If you are going to be one with nature, that is if you are going camping, one thing that you would want to do is capture every moment that you enjoy being amidst nature.
For that, you’ll of course need a camera. A camera might not be a regular camping essential that will be on your checklist, but it is an essential so that you can capture every moment of your trip, so that you can relive the magic of your camping days later.
You can also capture the moments your family or friends are enjoying during their camping trip
For some campers, capturing the beauty of nature is an essential part of camping which makes the camera indispensable to them.
First questions first, how do you carry a camera when you are going camping, especially if it involves hiking? How do you carry it along?
Carry a small bag that just for your camera
Proper organization is another essential for a great camping experience, and hence it’s important that you organize what you want to carry for your camera too.
Do you need an extra lens? A tripod?
Wil lugging around all this extra equipment be cumbersome? Or will it enhance your photography experience, if it is important to you?Make sure you consider all these factors when you pack a camera for your camping trip.
Take a small back that can transport your camera safely. It is handy to carry the camera on you in a small bag in case you see anything that catches your fancy and you decide to click a picture.
You can carry the camera batteries and memory cards separately, but make sure you pack all your photography essentials and make a checklist before you head out on your camping trip.
How to shoot
One golden piece of advice any photographer will give you is ‘follow the light.’That’s the mantra for good photography. If the light is aesthetic and pleasing, the chances are that the picture will come out more than okay. Make sure you make the best use of natural light since you are outside and have no other means of lighting.
Pro tip: The light at a sunrise and sunset is beautiful and makes for good photographs.
Make a visual diary
Whether you are a regular camping or it is your first time, the best thing about being amidst nature is that everything is unique.Shoot pictures of everything. Nothing is off limits. Shoot trees, lakes, rivers, pretty animals. You can decide which pictures you want and don’t want once you are home, and you can see which image means more to you.
You can shoot over your friend’s shoulder who is looking at the camping map, you can photograph the GPS on your car’s dashboard on the route to your camping destination. As soon as you reach the camping destination, you can snap a photo of the sign of the campsite, or any image that shows the ambience of the campsite.
Other unique photos you can take care of the tent going up, or when you are putting the tent up and your friends or family are all doing it together. This might be a great time to capture the emotion and honesty on their faces to understand what they think of the camping experience. These emotions can help capture and encapsulate your camping experience.
Think of a souvenir picture
When you are out camping, there might be one or two experiences of your whole trip that are the most dear to you, or define the tone of your trip.Capture it so you can cherish it forever. Years later when you look at these pictures, it will bring back happy memories of the trip.
Protect your gear
While you may be overjoyed at the idea of capturing the great outdoors, remember to protect your camera too.Your camera should be protected from outdoor elements like dirt, dust, cold and moisture.
To protect your lens, use a proper lens filter, and hood to prevent damage from the lens glass.
Keep your camera and lens in a waterproof bag if you are in an environment where there is moisture in the air, or it is rainy or going to snow.
A useful tip here is to keep a packet of silica gel in the camera bag so that it soaks up all the moisture, if there is any, in the bag.
And when you’re using your camera, use a proper camera strap.
Conclusion
As you go home and load the images from your memory card to your computer, don’t forget to take a back-up! These photos are memories that have captured the joy and awe of your camping trip.
Also when you are shooting, remember one thing: take as many photos as you like, but don’t miss out on enjoying the camping experience for yourself!