Photography fundamentals for hikers and backpackers
These lessons are designed to be short and easy to understand. Technical concepts are broken down to basics and explained in simple language. Each lesson tackles a narrow subject, from fundamentals of photography to advanced skills in rare environments.
Basics: Thirds and halves
The rule of thirds is easy to remember, but its application has nuance.
Basics: Leading lines
Use branches, rocks, hills, and trails to lead the viewer’s eye around the photo.
Basics: Depth
Keeping something in the foreground can emphasize the scale of vast landscapes.
Basics: Reflections
It’s fun to hunt for reflective surfaces that can create interesting pictures.
203: Portraiture
Portraiture in the wilderness is entirely different from shooting in a studio.
303: Atmospheric phenomena
Lenticular clouds, crepuscular rays, blood moons, sun dogs, and more.
Basics: Perspectives
An easy way to make photos more interesting is to use a different perspective.
Basics: Framing and cropping
A photo needs to have a subject. Framing the subject can make the subject more impactful.
Basics: Editing and presets
Over-editing can ruin a wonderful shot as easily as using an inappropriate preset.
Basics: Carrying a camera
A camera isn’t just expensive. It’s also extra stuff to carry and extra chores to do.
202: Hiker for scale
A human subject is often very compelling, but you’re still shooting landscapes.
Basics: Leave No Trace
Take only pictures, leave only footprints.
302: Workflow on trail
On top of chores like laundry and resupply, you have to select and process photos.
Basics: Sunrise and sunset
Even a colorful sky needs proper composition to make it a good photo.
Basics: Lighting
The wilderness creates complicated lighting situations, but it’s easy to see what works.
Basics: Practice
Practice the basics constantly - and look at great photos from esteemed artists.
201: Exposure triangle
Shooting on manual will take your photography to the next level.
301: Reading maps
Forests, water, distance, and elevation. Maps can help plan great shots - days in advance.
