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First Off, Ask Yourself, Do I need a Tripod?

This all depends on your subject.

My high school hobby transitioned into shooting weddings after college. Then it took almost a decade before I quit weddings so that my main focus could be shooting travel photos.

When we shot weddings, we were moving quickly from moment to moment. A tripod just slowed us down, so we only used it for the more formal moments. During our travels, we adopted the same habit of being on the move.

Even still, a tripod follows us on all our trips, but it mostly stays at the hotel unless we know we’re shooting specific types of photos that day.

The photo below isn’t the best photo (we took it with an iPhone and it was getting dark), but it’s one of the very few photos I could find of me using a tripod.

When You Need a Tripod

1. Landscape Photos – To stack multiple images for HDR or during sunrise and sunset images where there isn’t enough light and we want to expose longer for color.
2. Water – Long exposure of waterfalls, beaches, etc makes it silky smooth.
3. To Capture Movement – It doesn’t just have to be moving water. You can capture movement in other things like clouds, stars, cars, people walking, or bird wings fluttering.
4. Self-Portraits – mainly when we want to have both of us in the photos, but it’s also perfect for solo travelers. PRO TIP: Instead of running back and forth with the timer.
5. Using a Telephoto Lens – I especially have a hard time keeping it steady since it’s heavy, and I’m a small person. I need to shoot at least 1/400 handheld even if it’s image-stabilized or all my photos will come out blurry.
6. Astrophotography and Night
7. Timelapse
8. Video – to have a nice locked off shot
9. As a Mount – for accessories like flash (although we did this more when we shot weddings)
10. To Get Rid Crowds – if you’re in a busy area where there are tons of people moving around, you can take a lot of consecutive shots, layer all your photos, and edit them out. This doesn’t always work if people stay in the same spot in the shot the entire time.
11. Increase Image Quality – Keeping the camera ISO low to increase the quality of images. However, this is pretty rare for us since cameras these days are so good.

Some of these you can still manage handheld and deal with in post, but it will make editing a longer, annoying process.

See More: 15 Best Travel Backpacks You Need to Check Out

The 5 Best Travel Tripods

1. Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod (Editor’s Choice) →

The Peak Design Travel Tripod is the newest, innovative tripod to hit the market and is truly a game-changer!

They’ve completely redesigned how you can use a tripod, and the first thing you’ll notice is that it collapses without wasting space. It comes with exciting features, including a reversible center column, a new ball-head design with no knobs, a built-in cellphone mount, and more.

We tested it at home and based on size and functionality, we think it will become number one, but we want to test it on the road for a few months first.

Pro Tip: If the carbon fiber price is too high, they also have an aluminum version here. They also just released a pro version on kickstarter that we can hope to check out soon.

2. Manfrotto BeFree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with 494 Ball Head →

Manfrotto is the veteran brand and the number one choice for many photographers. They’re the experts who have made tripods the longest.

We preferred the Arca-System, so we picked up this adapter. With the adapter, it’s by far one of our favorites. We love that it’s as intuitive as a classic tripod gets. Our least favorite thing is the space between the legs when it’s collapsed. You can always stuff shirts in between, but it would be easier without the gap.

Bonus: Manfrotto BeFree GT Pro Aluminum Travel Tripod with a 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head →

If you shoot more video, you may want to consider a 3-way pan/tilt head so you can get beautifully smooth shots. It also comes with a head that works with the Arca-System, which we use on all our other tripods.

3. Heipi 3-in-1 Tripod →

We recently got the HEIPI 3-IN-1 Tripod and it has some impressive features! It has a unique 3-pillar center column system allowing you to transform your tripod to use it in different ways. It also has a strong ball head that can hold up to 55 lbs. Overall I’m impressed with the design!

4. MeFoto Globetrotter Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod →

We’ve used multiple MeFoto tripods over the years. The one we currently have is discontinued, but the one we’re talking about here is the updated version.

MeFoto is relatively newer to the tripod game, but they focused on building tripods with travelers in mind. It even comes across with how they named their lines: RoadTrip, Backpacker, & GlobeTrotter. They have multiple color options to help you pick out your tripod amongst a sea of black tripods.

One of our favorite features is that it can convert to a monopod with no tools.

5. Joby Gorillapod 5k Flexible Mini-Tripod →

Joby makes a wide range of GorillaPods, but right now, we’re focusing on their beefiest one that can support a DSLR.

GorillaPods excel on uneven grounds or odd shooting situations. Their flexible legs allow you to wrap it around objects or adjust them as needed. They’re also great for vlogging.

The one major downside is that you can’t get a higher vantage point if there isn’t anything higher to attach it to.

