Seven Outdoor Photography Tips

Watch this video for seven helpful mountain photography tips from fine-art photographer James Lorentson. 

One tip from Lorenston that I couldn't agree with more is to show up to your mountain scene at least one hour before sunrise or sunset, and stay at least one hour after sunrise or sunset. Especially if you're shooting in a natural bowl, valley, or lake vista, often times the light will appear well before or after the sun is "scheduled" to set or rise. Further, by showing up as early as you can to the scene, you'll have more time to wander the landscape and explore different and meaningful compositions that you otherwise might miss if you're in a rush to capture golden light in the mountains. 

Another tip that experience has taught me to appreciate, and one that Lorentson preaches, is to keep your camera accessible. Like the photographer says in this video, most things in nature occur only once, and by the time you're done digging your camera out of the bottom of your bag while on a hiking trail, that moment is most likely finished. By keeping your camera accessible, you're almost guaranteed to never miss a magical moment or light. Plus, you'll be more inclined to capture images like intimate, abstract patterns or reflections than if you keep your camera in your bag.

Some ways to keep your camera ready to shoot while outdoors are by carrying your camera around your neck, or more preferably using something like a Capture Clip. I personally use a Capture Clip and love it, but am looking to upgrade to an insulated and protected shoulder or chest pouch for colder weather and to help keep my gear out of the elements in less-than-ideal weather conditions. 

Watch the video above to learn of more extremely helpful outdoor photography tips.