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Tips and Tricks: Getting There
Welcome back to the monthly Tips and Tricks feature here at Photo Trek. It is here that we discuss all sorts of things related to photography, across all skill levels. Over the past year or more, we have discussed everything from how to choose a camera, to some advanced techniques like depth of field and low light photography. One thing is for sure though, none of this will matter if you can't get to your intended photographic subject.
What we will be discussing in this edition of Tips and Tricks is how to get yourself, and your gear to the best places for photography. Sometimes that picture is waiting for you right at your house, but there is so much more you could be exploring. We will take some time discussing some of the concerns one might face when "getting there".
Sidewinder Photo Copyright © 2006 G. Kiser
There are times that perfect picture is right off of the road, or sometimes right on the road. For these Treks, there is little need to be overly concerned about how to pack your gear. There is no reason other than the safety of the camera why you couldn't just toss everything you might need in the trunk and head out. You are only limited by the storage capacity of your vehicle in these situations as to what you can bring. Plus, you will not be exposed to the elements for long periods of time in these situations.
All this is well and good, but what happens when you seek a photograph that doesn't take place near the asphalt? You can't very well carry everything that you just threw in your car down a trail, or can you?
Well Worn Path Photo Copyright © 2006 G. Kiser
When going out into the wild, away from your vehicle, it is important to take everything you could reasonably need, but not at the expense of your comfort. If you are uncomfortable, you will be less willing to continue on, and you will not be focused on your photography. Lets look at some essentials that you should be taking with you and the logistics of getting it there.
Unless you are shooting hand held with a point and shoot camera, chances are you have at least one camera, some accessories, a tripod, and in the case of an SLR user...lenses. As many of you photographers have found out, equipment seems to spontaneously appear as you progress in your skills. At least that is what I have found. There are several different ways of carrying all of this into the field.
Don't mind the furry assistant.
First, there is the tried and true camera bag. This is a compartmentalized, over the shoulder carryall. There are benefits, and drawbacks to the design, however. The benefits are clear by looking at this picture. Other than providing a nice sleeping surface for my one-day Trekking companion, everything is very easy to get to with the bag opened up. Each of the compartments can be moved around to suite your particular rig. It is very stable, and easy to use. The drawbacks, however, can be rather annoying. For those that take long hikes to get to your location, the off center weight of the bag will cause back strain. You will find yourself leaning to one side to counteract the effects of the weight. You will also find yourself switching arms from time to time. While great for storage, and localized shoots, this is not the best setup for the hiking photographer.
This brings us to what I have decided on for equipment transport into the woods. What you see above is a photo back pack and is designed very similar to the camera bag we just talked about. There are still plenty of adjustable compartments within the bag to store all of your gear safely (they are padded). Depending on model, there are lots of different pockets and other places to store things. On this particular bag, the Lowepro Micro Trekker 200, there is ample exterior storage for things like a towel, a compass, multi-tool, mini maglite, rain poncho, etc... The inside is plenty large enough for a basic SLR kit, with a long lens attached.
As you can see, everything is organized in the bag and easy to get to. This is important as you will sometimes find yourself photographing in low light, or in a hurry. Fumbling around with your equipment is the best way to miss a shot. Unfortunately, this brings us to the biggest drawback of this type system....convenience. To access your equipment, you must remove the bag from your back and either hold it up, or lay it on the ground to open it. This can lead to some tricky moments if you find yourself standing in water or mud. I'll discuss a tactic to overcome this later on. There is no perfect choice here, but I feel that the security of having the backpack firmly on my back and the relief of back strain well worth the hassle of getting my gear out in the field.
Another option that is quickly becoming popular is the photo vest. This is much like a fishing vest with lots of compartments for lenses, camera bodies, memory, filters, etc... Much like the backpack, the weight is evenly distributed on your back and hips which makes for a very comfortable hike. There are also belt systems that resemble the load bearing equipment used by the military. I have no direct experience with the vest and belt system, but the concepts are sound.
Another important item that should be carried is a tripod. I will get more in depth about tripod selection and use in a future installment. I will say this though...if you are going to go to all the trouble of hiking to that grand vista, or that rare flower, shouldn't you want to make the picture the sharpest it can be?
While on the topic of a tripod, it is worth mentioning the best way to carry your tripod...in my opinion anyway. Ideally, you will have a sturdy tripod with a firm connection to your camera. Assuming that is the case, I would leave the camera attached to the tripod while out in the field. This will keep you from having to retrieve it from whatever storage system you have chosen for each picture. With the lens cap attached, and a little care, your camera will be fine on the tripod as you hike. With the legs collapsed, you can actually carry your tripod/camera over your shoulder with very little stress to your back. For longer hikes, you can hold the camera lens, or the tripod head in one hand while holding a leg in the other, distributing the weight of the rig over your shoulders. I have hiked for miles using this technique with the photo backpack and it works wonders. It also keeps the spontaneity in your photography as you are already set up to shoot.
Some essential gizmos that you should consider are as follows:
*As strange as it might sound, you should bring along a brimmed hat of some sort. I personally find a boonie hat to be the best hat for Treks. Not only will it shade you from the sun, and potentially keep rain off of your head, you will also find it helpful for blocking the sun from the front of your lens to avoid lens flare.
*For those going deep into the woods, it is a good idea to carry pepper spray to ward off any animals that might attack you.
*Hand Sanitizer is a good thing to bring along for quick cleanups. An old towel is a good companion as well.
*This goes without saying but if you are hiking you should bring along a compass. Photographically, it will also help you determine where the sun will be at the ends of it's travel across the sky.
*A knife, or a multi-tool is a very handy thing to have around. In many cases you can repair your equipment with them, and deal with emergencies.
*Those little cheap ponchos you find at the store...get one. They take up very little room, but are great for those sudden downpours.
*A shower cap, or a plastic bag is great to be used as a poncho for your camera while it is attached to the tripod.
*A notebook and pen are also handy for taking notes while you are in the field.
Now that we have all the equipment, we can feel free to take some long hikes into the woods with everything that we need. Some of the most beautiful sights can't be seen from the road. Now you can be equipped to capture those remote sights with your camera, and share them with the less adventurous world.
Crabtree Falls Photo Copyright © 2007 G. Kiser
Written by Greg A. Kiser
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I'm playing catch up too. Great advice & beautiful pictures. I need to get my tripod out and try it with my digital camera. Sometimes the pictures I take are a little blurry & perhaps a tripod would solve that problem. Linda in beautiful Washington state
http://journals.aol.com/lsfp1960/LindasWorld/ -
Sorry I'm late!
Anyway, I am in no way ready for all this. I'm such a novice! But...
I do admire the likes of you!
Nancy -
I'm ready to go out and by one of those backpacks you mentioned here... I do have a true camera bag, but it is squarish, and bulky, like you say and difficult to carry on longer trips. Even for traveling from car to airport to Vacation spot... it's heavy and many times I have decided not to bring the camera and all the accessories with me for that very reason. You make me want to dust off my trusty old SLR and buy film for it... my new digital has spoiled me for sure. So lightweight by comparison. Great entry, Greg. Thanks for the tips! Loved the cat in the bag photo. Yours? bea
http://journals.aol.com/bgilmore725/Wanderer/ -
After I read all your advice closely I was grateful to have some ideas for example about how to carry a tripod as now I might like to take a camcorder as well as my digital comera. You have thought of everything! Gerry
12/1/07 10:24 AM
Beautiful - Magical Falls!
Thanks much for the great tips!
_rRose
http://journals.aol.com/rrveh