What to Look for in a Travel Tripod

We’re always looking for the lightest, smallest, packable tripod out there while still capable of safely supporting our gear. These are the things we take into consideration:

• Weight
• Size
• Height
• Stability
• Head
• Additional Features

Weight

Not only does it need to meet weight requirements for flights, but you’ll be carrying it on you. A heavy tripod gets cumbersome fast (and so does a DSLR. I wanted to throw it in the lake on our last backpacking trip. That’s a story for later)!

Most tripods have two models: the lighter carbon-fiber model and the more affordable aluminum alloy model.

Pro Tip: Keep in mind that you need to pay attention to how much weight a tripod can carry as well. If you’re using a telephoto lens on a DSLR, the lightest tripod may not support that weight. On the flip side, if you’re primarily shooting with a phone or GoPro, you can go extremely light.

Size

Regardless of the weight, size matters. I’m talking about how small it packs down. The ones that can pack smaller saves you space in your luggage, and it’s less awkward to carry with you.

Pro Tip: Think about how you’ll be carrying the tripod. When I’m flying somewhere, I pack it in my suitcase. Once I’m on location, I carry it in my backpack. Test them in both scenarios.

Height

How high does it go?

For the most part, you want it to go up high enough to match your height, so you don’t have to bend over. Since I’m vertically challenged, I rarely use it at full extension. Some people, however, also like to use their tripod to extend their camera as high as possible and get a bird’s eye view.

Pro Tip: Typically, the peak height of a tripod includes the center column fully extended. This is also the tripod’s weakest point. When fully extended, a little gust of wind can shake or even topple the tripod.

How low does it go? 

If you want to shoot at low angles, you’ll want to know how low it can stand. If you’re shooting puddlegrams, you’ll want to prioritize this. Pay attention to how you can shoot low with it. Sometimes you can flip the column.

Stability

Your tripod needs to keep the camera still and stable. Since travel tripods need to be as small and light as possible, they come with thinner legs and lighter pieces. As a result, it’s sacrificing the stability of their heavier, bulky counterparts.

There have been times where I’m shooting in windy situations, and the tripod can’t keep the camera still. When looking for your travel tripod, see how wobbly the legs are and the weight it can handle. Is there an anchor point where you can attach your backpack to give it more stability? How many joints does it have and does it affect stability? 

Test your tripod with your heaviest setup (mine currently is the Canon Mark IV and 70-200/2.8L lens). Make sure it’s stable, and tap the legs at different points to see how it handles the vibration.

Head

Most tripods in this category come with some sort of standard head, but you can always change it out later. When choosing a head or testing what comes with it, think about what you’re shooting with since the head also comes with weight limits too.

You also want to consider how easy it is to maneuver.

There are three main types of heads:

• Ball-Head – one access point that loosens or tightens that allows for flexible and smooth adjustments, For photography, ball heads are pretty standard.
• Pan-Tilt Head – one knob or handles to control its horizontal movement and another for its vertical movements. It’s more commonly used for video.
• Gimbal Head – helps balance the camera no matter which direction you’re trying to move it (usually for heavy or long lenses)

Do you shoot more portrait or landscape orientation? We like to shoot vertically, and after a while of tilting and the ball head for portrait orientation, it got looser until the tripod couldn’t hold the weight of our camera. The weight of the camera slowly dragged the ball head down.

Pro Tip: We used to use a L-Bracket for our camera, but recently switched to a rotating collar, which we absolutely love. It makes the camera bulkier, but it’s much more stable for shooting in either orientation and quicker to switch between both. I don’t know why I waited so long to get one!

Tripod Legs – Twist Lock or Level Lock?

This is generally a matter of preference, but there are some pros and cons to each. We prefer the lever locks.

• Lever locks let you set up and pack up your tripod quicker, and it’s easy to know if it’s locked by looking at it. The cons are that it is slightly bulkier and the set screws can loosen over time and you will need a hex tool on you to adjust it. Other tripods come with a hex tool, but the Peak Design tripod has it integrated into the design.
• Twist locks are less bulky, require less maintenance, and have fewer parts that break when taking a beating. The downside is that it takes more time to set up and also sometimes it’s hard to tell if it’s fully locked.

Pro Tip: Take care of your tripod. If you shoot in dusty or sandy conditions, make sure you wash it and dry it off to extend its life. You don’t want all the sand or dust to stay in between the legs.

