Essential Gear for Nature Photography (It’s Not What You Think)

Waterfalls on Savage Creek in Savage Gulf State Natural Area, Tennessee

The great outdoors is, well, great. Fresh air? Check. Beautiful scenery? Everywhere. Calming in a life of chaos? Maybe the main draw. Anybody can enjoy being in a natural place and I think everybody would benefit from going outdoors. And if you’re one of us that all your vacations and days off are scheduled for this, then you may already be a shutterbug for the walking trails and woodland streams.

We all like to talk about the lenses you should take, what camera is ideal for a grueling hike, and if this or that tripod is the one you need. Photography is often what pushes us to go adventuring so I don’t want to diminish the photographic gear discussion. But really, any camera and lens will work pretty great. Just grab the photo gear you already use and don’t worry about what you saw on YouTube for now. There are actually some things arguably more important than a top 10 listed camera that can make or break your trip.

Keown Falls Loop Trail in Chattahoochee National Forest

First and possibly foremost, is a good durable pair of shoes or boots. Rocks, roots, and water are tough on footwear and even a strong pair of cross trainers won’t keep your feet dry and uninjured. Hiking shoes and boots with a fabric like Gore-Tex are truly amazing for keeping your feet protected. I have a pair of Teva hiking boots that are so abused that the outer portion is tearing. It might be hard to believe, but I have stood in streams with them in this condition and my feet did not get wet. Other features that will keep a hike a wonderful excursion are a wide toe box, sturdy and grippy souls, and support for both your ankles and arches.

Hard shell knee pads have proven vital for me. One main reason I go into the forests is to take macro shots of tiny things like flowers, mushrooms, and insects. So I’m often kneeling on hard terrain that could send me to a surgeon’s office. I also take scenery photos from low angles which finds me kneeling even more. With hard shell knee pads, I don’t even feel the rocks. The knee pads are knee savers, and in turn they save the whole experience.

A towel is a useful item to bring with you. Very Douglas Adams of me, isn’t it? But yeah, a regular bath towel can be quite a nice addition. There are times I need to have my camera right on the ground and if I position it under the camera, it can be a good stabilizer for long exposures. I can wipe off muddy hands with it before handling my precious camera. And it’s not a terrible cushion when you sit for a breather.

Most of my hiking is during the muggy months of spring and summer. Sweat gets in my eyes and it can be difficult to focus my lens or even compose an image. A ball cap or sweat band eliminates this altogether. Or if I’m in wide open fields under direct sunlight, a ball cap helps shade my vision. I know, this is what sunglasses are literally for, but they mess with my ability to find correct exposure as they darken my vision. I could pack regular glasses and switch pairs when needed, but glasses are fragile and expensive. There’s a realistic chance they will get broken or bent and I don’t want another mandatory cost.

Water. You must bring water with you. It is so easy to underestimate how dehydrated you can get on a long hike. Even in the constant shade of woods and forests your body is rapidly losing water. Having a ready source of clean, potable water can mean the difference between an enjoyable jaunt on a secluded trail and someone finding you passed out. If all you can afford is a bottle of water from the grocery store you’re still better off than having none with you. But if at all possible get a tumbler, a canteen, or thermos that is double or triple wall insulated. Please, do not think a drink from a stream will do you just fine. Microbes in the water can make you terribly sick and some people have developed life threatening conditions from sipping creek water.

Unless you’re in bear country, bring something to eat. Some photographers will pack a lunch such as a sandwich and some fruit. I bring granola bars, energy bars, or dried fruit. I can tell you from experience that photographing the outdoors is so fun that you’ll lose track of time. Suddenly you’re hungry and you will need food. Remember that you’re doing something quite physical and you must keep your strength up. Also, don’t be persnickety about putting wrappers in your backpack. Don’t leave them in nature. Just don’t. Oh, and about being in bear country, leave the snacks in your car. At least you’ll have sustenance available much sooner than having to drive to the nearest fast food joint. Which is likely an hour or more away.

Mushrooms on the Keown Falls Loop Trail.

I have found that my photography is better if I am enjoying the hike rather than just enduring it. And that helps me get out there more. Which is simply more opportunities to create better images. I think these few items will help you, too.

Are there things you might recommend that’s not included here? I’d like to know what your go-to things are that keep you safe and comfortable when you take a photo hike. Please mention them in the comments. And happy photographing!