Here are my top tips for getting into adventures and adventure photography
⁃ Vary the time of day. This might mean an early alarm call or hanging around for sunset. Often the light or sky / clouds is extra special at dawn and dusk
⁃ Weather patterns – look out for interesting weather opportunities. Cloud inversions, mist, fog, ice, snow, clear skies
⁃ Be patient – sometimes you don’t get what you expect but what you get can be far more unique
⁃ Location searches – scout out locations during the day that you might wish to visit for a dawn shoot
⁃ Get inspired- the online community is an amazing source and resource to inspire you and give you ideas for where you’d like to go yourself
⁃ Be well prepared / equipped to get uncomfortable- maybe freezing cold and soaked through so pack and prepare for this. Hanging around to get ‘the shot’ often requires some waiting and persistence. Have extra gloves, a spare waterproof, socks
⁃ Don’t give up – it may take time and you could have some disappointing trips in terms of photography but the journey and memories make it worth while and every trip you do will give you more skill and experience
⁃ Try meet ups – there are groups for photography enthusiasts online you can join which is an ideal way to meet new people and learn from them too. Often these are free or incredibly cheap, or you can invest a bit more an go on a photography course to learn from a professional
⁃ Vary your style – if you feel like you are up for the challenge and you like to be active you can do a wide range of activities for adventure photography. Hiking is an obvious place to start but there is also cycling, running, swimming, climbing, kayaking etc – see where your passions take you!
⁃ Go big! Book your dream trip and tick some locations off your bucket list. There are so many incredible places within the UK to photograph but if you fancy going further afield then there’s a world of possibilities. There are a number of organised / guided adventure holiday companies that can help to facilitate your dream trip, or do it yourself. There’s a lot of free information online. It can be the trigger you need to ignite your passions. From my experience I have never felt more inspired and alive to have more adventures than when I have just finished a trip!
⁃ Be safe – always tell someone of your plans and intentions, carry a phone with you and if possible take a companion. Outdoor Clothing brands also contain safety such as MIPS (cycling helmets) and Recco. Don’t take any crazy risks it is just not worth it
⁃ Have an open mind and be prepared to get creative. You don’t need an incredible location or the money to travel, if you are prepared to be creative you can get some fantastic shots right on your doorstep. Change your perspective… look up / look down … take a different look at something ordinary. A local bridge, river, park or a tree are all good subjects.
maintainingmymojo 