Photography Tips

The new places and sights you see are best captured and preserved in pictures. However, this does not mean you should have to allocate a majority of your pack to heavy-duty, state-of-the-art photographic equipment. Thankfully, we live in an age where lightweight, high quality cameras are available to the average backpacker at relatively reasonable prices. To save on further space, many a prudent traveller has greatly appreciated the virtues of the digital camera.

In choosing the camera to take with you, look for features such as a zoom function, a timer, and flash options. Determine what consumables you will have to deal with, whether it be film or batteries. Make sure you bring enough of each, or ensure that you can easily purchase these during your trip. Likewise, consider bringing along a lightweight but sturdy tripod. Many manufacturers produce portable ones just for backpacking.

Keep in mind that the trip is about you and the place. Take an ample amount of panoramic shots showcasing your favorite views and locations. Just remember to have someone trustworthy (or use the timer function of the camera set up on a tripod) to take at least a few pictures of you, preferably with you being the focus of the shot. Not every photograph must be of the surrounding area, leaving you ant-sized and at the edge of the frame. If you must, take two photographs: one focusing on you, and the other emphasizing the scenery. You would not want to miss anything.