During my most recent photography trip, I was reminded of some important lessons about landscape and travel photography. In this article, I want to learn how you can apply these to your next photography trip.
Accepting that condition may not cooperate
Landscape photography lives and dies by light. While there are tricks to making the most of uncooperative lighting, interesting lighting and conditions are what separate my favorite photos from my just-right ones.
Unfortunately, on this trip to Death Valley, I was really limited by time and the conditions weren’t right. While the weather was great to really enjoy the park as a visitor, the cool temperatures and clear blue skies during the day made for uneven lighting and relatively boring skies.
What was even more frustrating was that both nights there were high winds blowing in, eliminating any chance of accomplishing my personal goal of astrophotography on the dunes. However, perseverance was the key to getting one of my favorite photos: a cloud of dust curling under the rays of the sunset.
Even though this particular photo wasn’t even the one I had planned, I was still happy to take something with me after my trip out to the dunes. Keeping my mind and eyes open to other possibilities also paid off on the drive in, where before I even reached the National Park, I was surprised to find some Huge field of wildflowers.
With today’s emphasis on social media, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing your best photos to the collective thousands of hours spent in these locations and eventually become discouraged. . At the end of your trip, instead of comparing 1:1 with your online work, think about your progress as a photographer. Did you get to try some new techniques? Have you made the best use of the conditions you have? Are you happy? While I didn’t throw away some of the portfolio photos that had to be printed, I really enjoyed myself and my visit to a new-for-me National Park.
Keep your device realistic
As a more practical consideration, when packing for a trip, consider carefully what you will bring. Some sour grapes may affect this, but I brought a few lens options for astrophotography, but ended up capturing nothing. Among them is the new Sigma 15mm f/1.4 fisheye lens, which I hope to review. Carrying it along with the 12-24mm f/2.8 all the way through the airport and across the desert, I should have had my fair share under the stars, only neither lens never fell out of my pocket. If I had to pack again, I’d bring a single lens and plan to store it in the hotel when not needed.
Even without additional reasons for evaluating a potential lens, I often fall into the mindset of trying to pack for every situation. I think I need a macro lens, 3 types of filters, and enough extra batteries to power a Times Square ad. Not only does this take up bag space, packing time, and add stress when juggling accessories, it’s also unnecessary.
Today’s devices can perform very well in many roles, especially if you’re willing to make small compromises. For example, while I knew there would be some wildflowers in the Valley thanks to the heavy rains they experience, a dedicated macro lens was probably overkill. Instead, using the 0.5x magnification of the 70-200 f/4 II lens, I was able to capture a useful composition of these flowers. Many mid-range zooms can also act as a pseudo-macro in a pinch, as the magnification ratio is about 0.2 to 0.3x when combined with a little cropping for most flower type.
The same thinking goes for other apps. Instead of using an ND filter for long exposures of water, consider shooting and stacking in Photoshop. A spare battery or charger, e.g Belkin Enhancement or Smallrig’s great V-mount battery can power or recharge a variety of items. Wide support for USB-C charging means there’s no need for a dedicated charger and also allows for cable duplication to be eliminated. Just make sure your USB-C cable is rated for your current speed or the transfer rate of your most demanding device.
Understanding your equipment’s capabilities and versatility can help you make more informed decisions when packing and in the field.
Don’t underestimate the value of practical accessories
One thing I did right on this trip was some of the practical preparations I made. Cheap items, like blowers, protective filters, and even some cheap ziplock bags, have proven to be worth their weight in gold.
As you might guess, I had to deal with a lot of sand and dust thanks to the persistent wind. Being able to keep my equipment clean is important. Small optimizations, such as throwing the zip lock over the tripod leg, meant I could shoot comfortably on the dunes without having to worry about damaging the mechanism.
These optimizations can be different for different trips: it could be a warm jacket and hand warmers if you’re shooting in harsh conditions, or adding a waterproof action camera like Insta360 Ace Pro into your pocket when visiting the tropics. Doing a little research and forethought can help you get better shooting time and ensure you come back with a wider range of shots.
Some other great accessories are rocket blower, External SSD for easy backup back to the room, and one Multi-purpose tool with tripod. The last tool is a particular favorite: it’s carry-friendly, unlike conventional multi-tools, plus it integrates multiple drivers focused on photography and videography. I tucked one into my travel bag and kept it there for every trip.
In the end, although luckily it didn’t work on this trip, Airtags are indispensable in every bag. When it comes to checked baggage, understanding the whereabouts of your bag can give you peace of mind and recovery when the airline inevitably misplaces it. I’ve even seen creative solutions for integrating Airtags right into the device via hidden compartments in the lens hood or tripod plate. While this is not a panacea for preventing device theft, every little bit helps.
Overall, while my trip to Death Valley didn’t fill my portfolio with photos, it was still a valuable trip from a learning perspective. I got a chance to try out some new techniques, including stitching my largest panoramas ever, and practicing some of my basic travel skills. Hope these lessons will help you prepare for your next trip!
