Erin Babnik is known internationally as a part of the nature photography team Photo Cascadia. Her work grew from experiences as an art historian and archaeologist, photographing in museums and at archaeological sites throughout Europe and the Middle East. Here she discusses her must-have gear, the value of museums, and when fixing it in post isn't cheating.
What Are Must-Carry Items Always in Your Bag?
As a Canon Explorer of Light, I have the privilege of owning a large collection of Canon bodies and lenses. Having a pair of Canon EOS R5 Mark II bodies gives me a lot of options in the field when I bring both, but I often pack only one for longer hikes. The lenses provide a wide array of choices that destinations tend to inspire, but there is one lens that nearly always gets packed, and that is the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM, due to its great versatility for outdoor photography. Crucial camera support includes a ProMediaGear PLCR56 L-Bracket, a ProMediaGear BH50C40 ball head, and a ProMediaGear TR343C tripod, all from ProMediaGear (yes, I am a brand ambassador), and I use a Canon TC-80N3 Timer Remote Controller when the tripod is in action. My backpack collection is likewise substantial thanks to the generous support of f-stop Gear, but the one I use the most is a one-of-a-kind modified f-stop TILOPA in a custom purple color that I adore. Many accessories and clothing layers for safety and/or comfort are always in my bag, but one item that I never leave behind is a small folding foam sit mat that serves many functions, from giving me a place to kneel while shooting to helping me fan the flames of a campfire.
What Is the Most Underrated Photo Skill?
Being able to think on your feet. Very often in outdoor photography it can be tempting to pursue a composition or location even when the conditions do not align with your expectations, but clinging stubbornly to an idea in the moment usually means missing an opportunity to find something more appealing for the circumstances.
What Would Other Photographers Be Surprised to Find in Your Bag?
A short bungee cord. It's very useful for stabilizing my tripod in strong wind or to ensure that it won't get knocked off of a cliff edge. I secure one end to the hook on the bottom of the tripod and the other to my camera backpack, which is always very heavy and helps to anchor my gear.
What Technique Do You Use Most Often?
Focus stacking is probably the one specific technique that I use most often. Sometimes I embrace a shallow depth of field, but more often than not a landscape or nature image benefits from equally sharp focus throughout the frame.
What Art Books Should Every Photographer Own?
As many as possible, but I recommend having a good overview of art history, some technique books on painting, and at least one good book on color theory.
Do You Have Anything That Is a Daily Practice or Habit?
Yes, I get at least an hour of exercise every day. Not only is being fit a huge help in the field, but I get some of my best ideas while exercising, no matter where I am or what I'm doing.
Photographers Are Always Told to Develop a Style or Find a Voice, but There Is Little Advice on How to Find That Voice. What Guidance Can You Offer?
Experiment a lot and follow your nose. Style comes about through habit, and you'll develop habits only through a lot of time and repetition. Experimenting all the while can help you to identify which habits are serving you well and which might be holding you back.
What Commonly Valued Photo Skill Is Overrated?
There is an old saying to "get it right in camera," which many people push too hard. I've seen workshop students abandon a great composition in favor of a mediocre one just to avoid having to make any edits in post. Sometimes in the field it helps to shoot with editing in mind to accomplish a final image that cannot be created any other way.
If you want to sharpen your post-processing instincts to complement your in-camera work, Photographing the World: Landscape Photography and Post-Processing is an excellent resource for building that end-to-end vision.
Have You Ever Had a Creative Block? How Did You Overcome It?
It does happen, and the fix is always to go to an art museum to spend time in front of some great paintings or sculptures. Invariably the inspiration becomes very motivating.
What Is the Best Learning Experience You Have Ever Had?
Before the days of social media, I explored wilderness areas extensively without knowing what I would find there. Using topographical maps, I learned how to target elevations and features that were likely to be photogenic, and through this process I learned an enormous amount about my photographic interests and how to develop them.
Bio
Erin Babnik. a Canon Explorer of Light, is known internationally as a photographic artist, educator, author, and speaker. Her style of landscape photography springs from an unusual integration of wilderness exploration, progressive techniques, and a classical education in the arts. Erin has offices on two continents and travels extensively to teach photography workshops and for speaking appearances and commercial projects. Erin is known for blending educational insights with a flair for inspiration, making her a highly requested speaker.
1 Comment
All good to know and thanks for the information. I really like the info about about focus stacking and now with the Sony A7RV and A7Siii and others is great. I love the intro image have to strong and have love for the out doors to get it.
Not to be negative about gear and hers is just that hers. But with a chosen camera of ones liking would be good but I take on board the lens selections for the adventures all good to know.
A few things no one ever covers is like what about snake boots/snake shin guards. I like doing Milky Ways and in early evenings and mornings that is when bugs eating you and other bugs - I have found Skin-So-Soft to be best and for us who had the anthrax shots it does not have DEET that can cause extra things. If a need for camping a jar of moth balls to put around the tent at night to help keep snakes at bay.
I know it does not happen much but when and where it does what rifle or gun would you carry if you can. One that has many uses is a nice light 22LR the survival rifle once out and ready is good or a pistol getting some meat out there and far as protection a shot to the goin is the place to aim a .22LR will take down the biggest person. I went to the Grand Canyon once and saw more Elk but lots of signs for Mountain Lions with crossing signs for them for this get two plastic eyes and put on a hat or watch cap facing backwards supposedly if they think you are looking they will not bother, maybe but I did while doing Milky Ways out alone every one sleeping. But mainly a good First Aid kit and have some one show you how to use everything in it, Also a device that gives your location in case you are hurt with an alert button that sends a signal to someone.
Elk are food for others and while your looking at your camera and gear have some one looking at your back. The big close elk was eating grass (what there was of it) right behind be while I was doing a pano of the Canyon and the group was right next to the hotels on the south trail while I was doing a Milky Way capture, just saying know what is around you and be prepared.
What is stubbed is watching YouTube videos of people doing MW's out west wearing shorts and shoes and putting up tents even a video of people hiking the PA grand canyon and one pointing out a raddle snake and then just walking. I do MW's at night on a local beaches and have been approached by drug dealer have to be prepared for one round to the goin not chest held low also one handed just be prepared. Body armor is low cost and yes uncomfortable at first but you get used to it, your camera and gear you are carrying is worth a lot of money! If you carry carry concealed but handy!