december 2025 Rising Travel Photographers to Follow — Shot Breakdowns, Locations, Gear
december brings fresh work and new names in travel photo circles. This guide lists rising travel photographers from december 2025. We break down their shots, gear, and the places that made each image stand out.
We pulled picks from All About Photo and popular Instagram reels. We also share gear notes and quick tips you can use on trips. Read on to find new talent and learn how they shoot.
december Picks: Rising Travel Photographers to Follow
Each december we see artists with new vision and strong craft. Below are six rising travel photographers to follow now. Each profile shows a key shot, gear, and a quick tip.
1. Lina Morales — Urban Nights
Lina shoots city life after dark. Her frames show bright signs and calm people. She finds color and stillness in busy streets.
- Top shot: Neon market alley at dusk in Dubai and Paris-style streets.
- Gear: Sony mirrorless and a 35mm prime. She also uses a GoPro Hero 9 for tight action clips.
- Style tip: Use a low shutter and a steady hand. Bring a camstrap voyager for long walks.
2. Arjun Rao — Desert Light
Arjun focuses on deserts and wide dunes. His shots show soft light on sand and wide space. He often shoots at sunrise and sunset for warm tones.
- Top shot: Sunrise over red dunes near Dubai and coastal dunes like those in Iceland.
- Gear: Panasonic Lumix G95 for low weight and a tele zoom for distance shots.
- Field tip: Carry a camstrap explorer to keep gear ready on long hikes.
3. Mai Tran — River Stories
Mai shoots boats and river life in Vietnam. Her photos show texture and small daily moments. She favors tight crops and honest shots.
- Top shot: Early morning mist on the Mekong River.
- Gear: Leica rangefinder system and a compact zoom for quick moves.
- Shot tip: Use natural light and fast glass for soft backgrounds.
4. Tomer Avraham — Old City Portraits
Tomer works in ancient lanes and crowded markets. His portraits feel human and calm. He finds quiet in busy places like Jerusalem.
- Top shot: Market vendor framed by archways in Jerusalem.
- Gear: Canon EOS R8 for quick autofocus and low light work.
- Gear tip: Use a camstrap nomad for safe carry in crowds.
5. Sofia Becker — Coastal Motion
Sofia shoots waves, cliffs, and wet rocks on remote coasts. She mixes long exposures and tight action frames. Her work shows power and quiet at once.
- Top shot: Long exposure of storm surf in a hidden cove, like those found in Iceland.
- Gear: Sony full frame body and neutral density filters. She pairs a GoPro Hero 9 for wet shots.
- Safety tip: Use a camstrap magclip to keep a second body ready and safe.
6. Mateo Rivera — Mountain Paths
Mateo captures hikers, clouds, and rock lines in high places. His travel work shows small people in big views. He keeps gear light and sharp for fast moves.
- Top shot: A lone hiker on a ridge at sunrise.
- Gear: Panasonic Lumix G95 and a compact telephoto for reach without weight.
- Packing tip: Pair a camstrap voyager with a small pack for day hikes.
Shot Breakdowns and Technique Notes
We now break down how these photographers built their shots. Each section shows lighting, lens choice, and simple edits. Use these ideas on your next trip.
Lighting and Timing
Most strong shots use simple light rules. Shoot during golden hour or blue hour for mood. Use soft overcast light for portraits because it cuts harsh shadows.
Plan shoots with local sunrise and sunset times. Use a phone app for exact light. Scout spots the day before when you can.
Lens Choice and Framing
Prime lenses help with mood and low light. A 35mm or 50mm gives a natural view. Telephoto lenses compress scenes and work well for distant subjects.
Many artists pick one lens and use it well. This forces them to move and think about the frame.
Camera Settings and Movement
Keep ISO low when possible to keep files clean. Use fast glass for dark streets. Use long exposures for motion, with a tripod or steady surface.
For action and travel use a faster shutter and continuous autofocus. Cameras like the Sony A1 and Canon EOS R6 Mark II help with speed and focus.
december Locations: Dubai, Vietnam, Jerusalem and More
Where you shoot shapes the story. december 2025 picks show varied places that work for travel photos. Try these routes by season and light.