Additional Features

You need to consider the camera you’re shooting with and also the environments you’ll be shooting in. Here is a shortlist of other features you may want:

• Quick Plate – for easy mount and dismount
• Feet – you may want spikes for outdoor locations as opposed to rubber for cities
• Bubble Level – to keep the horizon level (We use the electronic one in camera)
• Cell Phone Mount – sometimes you may want to shoot with your phone for ease.
• Flipping Center Column – can the center column flip so the camera can be mounted downwards
• Carrying Case – to protect the tripod
• Warranty – in case something malfunctions

More Highly Rated and Recommended Tripods

Here are other highly rated travel tripods to check out:

• Gitzo GK1545T Series 1 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod
• Benro Bat zero Series Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod
• Peak Design Aluminum Travel Tripod

Best Travel Tripods for Mirrorless Cameras

• Gitzo GK1545T Series 1 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod
• Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod
• Manfrotto BeFree GT XPRO Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with 496 Center Ball Head

Most Affordable Travel Tripods

• K&F Concept Lightweight Travel Tripod
• ULANZI Mini Aluminum Tripod
• JOILCAN Tripod

Best Travel Tripods for Your Phone

• Newest Phone Tripod (Editor’s Choice) + Peak Design Creator Kit
• DJI Osmo Mobile
• MeFOTO SideKick360 Smartphone Tripod Adapter

Essential Tips for Travel Photography

• Think about where you’re shooting. Popular tourist spots have restrictions on tripods and may even prevent you from entering.
• Practice using your tripod at home, so you don’t fumble with it on location. You might miss an epic shot, and you’ll also risk damaging your gear if you don’t use it properly.
• Check airline restrictions. Although US TSA guidelines state that you can bring a tripod on carry-on and checked luggage, other airport security may make you check it in. After the airlines lost our luggage for a few months, we never liked checking our luggage.
• How do you want to carry it? What kind of backpack are you carrying? Most camera backpacks have a good way to carry tripods whereas general travel backpacks may not. Some tripods you can wear like a sling.

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We Found the Best Camera Backpack of All Time

Right now, we have 5 camera backpacks we rotate through based on the activity and how much gear we want to carry. We currently use two of them for travel, and we keep the others around when we adventure locally.

For years, we’ve been on the search for the elusive perfect backpack only to realize one bag can’t do it all. That being said, we found one that’s as perfect as it gets.

We’ll continue to update this post as we get more bags. It’s an addiction, and we can’t stop.

See More: 19 Best Travel Backpacks You Need to Check Out

What to Look for in a Camera Backpack

Other than the prerequisite of keeping our camera gear safe, these are what we take into consideration:

• Size
• Weight and Fit
• Durability and Weather Resistance
• Access and Design

Size

It’s always difficult to find the balance between being big enough to carry all our gear but not so big that it’s bulky and cumbersome.

Also, since we’re both on the petite end (Jacob is 5’7 and Esther is 4’11), many bags that look normal on others make us look like children.

• 1-15 L – These are small grab and go bags with space for one camera and small personal items.
• 15-30 L – It’s big enough to put a camera body and 1-2 lenses plus some space for other items. This is our sweet spot.
• 30+ L – For carrying a lot of camera gear. We only carry them for professional shoots or events.

Weight & Fit

Typically, the lighter the bag, the better, but you also want to make sure that there is enough protection for your gear. Since camera gear is heavy, you want to see how it feels fully loaded and on long days out. That’s where we get into fit and how the weight is distributed.

Durability & Weather Resistance

Where will you be taking your backpack? We try to find bags made of durable weather-resistant materials because we never know where we’ll end up.

The last thing we want to do is worry about our gear if it starts raining or if we’re stuck in a sand storm. An additional rainfly can add more protection.

Access & Design

Let’s face it, we want easy access because we’re lazy. The harder it is to take our camera out, the less we end up using it.

We prefer bags that have side access to the camera so that we can swing it around and get it without taking the bag off.

Besides that, the design and how it looks matter too. There are some small design details that we’ve learned to love over time and we’ll talk about those with each bag. Some of the features we look for are:

• Compression straps to pack down the bag so it’s not bulky when the extra space isn’t being used.
• Organization for all the small camera accessories
• Sternum and Waist Straps to help distribute the load
• Adaptability – is there more than one way to use the bag

Best Camera Backpacks for Everyday

These are the bags we use most. Keep in mind, we’re carrying our DSLR and one additional lens. Besides that, we have a battery bank, a Lume Cube (use code JACOBTHEFU for 10% off), a light layer, water bottle, and occasionally a drone. Plus, for when we travel, each of these bags has a dedicated and easy to access laptop sleeve.

1. Wandrd Prvke (editor’s Choice) →

If we had to choose one camera backpack to keep, it would be this one.

I’ve worn the bag full of gear all day, and it’s still comfortable. I strap the tripod to the side where the water bottle goes, but you can use the additional accessory straps to put it elsewhere.

2. Peak Design Everyday Backpack →

We’ve had the Everyday Backpack longer than any other bag. I use this day-to-day in the city and especially loved it while living in NYC. Everything has easy access with zippers to both sides. Plus, everyone loves the stylish look of this bag.

It comes in two sizes, 20L and 30L. We use the 20L bag because we don’t need to carry as much gear anymore.

