Photographers Have to Sleep Sometime

Who knows how many new videos and articles are put on the line each day talking about the gear you should own as a photographer? And, more importantly, when was the last time that you read an article about gear that promised to get you closer to the action, help make you more energetic, and it can charge all of your batteries too?It might sound like I’m talking about some newfangled device but I’m really talking about some of the options for a home away from home when you are out in the field. Some photographers spend days, weeks, or even months at a time driving, hiking, and camping to get some of the amazing shots you see today. I personally spend about two weeks on the road, nine months out of the year, shooting and hosting workshops in the southwest, northwest, and Hawaii. My time away from home has taught me some valuable lessons about the best way to live, and my favorite option might even surprise you.

Hotels and Motels

An easy option for any photographer living a semi-nomadic life is to check in to a hotel for the night. You usually get a decent bed, a warm shower, and full-on electricity. Along with those amenities, you also usually get a hefty charge on your credit card. While hotels are convenient and can offer a bit more civilized living, they can also be cost prohibitive and a bit sterile when it comes to having a feeling of connecting with nature.

Tent Camping

When we’re talking about connecting with nature, unless you’re hopping in a sleeping bag and crashing under the stars there’s nothing that will get you closer to the ground, literally, than camping in a tent. They come in all shapes and sizes from one-person to family size, and multi-room too if you really want to go big. And, for the most part, tents are a very economical way to go too. For a few hundred dollars, if that, you can get a tent, pad, and sleeping bag.

Another nice benefit of tents are they usually pack up small so they don’t take up a lot of room in your vehicle. Unlike hotels, you can generally be very close to where you’re shooting so you can hit the trifecta of sunrise, sunset, and the Milky Way from one convenient location. While tents may sound like the perfect option there are a few downsides to consider.

First, they don’t do much to keep you warm at night. That is probably okay since your sleeping bag can handle that task. Second, they don’t have much in the way of restroom and shower facilities. If you’re staying at a park with a campground, this probably isn’t a big deal. If you’re out in the wilderness, you need to make other arrangements and come prepared. Finally, tents give you a level of privacy that you’ll appreciate, they don’t have much protection value from wildlife and crawly things in general. One other possible negative is that tents can be tricky to setup, especially the first few times. Once you see where the rods and tie-downs go, it becomes easier, but you should plan to practice at home if you go the tent route for your in-the-field accommodations.

Rooftop Tents

One variation on the traditional ground-based tent is a rooftop tent. These are mounted on top of your vehicle’s roof and give you better protection from critters that might look at you as their next meal. They also elevate you off of the ground so if there is heavy rain, you will likely stay dryer and more comfortable. One word of caution on rooftop tents, however, is to ensure that it is properly installed, balanced, and loaded for your vehicle. I have personally had a bad experience with this type of tent coming unmounted while miles from paved roads and cellular phone coverage. Fortunately, I always carry a satellite communicator with me and was able to send text messages for help.

Camping in Your Car

Like a tent, camping in your car allows you to be much closer to where you’re shooting. It may not be as spacious as a tent but a car has some distinct advantages that, for me, have it win out over pitching a tent. The first is that there is very little setup involved. Drive to where you’re going, lean the driver seat back, and snooze away. If you want to get fancier, and you have an SUV, keep the back clear enough for a pad and sleeping bag. And, if you really want to go all out, be sure to bring some fluffy pillows from home too!

That’s really your only investment with car camping so it is very affordable. Sleeping in your car can also be a bit warmer on those cold nights, especially if you don’t mind firing up the engine for a bit. You might not be popular with those around you if your motor is going all night, so be considerate. Plus, mind your fuel so that you don’t accidentally strand yourself trying to stay cozy. For me, I also like the added protection that a metal car provides over a nylon tent. I can rest easy knowing that the pack of coyotes that I imagine is stalking me can’t easily chew through aluminum.

Bringing a Trailer Along for the Ride

Perhaps the most luxurious option for being out in the field is to pull a trailer wherever you go (or drive a motor coach). They can give you the closest at-home experience with a bed, sink, microwave, running water, heater/AC, and perhaps even a bathroom/shower. Trailers typically also have some storage space which allows you to schlep even more photography gear that you won’t actually use. The nice thing about a travel trailer is that you can drop it off at a campground and still have use of a proper overland vehicle. Many times, a motor coach is just not going to have the ground clearance or maneuverability to get into some of the interesting places.

A Surprise Ending

This isn't meant to be a comprehensive list of sleeping options for out in the field, I just wanted to cover a few of the options that I have tried to make life a little more normal while traveling. As for what my favorite option is, even though I have an Airstream Basecamp that I now use regularly, I honestly prefer the flexibility and no-fuss of car camping. It is simple, safe, and reasonably comfortable. Let me know how you set up camp for the night when you are out in the field, I’m sure there are more than a few opinions on this subject.