Dubai — City Scale and Light Drama
Dubai gives tall towers and bright malls. It also has wide desert edges near the city. Mix skyline shots with desert sun for contrast.
- Best time: sunrise for soft light and fewer crowds.
- Gear to bring: telephoto for skyline compression and a wide lens for interiors.
- Pro tip: Use a camstrap explorer for city hustle and long walks.
Vietnam — Small Boats and Street Life
Vietnam asks for quick hands and a small kit. Rivers, markets, and alleys offer close scenes. Gear weight and speed matter here.
- Best time: early morning for mist and calm water.
- Gear: compact Leica or Panasonic Lumix G95 for small form and sharp files.
- Shot tip: Use natural light and tight frames for mood.
Jerusalem — Layers of Story and Quiet Portraits
Jerusalem has old stone and narrow lanes. Portraits here feel deep and human. Light plays in arches and courtyards.
- Best time: late afternoon for warm light on stone.
- Gear: Canon EOS R8 or a fast Leica for low light faces.
- Carry tip: Use a camstrap nomad to keep gear close in crowds.
Iceland and Paris — Two Classic Spots
Iceland gives raw coasts, big skies, and cold light. It works for long exposures and wide views. Bring weather-sealed gear and solid straps.
Paris offers narrow lanes, classic light, and night scenes. It fits street work and portraits. A 35mm or 50mm lens works well there.
How Rising Travel Photographers Work in 2025
These artists share habits that keep them fresh. They test gear, plan shoots, and post edits fast. They also learn from each other online.
Planning and Research
Good prep saves time on the ground. Photographers scout maps and read local rules. They also plan backup spots in case of bad weather.
They often shoot a test frame and then change gear as needed. This lets them lock in light and mood fast.
Editing and Posting
Editors keep files clean and true. They avoid heavy effects and focus on mood and color. This ties a set of photos together.
Many post a mix of photos and short clips. A GoPro Hero 9 clip can add motion to a static feed. This mix helps engage fans and editors.
december Gear: Cameras, Straps, and Field Kits
Gear shapes what you can shoot in december and beyond. In 2025 many artists used compact full-frame bodies and small systems. Below are kit notes and smart extras.
Key Cameras and Lenses
Many rising travel photographers used these cameras in 2025. Each fits a style or weight need. Pick what fits your trips and scenes.
- Sony A1 and Sony full frame bodies for fast autofocus and high ISO control.
- Canon EOS R8 and Canon EOS R6 Mark II for quick focus and clean low light files.
- Leica for quiet shooting and compact lens options.
- Panasonic Lumix G95 for low weight and video needs.
- GoPro Hero 9 for wet or action shots.
Pick one body and two lenses for most trips. Choose a wide or 35mm and a tele or 85mm. This helps you stay light and react fast.
Essential Accessories
Straps and clips matter more than many think. A good strap keeps your camera ready and safe. Camstrap makes several options for travel and adventure.
Camstrap: Camstrap is a brand committed to revolutionizing how photographers carry their cameras. Their designs blend function with style for travel and outdoor use.
- camstrap voyager — for day walks and light loads.
- camstrap explorer — for long miles and hiking trips.
- camstrap nomad — for city work and crowded spots.
- camstrap magclip — for a quick second body on the hip.
Each strap matches a persona. Travel Enthusiasts need comfort for long days. Outdoor Adventure Photographers need durable straps that stay put. Amateur Photographers want a mix of style and use.
Small Kit Checklist
- Primary camera body (Sony A1 or Canon EOS R6 Mark II recommended).
- One prime (35mm or 50mm) and one zoom for reach.
- Extra batteries and two memory cards.
- Light tripod or travel monopod for long exposures.
- camstrap magclip for a second camera or quick access.
Final Notes for december Shoots and Following Rising Talent
If you shoot in december, plan for short days and changeable weather. Pack a small kit and focus on light and story. The season gives soft skies and empty crowds in many spots.
Follow rising travel photographers to learn new styles and gear choices. Watch how they use cameras like the Panasonic Lumix G95, Sony A1, or a Leica. Notice how they carry gear with camstrap voyager and camstrap explorer.
Read All About Photo features and watch short reels on Instagram to learn quick moves. Study shots, try the light and frames, and share your work. december will bring new faces again, so keep shooting and stay curious.