We still have the first version. Since then they’ve updated it, and I’ll post a review on their updates soon. They also came out with two variations of this bag, one with a zipper instead of the top flap and one that is a tote backpack version.

3. Lowepro Freeline BP350 AW →

Jacob won the Freeline at a B&H raffle. When we started using it, it was eerily similar to the Peak Design Everyday Bag. It has all the functionality of the Peak Design bag and also a few added features specific for camera gear. 

My biggest complaint is that everyone knows Lowepro makes camera bags, and it can be a target for theft in touristy areas. We still use it from time to time, but it’s more of a bench warmer at this time.

4. Lowepro Trekker Lite BP 250 AW →

The LowePro Trekker Lite BP 250 AW is another great backpack option if you like flexibility in how you use it. The coolest feature is that the removable camera cube comes with its own straps so it can be carried separately.

5. Lowpro ProTactic BP 350 AW III Backpack →

The Lowepro ProTactic BP 350 AW III is a great bag if you carry a ton of camera gear. Not only does it have amazing organization, including plenty of dividers for the main section, but it also has a ton of interior and exterior pockets. You can access your gear from the side doors, a wide top, or full back entry, and it comes with a separate pouch with additional accessories that you can connect to the endless loops you have on the front.

6. Nomatic Luma Camera Pack →

The Nomatic Luma Camera Pack is made in collaboration with Peter McKinnon so you know it’s well thought out. Sized at 18L it’s made for compact mirrorless cameras. It has three access points, a unique tripod carry, and it’s water resistant.

7. Boundary Supply Prima System →

When researching the best camera backpack, we kept seeing the Prima System from Boundary Supply pop up. At first glance, it has a lot of cool features, and I really wanted to fall in love with it.

There are aspects of it that I like, but I think it misses the overall mark when it comes to functionality. I’ve included it in this review since so many people swear by it, so you can decide for yourself if it meets your needs.

Best Camera Backpacks for Adventure

Sometimes we need a more rugged bag that has more support. That’s where adventure camera backpacks come in. Right now we only have one that we use, but we also got a recommendation from a friend who’s always out hiking.

8. Lowepro WHistler Backpack 450 AWII →

This backpack was perfect when we were in Portland because of the rainy weather. It’s got great support for hiking so we can carry a ton of gear, but we can easy access all of it without putting the bag down.

When it comes to everyday wear, it doesn’t really make sense for us since it’s a bit overkill. Plus, there isn’t a dedicated spot for a laptop so we rarely use it for that reason.

9. Wandrd Fernweh →

The WANDRD FERNWEH is a mix of an adventure, travel, and camera backpack giving you tons of features. We got our hands on a prototype and did a video review you can check out below.

10. Lowepro Photosport Pro III 55L →

I love that there are more and more options for backpacking bags that are made for camera gear. The LowePro Photosprt Pro III has great options to help you carry your camping and photography gear.

Best Lightweight Backpacks

These are some great options for those of you who want something smaller and lightweight. You sacrifice space for other personal items, but they’re much easier to grab and go.

11. Wandrd Rogue Sling →

Ever since we started using the WANDRD PRVKE, it has become our go-to travel backpack, so we were excited to check out their new WANDRD Rogue Sling.

It comes in two colors and 3 sizes (3L, 6L, 9L). We opted for the 6L to have something smaller to carry with us around town when we just need our camera. It has some great features like the security strap to keep it closer to your body when you’re moving, and a water bottle holder on the bottom that keeps it securely in place.

12. Nomatic McKinnon Sling →

The Nomatic Peter McKinnon Sling has some unique features that set it apart from other slings. My favorite part is the quick closure system that lets you open and close the bag with one hand when you need quick access to it! You can also attach a tripod to it with the optional external molle straps

13. Brevite The Jumper →

The Jumper by Brevite is a small camera backpack that is compact, lightweight, but still has enough dividers to customize. It comes in a bunch of different colors and doesn’t screen camera backpack. There’s easy access to your gear through the front or side panel, and still enough space to pack other items in the top half of the backpack.

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13 Stargazing Events You Won’t Want to Miss in 2025

We’ve done some night photography on a whim, but in hindsight realized it takes a some astronomy knowledge to capture great star photos. P.S. I also did some sports photography back in college, which was a disaster, because I didn’t understand the sport and could never follow the ball. I am hoping in the coming year with a better understanding of the stars, we can take some rad photos of them.

To helps us plan for the year, we’ve put together a calendar of stargazing events, new moons, full moons, and more. That way, we can plan each trip accordingly to get the best results. Here are the astronomy events that you should mark on your calendars!

Also, it helps to ask to go with some already knowledgeable folks or attend a star party.

