I know what you are thinking. There are bugs, bears, snakes. It’s too hot, too cold. The thought of sleeping on the ground with just a thin tent wall between you and the wild can be intimidating, scary even.
On our last trip (pictures below) I found myself sitting in my tent clutching pepper spray while a wild horse scratched itself on brush just 18 inches from my sleeping daughter’s tent. And what about that stiff, sore all over feeling when first waking up?
But wait…there is more to this story than terror, pain and discomfort. Seeing the milky way arching over the campground, capturing a late blue hour image of a dead tree in the bay and getting a beautiful golden lit beach scene are just some of the reasons that you should consider adding camping to your growing list of photography skills. Even just a car camping trip.
Bay side sunset in Assateague National Seashore
It does not take much equipment to get started. you can get a small stove, tent, sleeping pad and bag for less then $250. It may be the least expensive camera gear you own.
Having the freedom to stick with a sunset until everything is just perfect, knowing you are just a few minutes from “home” makes things much easier. Being able to roll out of your tent at 2AM, snap a few star shots or stay up all night comfy in your sleeping bag to get a 4 hour star trail image is so much more enjoyable and doable when all your comforts (relatively speaking) are with you or close to you.
When not camping, I have taken some pretty spectacular images in my mind. I plan, I check the weather, the sun or moon alignment, I plan my drive… But when the alarm rings at 3AM and I think about getting out of my warm bed knowing I have to get up, leave my wife, family and coffee pot (perhaps not in that order) and venture out, the image stays in my mind. It may linger as a regret, but all too often ends up in the great photo concept boneyard. Alas, it never happens.
Stars just before dawn
When camping, it all seems a little easier, perhaps even more purposeful. I have never failed to get up and get the shot while camping. Maybe it’s because I can already feel the temperature. Maybe it’s because I have to leave my “house” to get up and make coffee. I can’t say. But I do know that camping and landscape photography go together like a tripod and a neutral density filter. Our trip to Assateague Island National Seashore last fall is a perfect example. A half dozen great shots in about 48 hours.
Beach sunrise at Assateague National Seashore
Adding camping, even a sub 24 trip where you get to your destination before the good light in the evening and your gone just after breakfast can really improve both the quantity and quality of your work. As for all those animals, bugs and creepy crawlys that are just waiting for you, fear not. The drive to the camp ground is the most dangerous part of your trip. Besides, think of the great picture you could get as a bear sticks it’s head in your tent looking for some of your trail mix.
Coffee is always the best part of any early morning photo session, especially when camping. Photo Courtesy of Tessa Lee
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