Eight Hiking Tips For Photographers

Photographers are often outdoor enthusiasts, and there are a slew of shooters out there that have made successful livings out of their passion for the outdoors and what exists in the natural world. Fortunately, I have been lucky enough to work in this area over the past several years, and I’m never more excited to shoot than when I get to explore some place new or revisit areas that have offered shooters great images in the past.

A great way for photographers to access this world is though hiking the literally thousands of trails created and maintained by various entities throughout the world. Here are just a few tips for photographers to consider when preparing for and going on day or overnight hikes:

1. The trail is there for a reason: sniff it out! Whether you know it or not, this is why you are at the trailhead anyways. Historically, areas set aside in part for your hiking pleasure (i.e. national and state parks, historical sites, conservation areas, etc.) exist because they mean something to us! Many trail hikes in these areas are even named in such a way to represent their historical significance. Consider this part of the experience! A photograph tells a story, and a story that accompanies the hike you are on can often inspire a variety of images. If you’re at a national or state park, pick up some literature at the HQ or access points, and you never know what you may find out that you didn’t read on the Internet before you got there!

2. Save your back (as much as possible). It’s hard enough as an outdoor enthusiast to not take all the cool camping and hiking gear you were so stoked to buy for a specific excursion, but it’s even harder to combine that with being a photographer, right? I’m as guilty as the next photographer that thinks he/she needs all the gear that one could possibly fit inside a camera backpack, but after several years of doing so, as well as hearing from other outdoor photographers, it doesn’t necessarily make for the most comfortable, and subsequently enjoyable, hike out there. Again, for some, it’s hard to pair down what you actually need for a hike, but consider this: justify every piece of gear you carry with you. Simple as that. Have a vision in mind, and work toward it to determine your gear needs. If you need three speedlights on a hike (which I often take for lighting plants; more on this later), then take them. But if you are not sure about taking that honking 400mm f/2.8, then it might not be the best thing to haul that extra 13lbs around.

3. Do your research, and plan your trip/shoot. This suggestion goes along with #1. It pays to go in to a situation and have been somewhat versed in what to expect. The Internet is a great resource for this type of information. At any time, you can access all of the state and national park services’ Web sites (here’s the link for the National Park Service). Also, take a look at your social networks, such as Twitter and Facebook, and find those organizations/individuals that are in “the know.” I frequently find interesting links to information about parks, hiking gear, and histories from folks like @thehikingcenter, @trailgirl, and @nature_org. There are literally tons of sources out there, and I would encourage starting with these folks to find others! Lastly, talk to your local experts. I’m a huge fan of the local outdoor shop, and some of the best tips, suggestions, places to find, etc., can be found through talking with those that live and breathe it everyday!

4. Consider taking a tripod. And extra cards. And a filter or two. And… Alright, why’s the gear tip so buried in this post. If you’ve read this far, then you probably know why, but gear is essential for photographers on a day or overnight hike. While you do want to minimize to literally save your back later, think about the images you looking to get. More than likely, a sturdy, light tripod would work to your advantage (obviously, carbon fiber sticks are the lightest). If you’re hiking anywhere near water, this piece of equipment is essential! Extra memory cards (or rolls of film for that matter) are light, and really, who doesn’t need more of these. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Take several! I’ll be the first to tell you that filters are not my thing, but they do come in handy when in the mountains and around water. Consider taking a neutral density or graduated filter along with you, just in case you see the need. There are other essentials, but many of them, you will have to determine for yourself. Keep in mind your chiropractic visits in the future while you decide…check out ultra-light bags as well, such as Andy Biggs’s (@andybiggs) Gura Gear Kiboko. It weighs under 4 lbs!

5. Don’t just think about “the shot.” Not that “the shot” isn’t worth taking, but like I said before, a trail has a story written all over it. You might be hiking a certain way through the mountains to get that awesome shot of the Tetons and the Snake River that Ansel Adams made so famous, but don’t forget about what you see along the way. It’s your turn to tell the story of the land, so don’t forget all the smaller things that work their way up to the grand finale!

6. Build endurance before you make the hike. Don’t go in to a hike, particularly if it involves elevation changes and/or climbing, without having prepared physically for the terrain. I see this affecting more photographers at workshops more than anything, and not anticipating a bit of a workout while hiking can change your attitude about the entire day, and it may keep you from getting where you want to be. Take it easy when you need to though, and be safe. Also, make sure you are carrying in enough water. Dehydration is a wicked, wicked thing to chance!

7. Think about your feet. Besides the water recommendation, this may be the most important thing you consider when getting ready for the hike! We can talk about jackets, breathable shirts, climbing pants, hats and sunglasses all day long, but in the end, you are going to be on your feet. Our doggies take a beating, so it pays in spades to dedicate a portion of any hiking gear budget to a nice pair of terrain-worthy boots/sandals and socks. I’m a fan of Keen sandals, because I like my toes to be guarded (although Chaco’s are great as well), and they make a nice boot as well. My favorite pair of socks at the moment is a pair of Smartwool hiking performance socks (@smartwooligans), and I was just turned on to Falke socks today through a tweet from @codevader.

8. Be considerate, and DON’T LITTER! The heading should say it all, but unfortunately, you will often come across someone else’s garbage. Don’t let the next person come along to yours. Clean up, pack out what you packed in. Remember, you’re not the only one (human or otherwise) on the trail. The trails stay enjoyable because of all the people that care about them, and it’s all of our jobs to make sure it stays that way!

This list is not exhaustive by any means, but it’s a start! Leave any other tips in the comments below for future readers! The outdoor community is definitely unique in their connectedness, so it works to our advantage to pass on resources and information to others!

This entry was posted on Friday, February 12th, 2010 at 12:37 am and is filed under Blog, Landscape, Learning, Photography and tagged with Big Bend, El Carmen, Hiking, Mexico, National Park Service, Outdoors, Photography, Yucca. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.