1. Quadrantids Meteor Shower

January 3-4, 2025

This shower runs annually from January 1-5, but peaks on the night of the 3rd and morning of the 4th with up to 40 meteors per hour. The best viewing will be after midnight. The crescent moon will set early leaving dark skies for viewing. This shower is believed to be dust grains left by the extinct comet 2003 EH1. The nearly full moon will make it harder to catch this year.

2. Total Lunar Eclipse

March 14, 2025

A total lunar eclipse is when the moon passes completely through the Earth’s dark shadow. During this eclipse, the moon will get darker and look rusty or blood-red. It will be visible in North America, Mexico, Central America, and South America.

3. Partial Solar Eclipse

March 29, 2025

The moon covers part of the Sun making it look like a bite taken from a cookie. It will be visible in Greenland, most of northern Europe, and northern Russia. It will be best seen from Canada with 93% coverage.

The next total eclipse visible in the United States won’t be until 2045.

4. Lyrids Meteor Shower

April 22-23, 2025

The Lyrids are produced by dust particles left by comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, and there are roughly 20 meteors per hour during its peak. It runs from April 16-25 with the peak on the night of the 22nd and the morning of the 23rd. The skies should stay dark with the thin crescent moon.

5. Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower

May 6-7, 2025

The most active portion of this shower will be seen in the Southern Hemisphere with up to 60 meteors per hour. In the Northern Hemisphere, there will be up to 30 meteors per hour. It runs annually from April 19 to May 28 but peaks the night of May 6. This shower is made of dust particles left by the Halley comet. The waxing gibbous moon will block the fainter meteors.

6. Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower

July 28-29, 2025

Debris from the Marsden and Kracht comets create this annual shower from July 12 to August 23. During its peak on the night of July 28th and the morning of the 29th, you can see up to 20 meteors per hour. The crescent moon will set early in the evening leaving dark skies for viewing.

7. Perseids Meteor Shower

August 12-13, 2025

This is one of the best meteor showers and stargazing events to check out this year. It produces up to 60 bright meteors per hour from the Swift-Tuttle comet. It runs from July 17 to August 24 with its peak on the night of August 12 and the morning of the 13th. The waning gibbous moon will block out most of the meteors but you can still catch the bright ones.

8. Total Lunar Eclipse

September 7, 2025

The moon passes completely through the Earth’s dark shadow making it a rusty or blood-red color. It will be visible through Asia and Australia, and central and eastern parts of Europe and Africa.

9. Draconids Meteor Shower

October 7, 2025

This is a smaller meteor shower but still has about 10 meteors per hour left by comet 21P Giacobini-Zinner. It’s best viewed in the early evening instead of the early morning and runs from Oct 6-10 with the peak on the night of the 7th. Unfortunately, the nearly full moon will make it hard to view this meteor shower this year.

10. Orionids Meteor Shower

October 21-22, 2025

Running from October 2 to November 7, the dust grains left by comet Halley can produce up to 20 meteors per hour at its peak on the night of October 21. The new moon will leave dark skies for a great viewing.

11. Taurids Meteor Shower

November 4-5, 2025

This is a smaller shower made up of dust grains left by Asteroid 2004 TG10 and Comet 2P Encke. It runs from September 7 to December 10 but the peak happens the night of November 4th. The full moon will make viewing hard this year.

12. Leonids Meteor Shower

November 17-18, 2025

This annual shower runs from November 6-30 with 15 meteors per hour at its peak. The Tempel-Tuttle comet dust grains peak the night of November 17th. The thin crescent moon will make it easy to watch this shower.

13. Geminids Meteor Shower

December 13-14, 2025

This is one of the best meteor showers with up to 120 multicolored meteors at its peak. The debris left from asteroid 3200 Phaethon runs from December 7-17 but peaks the night of December 13th. The second quarter moon will block fainter meteors but you can still see the bright ones.

BONUS: Ursid Meteor Shower

December 21-22, 2025

If you haven’t gotten enough meteor showers this year, catch the final shower the night of the 21st and the morning of the 22nd. The Ursids is a smaller shower producing about 5-10 meteors per hour left by the comet Tuttle. The thin crescent moon will set early giving you dark skies to see these showers.

2025 New Moon Dates

As a photographer, we’re always planning astrophotography around new moon because the sky is darkest and we can shoot photos of galaxies, star clusters, and the milky way. For that reason, it makes it great for stargazing too.

• January 19, 2025 12:37 UTC
• February 28, 2025 00:46 UTC
• March 29, 2025 11:00 UTC
• April 27, 2025 19:32 UTC
• May 27, 2025 03:04 UTC
• June 25, 2025 10:33 UTC
• July 24, 2025 19:13 UTC
• August 23, 2025 06:08 UTC
• September 21, 2025 19:55 UTC
• October 21, 2025 12:26 UTC
• November 20, 2025 06:49 UTC
• December 20, 2025 01:45 UTC

2025 Full Moon Dates

If you’re looking for bright nights or to shoot the moon, go out on full moon days. This year, there are three supermoons, which means the moon is closest to Earth can may look slightly larger and brighter.

