Photo Field Trips

A field trip can be a learning opportunity that is fun and exciting or it can be a less than pleasant memory. Planning ahead on your personal comfort and having the right equipment are some elements to consider. You know your physical limitations and abilities. Be aware of the landscape of your adventure. A few precautions can make the difference!

Dress for the environment. This sounds so simple yet I will have a student show up for a long hike in flip flops! Always, always wear good sneakers or hiking boots with socks (even in the summer). Layered clothing is best. Long sleeves can keep you warm or keep you from getting a sun burn. Long sleeves are actually cooler in the summer. A white or gray over shirt can also double as a tool for setting your white balance and exposure!

Carry a couple of large trash bags. They don’t weigh much and can be a quick rain coat. Use the bag to set your equipment on to keep everything clean and dust free. Use the bag to sit upon. This will allow you to get those low angled shots without getting dirt in your face or on your clothes.

Insect repellant and sunscreen are a must for the outdoors. I remember when we use to dust ourselves with sulfur powder in a sock during Girl Scout camp to keep the ticks away. Ticks can cause Lime disease and can be a serious condition. You don’t want to bring the West Nile Virus home with you from a mosquito bite. When using sunscreen or repellant, be sure and wipe your hands with a wetnap after applying to avoid making your camera greasy or getting any in your eyes. Our fingers are often near our face when operating a camera. I keep insect repellant and sunscreen in the car at all times.

It is important to have the right camera equipment with you to complete the assignment, but how much equipment can you carry without it becoming a burden? You don’t want to leave equipment behind in your car where it can get overheated or stolen. If you are going to walk a long way, travel light. You can carry a smaller tripod and then weigh it down with rocks when you reach your destination. Try carrying a couple of empty, long socks and then tying them together for this purpose. A photo vest is a good way to distribute the weight of the equipment around your body. That way, you can avoid hanging everything on one shoulder and paying for it the next day with a stiff neck. I like a camera bag with wheels when there are good walkways. Do consider others and keep your bag with you at all times so that it doesn’t appear in someone else’s photograph.

Keep water with you or check to see that there is availibilty at your destination. Staying hydrated is important. Girls, keep tissue paper in the car.....I need not elaborate!

Come away from your next field trip with wonderful Images and stories of a great adventure!