PACK YOUR CAMERA! WE’RE GOING ON AN ADVENTURE!

Remember the good old days when a camera was a fancy piece of equipment and was something that was used on special occasions or family vacation? These days, a camera is a DSLR, point-and-shoot, tablet, or phone and they are constantly used to document every living moment. In this blog, we talk about grabbing your DSLR camera, no matter the size or quality, and getting out on an adventure to capture and preserve the memories of your experience. 

Photography is a way to creatively express yourself and to document the natural beauty and diverse cultures of the places you visit. It offers you an artistic way to tell a story and to share your message. Taking your camera on an adventure can also help you to be more mindful and present in the moment. Instead of just experiencing a place passively, photography encourages you to actively engage with your surroundings and to notice the small details and beauty that might otherwise go unnoticed.

When embarking on an adventure, it's important to have the right camera gear to aid in getting the best shots. Here are some key items to consider bringing with you:

Camera body: The heart of your camera gear, you'll want to bring a camera body that is durable and versatile. A DSLR or mirrorless camera is a great option, as they offer a wide range of manual controls that will create something uniquely your and they have the bonus of taking interchangeable lenses.  

Lenses: A wide-angle lens is a must-have for capturing landscapes and vistas, while a telephoto lens is great for wildlife and action shots. A standard zoom lens is also a good option for everyday use. Just do yourself a favour and if you are backpacking, don’t bring them all. That’s a lot of weight to carry! 

Tripod: A sturdy tripod will help you take sharp photos in low light or when using a long exposure. It will also help you take steady shots of landscapes or architecture. There are various ultra light tripods including smaller sizes that can be packed into most bags.   Extra batteries and memory cards: Make sure you bring a few extra batteries and memory cards. Cooler temperatures drain the energy from batteries, so have as many as you think you need.  

Camera bag: A good camera bag will protect your gear from the elements and make it easy to carry around. Look for one that has room for your camera body, lenses, and accessories. If you are using a backpack, ditch the camera bag and wrap your lenses and camera in soft cloths. 

Filters: A polarizing filter can help reduce glare and increase color saturation, while a neutral density filter can be used to slow down your shutter speed for long exposures. 

Cleaning kit: It's important to keep your gear clean, especially when you're out in the wild. Bring along a cleaning kit that includes a lens brush, lens pen, and microfiber cloth. The last thing anyone wants is fingerprints in their shot. 

Remote Shutter Release: A remote shutter release can be a useful tool when you want to take a photo of yourself without touching the camera or if you are capturing images that require a steady hand.

In addition to these items, be sure to also pack clothing and gear appropriate for your adventure, such as hiking boots, a rain jacket, and sunscreen. 

When you take pictures during your adventure, you are not just capturing the sights and experiences, you are capturing the emotions and feelings that come with them. The joy of summiting a mountain, the awe of standing in front of a majestic waterfall, or the serenity of a peaceful sunset. These are the moments that will stay with you long after the adventure is over, and it's the photographs that will transport you back to those feelings, long after the memories have faded. 

So what are you waiting for? Grab your camera!