• January 13, 2025 22:28 UTC – Wolf Moon
• February 12, 2025 13:55 UTC – Snow Moon
• March 14, 2025 06:56 UTC – Worm Moon
• April 13, 2025 00:24 UTC – Pink Moon
• May 12, 2025 16:57 UTC – Flower Moon
• June 11, 2025 07:45 UTC – Strawberry Moon
• July 10, 2025 20:38 UTC – Buck Moon
• August 9, 2025 07:56 UTC – Sturgeon Moon
• September 7, 2025 18:10 UTC – Corn Moon
• October 7, 2025 03:49 UTC – Supermoon / Hunters Moon
• November 5, 2025 13:21 UTC – Supermoon / Beaver Moon
• December 4, 2025 23:15 UTC – Supermoon / Cold Moon

2025 Eclipse Dates

• March 14, 2025 – Total Lunar Eclipse (Visible throughout North America, Mexico, Central America, & South America)
• March 29, 2025 – Partial Solar Eclipse (Visible in Greeland, most of northern Europe, and Northern Russia)
• September 7, 2025 – Total Lunar Eclipse (Visible in Asia, Australia, and the central and eastern parts of Europe and Africa)
• September 21, 2025 – Partial Solar Eclipse (Visible in New Zealand, Antarctica, and the southern Pacific Ocean)

Opposition Dates in 2025

Planets in opposition are the best time to see them because they are closest to Earth. 

• January 16, 2025 – Mars
• September 21, 2025 – Saturn
• September 23, 2025 – Neptune
• November 21, 2025 – Uranus

2025 Equinox & Solstice Dates

• March 20, 2025 March Equinox (First Day of Spring)
• June 21, 2025 June Solstice (First Day of Summer)
• September 22, 2025 September Equinox (First Day of Fall)
• December 21, 2025 December Solstice (First Day of Winter)

Meteor Shower Dates in 2025

• January 3-4, 2025 – Quadrantids Meteor Shower
• April 22-23, 2025 – Lyrids Meteor Shower
• May 6-7, 2025 – Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower
• July 28-29, 2025 – Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower
• August 12-13, 2025 – Perseids Meteor Shower
• October 7, 2025 – Draconids Meteor Shower
• October 21-22, 2025 – Orionids Meteor Shower
• November 4-5, 2025 – Taurids Meteor Shower
• November 17-18, 2025 – Leonids Meteor Shower
• December 13-14, 2025 – Geminids Meteor Shower
• December 21-22, 2025 – Ursids Meteor Shower

Highlights of 2020

Two of the big highlights of 2020 was seeing the Neowise Comet and the Bethlehem Star. The Bethlehem star was honestly a bit of a letdown. There was so much hype around Jupiter and Saturn not coming together for 800 years, but turns out anyone with good eyesight could see two distinct planets and not one massive Christmas star. The comet, on the other hand, was really amazing to see with the naked eye and to photograph.

Both events will not happen again in our lifetime.

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$250+ Gifts

1. Photography Workshop or Class →

I’ve been shooting for over 15 years, and I love that there is always something new to learn about photography. There are tons of great free online resources out there, but I’ve found that the best way to learn is through hands-on experience at photography workshops.

You can do some sleuthing. Find out who their favorite photographers are, and see if they offer workshops.

2. Travel Tripod →

This is the current travel tripod we use. We’ve gone through a handful of tripods over the years, and we love this one because it’s both light and sturdy.

See More: 5 Best Travel Tripods That Are Lightweight and Easy to Use

3. GoPro →

When it comes to an action camera, nothing compares to GoPro. It’s easy to travel with and perfect for water adventures. The stabilization of these gets better and better every year.

4. DJI Mavic Pro Drone →

We love using our DJI Mavic! And the Smart Controller is a game-changer. They are still the most popular and commonly used drones out there, although the Minis look amazing.

5. Underwater Housing →

Anyone who loves photography and loves to travel is bound to end up at a beach at some point. Underwater housing will give them the chance to take great photos without worrying about their camera.

See More: How to Pack for A Snorkeling Trip

6. Camera Backpack →

The Wandrd Prvke has been our go-to travel backpack lately. It has just the right amount of space for us and has a low profile. Check out our post below for other bags we love.

See More: We Found the Best Camera Backpack of All Time

Under $250 Gifts

7. Lume Cube Tube Lights →

Ever since we added Lume Cubes to our collection, they have become our go-to light for traveling. We started out with the original Lume Cube, then added their Panel Lights into our collection. We also have the Studio Panel Lighting Kit which we love! But our most recent addition, is the Tube Light Mini.

