Photography tips for outdoor camping trips
Capturing the sunrise, moody night campfire glow, sparkling dewdrops, and campfire shenanigans – My guide to Campside photography:
Ah, Camping! The thrill of escaping the city, the culinary triumphs achieved over a makeshift camp stove, the customary sing-alongs around a crackling fire (inevitably accompanied by questionable dance moves, but these are stories for another time) and of course, the peaceful serenity of every sunrise, plenty of laughter, burnt marshmallows and some rather interesting fashion statements (looking at you, Alex, with your green socks and orange crocs).
Camping trips are a glorious hodgepodge of fun experiences, breathtaking surroundings, and hilarious faux pas but amidst the star-studded sky, and the camaraderie forged around campfires, there’s also a desire to capture the essence of these adventures.
Now, I’ve learned a few things along my trails to help you on your outdoor shoots. Not without trial, and error, and the occasional epic photo bomb by a rogue squirrel, mind you (they really have a knack for unexpectedly featuring in some of your best nature shots).
So come on, grab your camera, dust off your lenses and sense of adventure, and let’s delve into some tips for capturing the magic (and occasional mayhem) of a camping trip with an added wow factor:
Storytelling Ninja:
Camping trips are all about creating memories, experiencing nature and the atmosphere around the campsite and your photos should tell the story of your adventure. Don’t just photograph static landscapes; take some beautiful photos of your camping holiday: capture the moments in time!
Capture photos of your friends and family setting up camp (including the fails), the first bites of a not particularly attractive (but surprisingly delicious) campfire meal, and those laughter-filled special goofy moments around the campfire. Be creative, for example, take photos from a corner of the tent or leave your feet and hiking boots in the picture to set the stage.
Pro Tip: Get down low! Experiment with different angles and perspectives. Shooting from a low angle can add some drama to the shot while shooting from a wide angle from a vantage point can showcase the vastness of the surroundings.
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Use the Natural Light:
Mother Nature is the ultimate lighting director. You may prefer to take photos in the early morning shortly after sunrise as the golden hour bathes the surroundings in a warm, golden glow and nature is lit by the rising sun’s rays, or right after sunset and before sunrise, during the blue hour which creates a spectacular atmospheric delight in the evening twilight.
Experiment throughout the day, however, capturing deep shadows at midday for a dramatic effect, or you could use the soft, diffused light on a cloudy day for a softer, dreamier effect. Start experimenting and try out ideas to see which is best for capturing those stunning landscapes and portraits for yourself.
Mastering the art of using natural light can elevate your photos from just “meh” to “magazine-worthy” (well, maybe).
Pro Tip: Step into the darkness! Night photography can be surprisingly cool and rewarding. But you’ll need to Invest in a sturdy tripod and experiment with long exposure settings to capture the mesmerizing dance of the twinkling stars in the night sky.
Gear Up (But Not Overboard):
You don’t need a professional camera or a camera bag full of lenses to take amazing shots on your camping trip. In fact, oftentimes, less is more.
A good smartphone camera can go a long way. It’s more about how creative you can be, and there are plenty of editing apps available out there to enhance and edit your photos afterwards.
Pro Tip: If you do bring a fancy camera, pack in a tripod too for the long exposure shots needed in low-light, nighttime photography. A polarizing filter can also be helpful to reduce glare and enhance the colors of nature, the sky, wildlife, and foliage.
Embrace the Unexpected:
Let’s be honest, camping trips rarely go exactly according to plan. Just be prepared to expect and embrace the unexpected and why not capture those hilarious moments along the way (they’ll make great conversation later).
The shot of your partner tripping over a tree root that popped out of nowhere, the close-up of a surprised friend mid-snack, or the slightly, overly-enthusiastic, animated karaoke display around the campfire – these are the shots captured in time that will have you laughing and reminiscing for years to come.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to get out there and get a little dirty. Yes, you’re on vacation and it’s raining. Bummer? No! Go out there, take some great camping photos!
Take shots of the raindrops on the tent wall or individual drops on blades of grass, reflections in puddles on the water’s surface, get down to eye level with your four-legged friends or your kids.
Often, the best photos (and great pet portraits!) come from getting down low, getting closer to your subject to “see” through their eyes. It may mean ending up with a few dirty, muddy grass stains on your pants (but that’s ok, It’s camping after all).
Most Importantly, Have Fun!
Getting the perfect shot isn’t the be-all and end-all of everything so don’t forget to actually have fun and enjoy the camping experience. Put your camera down occasionally, breathe the fresh air, spend time telling stories around the campfire, and make memories to last a lifetime. (The pics are just bonus extras!)
Bonus Tip: Pack some camping board games and a deck of cards! They provide some fun photo opportunities (think competition, epic card game battles, and victory dances).
So, there you have it! My not-so-scientific, but hopefully helpful guide to capturing the essence and magic of your next camping trip.
Just get out there, enjoy the adventure, and maybe even take a few pics along the way (proof for your friends and family that you actually did go camping, and yes, that really is a squirrel in the background). Now go explore, and click away! Happy camping (and photographing)!
The possibilities for camping photography are endless!
