For the longest time, whenever we’d go hiking I’d take snapshots of just scenery and more scenery. But then, I’d get home, upload my pics and wonder, were we even there? I started realizing I could have just bought a postcard for the same effect.
So, I’ve gotten more creative over the years with my snap-happy self, especially now that we’re hiking as a family. I want shots that make those hiking memories all the more vivid.
Here are my five top pictures to snap next time you go hiking:
1. Take Nature Shots at a Different Angle
We can all appreciate the shots where we stand and click, turn right, stand and click, turn right and make our way in a circle to capture all the beautiful scenery. But why not take it a step further? Kneel down to what the forest critters see. Look up and capture the sun peeking through the trees. Tilt the camera slightly to capture a more dynamic view. You may be surprised at what nature shows you, even for something as ordinary as trees.
Looking up at the trees- Holly Point at Falls Lake, NC
2. Get a Picture of the Sign
I started this trend a few years ago on our first hike in the Grand Canyon. I was in such awe that we were actually IN the Canyon at THE Indian Gardens (which at the top of the Canyon, the trees here look like little pieces of broccoli). Now I make it a point to capture a directional sign somewhere along the trip. It can be the trailhead sign, the park entrance sign, whatever! Just snap a pic. It just may come in handy later when you wonder what the heck the trail was named.
Trail Marker- Indian Gardens within the Grand Canyon, AZ
3. Capture actually hiking.
When we go hiking, why do we forget to take pictures of us actually hiking? Instead it’s typically a posed, static shot of the hikers (if you even got shots of people at all). So, walk ahead and get the family moving along the trail. Or stay behind and get them hiking away from you. If it’s a place that’s particularly steep, capture your family trudging up the hill (you’ll get a nice breather). Or coming down off a summit. Whatever the case, just capture movement.
Daddy Roo and a younger Big Roo- Umstead Park, NC
4. Snap a close-up shot of nature.
While I dig the panoramic shots so I remember what a place actually looked like, there’s also beauty in the finer parts of nature. Maybe it’s the spring flowers that just started to bloom or the dead roots of a fallen tree. Maybe it’s some interesting moss or an unusual rock. Get close and capture a close-up of a little piece of nature.
Splash "fossils" on rock from Colorado River- bottom of the Grand Canyon, AZ
5. Make sure YOU (yeah, you) are in at least one picture
I mean it. Step away from the camera and hand it to someone else. As a mom, I’m always the one with a camera strap around my neck. And I definitely could use a little nudge here and there to actually remember to do this. It’s SO important to capture ourselves in these family moments. While you may hate seeing yourself in pictures (make-up, hair or outfit isn’t perfect), I bet your kids love it. So, ask someone (your spouse, a hiker, one of your kids) to take your picture too. At least ONE pic of you per hike. That’s not too much to ask for, right?
Me and Big Roo (as Baby Roo)- somewhere near Prescott, AZ
Any other shots that you love to take while hiking?
These tips are so helpful, Mel! Glad you found my site — I’m loving yours! Look forward to sharing our adventures! – Debi @goexplorenature
.-= Debi´s last blog ..Fun Friday: Roar at the Moon =-.
What great advice for picture taking on hikes : ) Maybe we will go on a hike this weekend! Hopefully it won’t snow!
Love this post. Everyone has the posed family shots, but the ones that I often find more meaningful are the impromptu pics of family members actually doing something. I also agree with your point about the normal photographer getting in a pic or two. My wife often takes all the pictures she’s in very few photos.
Eric
BTW totally applying all of these tips when we go on our camping/hiking trip next month! Should make for a really great photo session!