The Tube Lights are awesome! They have full color RGB lighting, pre-programmed special effects, and some of the best features we’ve seen on tube lights. I love that there is also a built-in magnet.

8. Extra Memory Cards →

I don’t know many photographers who wouldn’t appreciate an extra memory card. Plus, depending on your budget, there are plenty of different options you can choose from.

9. Photo Mechanic →

Discovering Photo Mechanic was a game-changer in our editing workflow. It used to be used by journalists since they have to sort through so many photos but has gained a lot of popularity over the years.

It really makes editing so much faster and their new Plus version also helps you manage all your photos in a database.

10. Sandmarc Motion Pro Variable ND Filter →

These Motion Pro Variable ND Filters help you control the light coming through your lens to step up your photography and videography game. They are made with multi-coated cinema glass and industrial grade aluminum and there are 3-6 stops giving you a range from ND8 to ND64. Any photographer would be happy to get one – just be sure you get the right thread.

11. Lume Cube Panel Pro 2.0 →

The Lume Cube Panel Pro 2.0 is an app controlled LED Panel Light is the brightest and most durable panel made by Lume Cube. It’s great for on-camera use as an extra fill light and we bring it around to use off camera when shooting in darker scenarios. It has a full spectrum of RGB colors and seven pre-programmed special effects. Plus the panel has a built-in power bank.

In the photo below, we have the Panel Pro next to an iPhone 16 Pro.

12. Lume Cube XL →

Esther has been searching for a portable light for her photography and we’ve been eyeing the Lume Cube XL. It’s powerful yet portable lighting in a monolight design. In true fashion to Lume Cube, it has full-spectrum RGB control, CRI rating of 97+, a wide CT rrange from 2700-7500K, and it’s app-controlled. When we buy it, we plan to get a softbox and the Bowens Mount to use other diffusers too!

Under $100 Gifts

13. Lume Cube 5-Foot Adjustable Light Stand →

Lume Cube makes a very convenient 5-foot Adjustable Light Stand that collapses to 14″ tall making it very portable. Although it’s made for lights, I like throwing on a magsafe tripod head and using it for my phone too! Unlike cheaper collapsible stands, the Lume Cube one has some weight on the legs making it hold much steadier than others we’ve tried.

14. Power Bank →

In case you can’t get to an outlet, a this is the power bank we use. It’s always a great option to give you any extra juice when you’re on the go, and it has two USB inputs, so we can both charge at the same time.

15. Sandmarc iPhone Dolly →

Shooting on the iPhone is becoming much more popular now. We shoot with ours a ton since it’s so easy on the go. We recently got this Motion Dolly Slider to help us capture smooth tracking shots. You can adjust the angle on it and it’s a great way to up our mobile video game.

16. Arco Video Dr. Bag →

If you have a friend who shoots onsite often, get them an ARCO Video Dr. Bag. We use the 40 for all our video shoots so we have our gear organized and easily accessible. I throw our drone, DSLR, stands, audio equipment, and accessories inside.

17. Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap →

We have a hard time finding a camera strap that works well for Esther since she’s petite. But ever since we started using the Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap, it hasn’t come off. It’s easy to adjust and gets short enough for her to use.

Under $50 Gifts

18. Photograph Q&A: Real Questions. Real Answers →

I’ve read countless photography books and taken a ton of photography workshops and have found Zack Arias to be one of the best photography educators in the industry. I’ve always appreciated his brutal honesty and critiques. This book compiles answers to over 100 real questions asked by aspiring photographers and ranges from technical advice to photography business advice.

19. Cell Phone Case System →

We love Peak Design’s Mobile system. Whether you’re looking for a solid tripod for your phone, or mount for your bike (we just got an e-bike and can’t wait to use it on our rides), or just a pretty place to put it on your desk, they’ve thought of everything. Plus I love the wallet accessory so I don’t have to bring anything else with me.

They also released a bunch of new colors for iPhone 15. See our YouTube review here. I know I’d be happy to get this!

20. GoGo Internet In-Flight Pack

On those long flights, we’re always itching to get online to share photos with others or research our upcoming destinations for the best photo spots. Give the gift of Internet 30,000 feet above the ground.

21. Extra Batteries →

One of the worst things that can happen while you’re out shooting is a dead battery. We always try to carry one or two additional batteries with us to avoid that situation and more if we’re shooting lots of video, long exposures, or will be in colder climates. Find out what camera they own, since different cameras may have different batteries.

22. Spiffy Gear Lumee Light Bracelet →

We got our hands (or wrists) on a couple of these Spiffy Gear Lumee Lights and they’ve been handy to have with us. They are small and light and work like a slap bracelet so we can keep them on our wrists. With easy controls, you can adjust brightness and temps (or colors if you have the RGB one). Plus, they are magnetic!

