Every spring I get restless.  I fantasize about warm days, cool nights, wildflowers and waterfalls and nights under the stars, road trips and hikes and adventures with my family.  We spend each winter huddled in the warmth and convenience of our house, with a comfortable bed and a down comforter to ward off what little chill may intrude in the middle of the night.  When the sun goes down, we turn on the lights and life continues uninterrupted late into the evening.  The rhythm of nature ceases to exist.

Like clockwork, every spring I find myself craving tent time.  I want to lie on my back on a thin Thermarest, the nylon walls of my tent stretched tightly around aluminum poles with a million stars sparkling through mesh skylights.  I long to hear a coyote yip echo through a midnight canyon.  I need to go to sleep when it gets dark, wake up when the sun rises and bask in the warmth of early sunshine.

Getting away from all our modern conveniences instantly makes life simpler, if only for a short time.  It also reminds us to appreciate the things we take for granted every day: warm running water, a cozy couch on which to relax during a storm and a refrigerator stocked with a variety of fresh food.  A toilet.  A real, honest to God toilet – not a hole in the ground and a log to squat on.

But it isn’t just about getting away from all the niceties of modern society.  It’s about spending the night at the base of a big mountain or hidden in a deep canyon, surrounded by nature in all her glory and violence.  It’s about not being at the top of the food chain.  It’s about being an insignificant speck in a vast landscape, surrounded by the sights, smells and sounds of a wild and rugged place.  We need this to remember our place in the universe.  We are not in control.

Last fall I spent an eventful evening in a tent in Capitol Reef National Park.  Rain poured from the sky accompanied by fat bolts of lightning and thunder that echoed off the sandstone walls.  I laid on my back with my eyes wide open, watching the tent walls glow brightly with each lightning strike.  When the thunderstorm finally passed I fell asleep only to be awakened in the early morning hours by the horrific sounds of a rabbit becoming a meal to a coyote or mountain lion.  The next day, with nerves frazzled by an all-night adrenaline high, I swear the sky was bluer, the air smelled sweeter and life was just a little bit better.

Common sense is a funny thing.  Most of us have it and most of us use it.  Put a camera in our hand and all too often the “common” in common sense disappears.  I won’t cite the many examples I’ve witnessed of this peculiar behavior.  Rather, I’ll tell you a story of my own from just last night.

I’ve wanted to photograph the “Delta Pool” since seeing it in a Tom Till photograph when we first moved to Moab 4 1/2 years ago.  The problem?  Tom wasn’t telling anyone where it was and only a handful of people knew its location.  I studied maps, Google Earth, Tom’s photo and more to ascertain it’s whereabouts.  I had it narrowed down and was ready to begin exploring when a friend and fellow photographer stumbled upon it first.  He was gracious enough to provide me with directions that, if followed, would land you right at the coveted spot.  Me being me, I didn’t follow his directions.

His directions specifically state that there is an easy access ramp of low angle slickrock to the top of the mesa.  I chose to ascend a 60 degree, 100′ high rock gully wearing a 30 lb. camera pack.  Halfway up I realized I could go no further without a belay.  It was about that same time that I realized getting back down was going to be a challenge.  So, I sat down on a 5′ rock ledge about 200′ above the canyon floor and pondered a few things.  After a snack I started the scary downclimb.  Fortunately, I made it down without incident.

Let’s move on to more stupid.  I finally found the low angle slickrock ramp, exactly where it was supposed to be.  I made it to the top of the mesa and rim walked all the way around until I arrived at the location I’d so longed to visit.  The pool was much bigger than I’d imagined and the view was even sweeter in person.  I was early, so I dropped my heavy pack and scouted the area for other photo opps.  I found several.  I also took some time to lounge around on the warm red slickrock, resting my head on my pack and even drifting off to dreamland for a few minutes.  As the sun crept lower I set up my tripod and made a few images before packing up in the waning light and starting the trek back to my truck.

Mind you, there is no trail here.  I saw no other footprints anywhere on the mesa and no sign that anyone had been there in a long time.  The rim walk out to the Delta Pool took about an hour once on top of the mesa.  Not wanting to rim walk all the way back, and thinking it would be shorter to just shoot straight across, I headed back via a different route.  That’s a really smart thing to do in unfamiliar terrain as what little bit of light is left quickly fades.  The mesa is bisected by canyons that disallow you from walking a straight line.  Nothing looked familiar.  I cliffed out at one point above a canyon that I knew I had not seen on the way in, which forced me to head in another direction.  I needed to be walking generally north and soon discovered that I was actually headed southwest.  People really do walk in circles when they’re lost!  I was beginning to think that I might be in for a chilly night on top of a remote mesa with no food and very little water.  Life or death?  No, but certainly an uncomfortable experience.

