No matter where I go I will most definitely bring my camera. But what else should we bring?
7 Things to remember on your next hike: A Photobook Hiking Checklist
1. Camera
2. Batteries
3. Lunch
4. Water
5. Lenses
6. Camera remote control
7. Tripod
Now that you wrote down your list let's get down to brass tax. After you come back from your day out on the trail you'll want to start making your photobook.
First, you've got to get the cover image that will really shock people or bring people in. Either a blue sky shot with mountains in the distance or a close up of a small sapling next to your muddy boot.
Second, tell your story of that day or trip. Start from the first couple photos that you took from the beginning of the trail. A sign might be good or the mileage you are about to walk.
WAIT! First make a decision if you want the book to be more of YOU and your trip or NATURE and your trip. Both would be fine but nature doesn't always need an explanation but a picture of you sometimes does need an explanation.
Third, decide if you will add captions or not. You don't want your mom asking you constantly, "Where were you?" or your friend asking, "What peak was this?" Also, if your hike is more than a day, make sure to write a journal which can be scanned in or rewritten as a caption for the photos.
Fourth, wide shots are good but close up shots are good too. While on the way up the mountain you stopped often to take photos (not to rest and drink water) and those images I am sure nobody has ever taken before. It's rare that people will take their time up a mountain, naturally when you are close enough to the top you will just keep going and not stop.
Fifth, you have your tripod and remote control and set the camera up on the trail and then go back down a ways and while you hike up towards the camera take numerous photos. Then turn the camera around and do the same as you hike up the mountain or into the distance. This can be all on one page of your photobook or a two page spread showing movement, your exhaustion and the beauty of where you are.
Sixth, take the fifth idea and move the tripod out into the woods and take a few shots as you pass by the camera. This will give a cool view of an animal in the woods.
Seventh, make sure that you include a photo in your book of your view of the hike. Take the camera and take a picture of what your eyes see when they look down on the ground. Your leg and or knee should be in the photo.
Eighth, make sure all the animals, birds, leaves, strange things, mushrooms, trees, ruins WHATEVER are in your photobook which will make the book more interesting!
What was the best hike you've been on? Do you bring your camera along on the hike?
