explore two of the most beautiful fall foliage destinations in the US - where should you aim your lens this season?

• Get an early look at Peak Design’s upcoming outdoor backpack.

• See the top Winter Travel Trends for U.S. Adventurers, Revealed by Google Flights.

• Plus, more travel photography news and tips!

Read time: 4 minutes

In the News

Will the iPhone 16 replace your travel camera? 📱 read the full article here

Article published: September 10, 2024

Snapshot: Apple has just dropped the iPhone 16 series, and it's packed with features that could be a game-changer for travel photographers. Here’s why you might want to consider draining your wallet upgrading your gear.

Key Takeaways:

• Longer Battery Life: Up to 33 hours of video playback on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, and up to 27 hours on the iPhone 16 Pro.

• Advanced Camera: The iPhone 16 Pro models feature a 48MP Fusion camera and 48MP Ultra Wide camera, with improved low-light performance and 4K120fps slow-motion video.

• Durable Build: Larger screens (6.3 inches on the Pro, 6.9 inches on the Pro Max) and tougher Ceramic Shield for better durability.

• Smart Features: Camera Control for quick info on surroundings and Emergency SOS via satellite for safety in remote areas.

• Pricing and Availability: Starts at $799 for the iPhone 16, with the iPhone 16 Plus, Pro, and Pro Max at $899, $999, and $1,199. Available today.

The Verdict: The iPhone 16 series offers significant upgrades that can enhance your photo and video capabilities, provide durability on the go, and offer new smart features to enrich your travel experience. It won’t be as sharp as a high-end mirrorless or DSLR, but Apple is definitely closing that gap. If you are looking for a do-everything, minimal, portable camera, I say ‘why not?’.

Ultimate Fall Foliage Face-off: New England vs. Colorado 🍂 read the full article here

Article published: September 11, 2024

Snapshot: It’s the beginning of fall, which means pumpkin spice lattes and chunky knit sweaters are soon to take over. But there’s one burning question: Where should you head for the best fall foliage experience? Travel writers Lauren Breedlove and Sarah Kuta go head-to-head, with New England and Colorado as their battlegrounds. Here’s the breakdown for photographers looking to capture that autumn magic.

New England:

• Vibrant Colors: Red and sugar maples provide stunning reds and oranges.

• Diverse Landscapes: Lakes, mountains, and coastal views offer varied photo ops.

• Cozy Vibes: Historic towns with farmstands and covered bridges enhance the fall experience.

Colorado:

• Golden Aspens: Iconic quaking aspens create a striking golden-yellow landscape.

• Majestic Mountains: The Rockies offer dramatic backdrops with contrasting evergreens.

• Wild Beauty: Perfect for capturing rugged, remote landscapes.

The Verdict: New England’s rich colors and accessible, diverse landscapes make it ideal for those seeking classic fall photography. Colorado’s golden aspens and majestic mountains provide a unique, dramatic setting—seemingly better for that ‘adventure’ aesthetic. Both are incredible, but I would slight on the side of New England. Not only is there superior color variety, but it gives off a charming, colonial vibe.

Peak Design’s Outdoor Backpack to Launch in 2025 🎒 read the full article here

Article published: September 4, 2024

Snapshot: Peak Design is back with an all-new Outdoor Line of backpacks designed for adventure photographers. Packed with features and built to endure, these bags could be your next must-have for quick trips or extended treks. Check them out on Kickstarter.

Key Takeaways:

• Outdoor-Ready Design: The line includes 25L and 45L rolltop backpacks, plus 7L and 2L slings, all made with rugged 210D ripstop and waterproof sections.

• Organization and Modularity: Features like top access, zippered back panel, multiple pockets, and compatibility with Peak Design’s camera cubes make packing easy and accessible.

• Durability Meets Comfort: Both the 25L and 45L backpacks are quite sturdy with adjustable straps and a removable hipbelt (45L only).

• Great for Travel: Despite being an outdoor bag, the 45L is carry-on friendly, making it a versatile pick for both travel and hikes.

The Verdict: Peak Design’s Outdoor Backpack blends durability, thoughtful design, and camera-friendly features into one excellent adventure pack. While not the lightest (3 lbs 15 oz according to Peak Design), it’s a top choice for outdoor photographers who prioritize organization and accessibility. But hey—think of it as a good excuse to skip leg day.

Top Winter Flight Trends for U.S. Travelers ❄️ read the full article here

Article published: September 13, 2024

Snapshot: Americans have already locked in their travel plans for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, with data from Google Flights revealing their top destinations. Whether domestic or international, here’s where they’re heading and when to book for the best deals.

Key Takeaways:

• Thanksgiving Travel: Popular U.S. spots include Orlando, New York, Miami, Phoenix, Puerto Rico, and Los Angeles. Internationally, Americans are jetting to Cancun, Tokyo, London, Paris, Mumbai, Bangkok, and Rome.

• Christmas & New Year’s Travel: For the holidays, U.S. travelers are focusing on Orlando, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, while international favorites include Tokyo, London, Paris, Sydney, and Rome.

• Top Destinations: Orlando remains the most popular choice, followed by Cancun and New York across both holidays.

• When to Book: For the best prices, book Thanksgiving flights in early October, and lock in your Christmas and New Year’s trips by late October. Google Flights has a handy tool to help you find the cheapest times to book.

The Verdict: If you’re planning to travel this holiday season, expect many Americans to stick to domestic locations, with Orlando being a top pick. International travel is more popular for Christmas and New Year’s, so snag those flights early—especially if you’ve got your sights set on Tokyo or London. Nothing says 'holiday spirit' like battling over the last window seat.

What Else is Trending?

• The Skift put together 2024’s biggest travel trends - explained with charts.

• Capture Autumn’s Magic: Toma Bonciu Shares Top Tips for Fall Landscape Photography.

• Yellowstone Tourists Block Grizzly Bear for Photos: Watch the Shocking Moment on Instagram.

• The North Face and Comme des Garçons team up for an exclusive collection.

• See Flickr’s biggest World Photography Day Contest winners.

Shot of the Week

PHOTOGRAPHY

Since it's the debut edition of 'Shot of the Week,' I figured I'd kick things off with a photo from... well, yours truly! I promise, next time it'll be one of your masterpieces stealing the spotlight. But for now, let's just say I’ve set the bar—hopefully not too high!

Not bad, right? Okay, okay, I’ll admit, the competition is about to get a lot tougher once your amazing shots start rolling in. Can’t wait to see what you've got next week!

Final Frame

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.