I’m one of the judges for Backcountry Hunters & Angler’s 2020 Photo Contest, and as part of the contest, I shared five photo tips on the BHA blog this week. Visit the blog to read the tips and see images from around the world.
As a bonus, I offered a few notes on gear as well:
- Camera equipment preferences vary widely person to person. It’s possible to shoot creative, quality images on an iPhone, though advancing to an entry-level DSLR camera will provide much more creative freedom. Don’t let the lack of fancy equipment hamper you from getting outside and shooting.
- If you do choose to invest in camera gear, lens choice will have the most impact on your outdoor photography experience. Look at purchasing a quality wide-angle lens, as well as a 100mm+ lens. Wide-angle lenses (anything wider than 50mm on a full-frame system, or 35mm on an APS-C system) are a photographer’s best friend, encouraging new shooters to get up close and personal with their subject.
- A lens with a bit longer “reach” (think 100mm+) will allow you to photograph subjects from a further distance, making it a valuable tool for outdoor athletes/adventurers. Many of the outdoor sports we love are not conducive to having a second person right alongside the first during activity. Longer lenses allow photographers to capture tighter images from further away and can provide a valuable tool for learning how to frame tighter shots.
- Above all, just get outside! Keeping a camera at your side is an excellent way to share your stories, capture memories and document adventures. And with a little creativity, it’s an exciting challenge all on its own.