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Writer's pictureJennifer Dixon

Hiking in Spring: Photography Tips

From May into June it is a fantastic time to embark on outdoor adventures and capture the beauty of spring landscapes. Depending on where you are located you could still have brisk mornings and evenings with warm days during this time of year. Whether you're hiking in spring through lush forests, exploring wildflower-covered meadows, walking along sandy beaches or ascending to higher elevations for panoramic views, here are some photography tips to help you make the most of your upcoming hikes!

Redwood National Forest sunburst and bokeh

Plan Your Timing: Take advantage of soft, diffused light during the early morning and late afternoon hours. The "golden hour" near sunrise and sunset provides a warm, flattering glow to your photos.


Use a Wide-Angle Lens:

A wide-angle lens (14-24mm or similar) is great for capturing expansive landscapes and vast vistas. It can also emphasize foreground elements, adding depth to your shots.

Walking on the beach at blue hour

Experiment with Composition: Compose your shots using the rule of thirds. Place your subject or horizon along the horizontal or vertical lines to create a balanced and visually appealing image. Include foreground elements like rocks, flowers, or streams to provide context and depth in your photographs.


Mind the Sky:

Pay attention to the sky's conditions. A clear blue sky can be beautiful, but some cloud cover can add drama and interest to your photos. Consider using a polarizing filter to enhance the sky's contrast and color.

Looking out at the sea from the rocky cliffs

Capture Details: Don't forget to zoom in and capture the smaller details of your hike. This could be a close-up of a flower, a tree bark texture, or a dewdrop on a leaf. Macro lenses or modes on some cameras and smartphones can help with this.

field of purple lupine

Maintain Depth of Field: Use a narrow aperture (high f-stop number) to ensure everything in your frame is in focus, especially in landscape shots. This technique is known as hyperfocal focusing.


Utilize Leading Lines: Look for natural lines like trails, rivers, or tree branches that can lead the viewer's eye into the photo, creating a sense of depth and direction.


Capture Movement: If you come across waterfalls, streams, or flowing rivers during your hike, experiment with slower shutter speeds to capture the motion of the water. This can create a dreamy, ethereal effect.

River long exposure

Stay Patient and Observant: Take your time to observe the surroundings and wait for the right moment. Wildlife, interesting cloud formations, or unique lighting conditions may present themselves if you're patient.

Grand Teton mountains and valley

Pack Essential Gear: Make sure you have a sturdy tripod to keep your camera steady, especially in low light conditions or when using slow shutter speeds. Bring spare batteries and memory cards, as capturing many shots can quickly drain your camera's power and storage. Keep in mind, too though, if you're hiking a long way weight could potentially be problem so a light travel tripod may work better for you.


Respect Nature: Be mindful of Leave No Trace principles. Avoid trampling on delicate plants or disturbing wildlife while you're out on your adventures.

sunset in Glacier National Park

Post-Processing: After your hike, use photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom to enhance your images further. Adjust exposure, contrast, and colors to make your photos truly pop.


Remember, the most important aspect of outdoor photography is to enjoy the process and connect with nature. Capture the moments that resonate with you personally and tell a story of your adventures on the hiking trails. Happy shooting!




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