Under $20 Gifts

23. Lenspen →

We like to carry a LensPen with us to clean our gear since it’s convenient and compact.

24. Memory Card Case →

We always have extra cards with us and a card case is the best way to keep them all together. Otherwise, those little suckers can disappear.

25. Giftcard →

I know gift cards can feel impersonal, but paired with a thoughtful card, it can be a great gift. Especially if you know they’re saving up for something bigger but you can’t afford to get it for them yourself. Get one to B&H specifically for photography gear or Amazon to cover photo gear and more. 

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37 Most Instagrammable Places in Log Angeles

Murals are constantly changing, so we tried to mostly include timeless spots or areas where they will always have an interesting mural even if they turn over.

LA Instagram Spots Map

More Instagrammable Places in Los Angeles

• El Matador State Beach, 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, 90265, map
• Korean Friendship Bell, 3601 S Gaffey St, San Pedro, 90731, map

No Longer Around

• The Most Famous Artist Mural / Polka Dot Wall at the Springs (608 Mateo St, 90021, map)
• Oue Skyspace LA (633 W 5th St #840, 90071, map) – Permanently Closed

Most Instagrammable Hotels in Los Angeles

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What is Manhattanhenge?

Manhattanhenge is when the sunset perfectly lines up with the east-west streets on the main street grid in Manhattan. It’s Stonehenge in NYC! Every year, it happens twice over a two day period. On one day you can see the sun in full and on the other day you get a partial view of the sun.

Fun Fact: We thought it was popularized by some hashtag on the internet since people go crazy over photographing it, but we were surprised to learn that Neil deGrasse Tyson actually coined the term ‘Manhattanhenge’. He mashed up Manhattan with Stonehenge since you can see the sun through the center of the monument during the summer and winter solstices.

See More: 25 Most Instagrammable Places in NYC

When does Manhattanhenge happen?

The streets of Manhattan are 29 degrees from a true east-west direction, making Manhattanhenge fall on two separate dates surrounding the solstice. It typically happens around May 29th and July 11th, but the exact date varies from year to year.

The Museum of Natural History typically announces the precise dates of Manhattanhenge on their site. If you’re interested in learning more, they have public programs prior to the event at the Hayden Planetarium to learn more about it. To see the latest updates, visit their Manhattanhenge Page.

Manhattanhenge 2025 Dates*

May Dates:

• Half Sun – May 28, 2025, 8:19 pm 
• Full Sun – May 29, 2025, 8:80 pm 

July Dates:

• Full Sun – July 12, 2025, 8:29 pm
• Half Sun – July 13, 2025, 8:28 pm 

*Information from the Farmer’s Almanac

See More: The Ultimate NYC Bucket List

Best Places to See Manhattanhenge

You want to find an East-West street that has a clear view of New Jersey. These are the streets with the best view of Manhattanhenge.

• 14th St & Broadway
• 23rd St & Broadway
• 34th St & Fifth Ave
• 42nd St & Third Ave
• 57th St & Eighth Ave
• (Sunrise) 5th Ave & 41st St

Reverse Manhattanhenge 2025 Dates*

Manhattanhenge happens in the winter as well at sunrise, and it’s called Reverse Manhattanhenge. This year it happens on January 11-12, 2025 and November 29-30, 2025, and is best viewed a bit after 7 am. The best spot to see it is at 41st Street and 5th Avenue. It’s much less crowded at sunrise but very cold so be sure to bundle up!

Essential Tips for Manhattanhenge

• The Museum of Natural History suggests arrive at least 30 minutes before sunset, but as the phenomenon has become more popular, we would suggest at least an hour to scout for the best spot.
• Bring a tripod. It will help claim your space and set up for the shot beforehand. This is the one that we use.
• Use a long lens to compress the buildings in the foreground with the sun in the background. We will be using our 70-200mm lens and may even bring our 2x extender. (note, we shoot with a 5D Mark IV)
• Check the weather before you go. If it’s going to be cloudy, try for the next date.
• You can apparently catch the Sunrise Manhattanhenge as well from 34th or 42nd Street looking east towards Long Island City’s Gantry Plaza State Park. Arrive 30-60 minutes before sunrise to get set.

Best Places to Stay

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25 Best Instagram Spots in Atlanta

While we were visiting friends and family in Atlanta, we also made it our mission to hunt down as many of them as possible and we’ve rounded them up in this post. Be sure to use the map below to navigate to each spot! Also, since these murals are constantly changing, let us know in the comments below if you see them covered up or replaced.

Map of the Most Instagrammable Places in Atlanta

Best Places to Stay in Atlanta GA

No Longer Around

TMNK by Jerkface // Best of Atlanta // Dr. Dax Container Wall // Stripes Garage Door

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