I could still see a familiar landmark in the direction I needed to travel so I shot a bearing and started toward it.  Luckily I found my way out and back down to my truck just after darkness fell.  What are the lessons here?  There are many.  First of all, follow directions when you have them.  Second, if at all possible don’t go out alone – especially in new and remote territory.  Third, in unfamiliar terrain you might consider setting a waypoint on your GPS at the location of your parked vehicle.  That’ll help you get back when you lose your bearings.  Fourth, bring a little more water and a little more food than you think you’ll need.  Fifth, and most importantly, don’t let the common part of common sense fall apart.  This is even more important when things start to go bad.

I didn’t make an award winning image of the Delta Pool.  I’ll go back when the conditions are right, with dramatic clouds filling the desert sky.  Next time I’ll probably bring my sleeping bag to avoid the hike out in the dark, and to have that whole beautiful mesa all to myself for an evening.

Been in a stupid situation that scared some sense into you?  We’d love to hear about it!  Post your “scared straight” moment in the comments below.

I’m in the early stages of planning a possible four day whitewater rafting and photography workshop trip through Cataract Canyon in Canyonlands National Park to take place in May or June, 2011.  The trip would include all meals, guided boats, tents, etc. plus all the usual photo workshop stuff, i.e. instruction in the field, sunrise/sunset shoots, image critiques.  We’d also do some day hikes to interesting Native American ruins within some truly stunning side canyons.  At the conclusion of the trip we’d fly over Canyonlands en route back to Moab in a small plane.

At this point I’m just trying to gauge interest in the trip.  Pricing isn’t firm yet but will most likely be in the neighborhood of $2,500/person, all-inclusive.  This would be an awesome opportunity for a full-immersion experience that will require some degree of fitness and will provide you with opportunities to make images in a remote desert wilderness not often photographed from river level.  Cliche as it may sound, this is a once in a lifetime type trip.

I’m interested in hearing your thoughts and comments about this kind of trip.  Is the approximate price of $2,500/person fair?  What questions and concerns would you have?  What would you expect to get out of it?  Is this something you would be seriously interested in?  Please take a moment to leave a comment!

My interest in landscape photography evolved as a natural extension of my love for the outdoors.  I hike and backpack to gain access to high alpine lakes surrounded by jagged mountain peaks and deep desert canyons carved by raging rivers.  Why not use the time in between sunrise and sunset to expand your photographic horizons by shooting adventure images?

The words “adventure photography” conjure up images of daring climbers clinging precariously to granite cliffs and river rafters navigating huge rapids.  But such high adrenaline pursuits aren’t the only outdoor sports that make for dynamic adventure photos.  Day hiking, backpacking, mountain biking and even car camping can offer opportunities for interesting photography all day long.  With a little practice and a little knowledge you’ll soon be making photos on par with those in Backpacker, Outside and the now deceased Adventure magazine (RIP).  Here are some tips to get you started:

Spouses Make Great Models

Spouses work for free, they’re usually with us while out exploring, they don’t complain a whole lot and they won’t give you flak about signing a model release.  Just remember: even if you’re married to a professional model your better half will need a little direction during the shoot.  Be patient with them and explain exactly what you need them to do for you, i.e. turn left 1/4 turn and gaze lovingly at that big mountain.  Okay, maybe just gaze at that big mountain.

Adventure Couture

Since we’re on the topic of models, let’s talk about what they should wear.  A photo of a hiker wearing jeans and a cotton flannel shirt isn’t going to make it into Backpacker magazine no matter how dramatic the scenery.  Your model should wear clothing and gear appropriate for the activity and environment.  Additionally, your model should know how to properly use any gear in the photo.  I once received an image request from an outdoor magazine for a “hiker fording a waist deep creek using trekking poles and wearing a pack with the hipbelt and sternum strap unfastened.”  Why?  Because it’s the proper technique when fording a creek.

Here’s the part your model spouse will really like - they’ll probably get some new outdoor clothing out of the gig.  Choose colors that will contrast with the environment.  For example, a hiker in the mountains wearing a bright red top will stand out dramatically from a background of green trees.  That same red top won’t contrast as strongly against the red rock of Canyon Country.  Maybe a green or blue top would work better.  Think camoflauge, in reverse.

Get Low.  Get High.

Just as in landscape photography, you can use unusual camera angles to create dynamic images.  Lay down on your belly or climb up above your subject.  Shoot from in front, behind and to the side of your subject.  One angle may work better than another.  The more you experiment the more creative your images are likely to be.

Go Wide.  Go Long.

Altering your perspective isn’t the only path to creative adventure photography.  Get down low with a wide angle lens and shoot close to your subject’s feet.  Use a telephoto lens to compress the distance between a hiker perched on a rock outcrop and the snow capped mountain behind them.  There is no “right” technique.  Each situation calls for a different approach.  As you experiment in the field you will discover what works and what doesn’t.  Chances are you’re shooting digitally.  Carry lots of memory and don’t forget that it doesn’t cost you a penny to push the shutter button.

It isn’t always easy to convey motion in a still image.  Using a slow-ish shutter speed and panning the camera with your moving subject works great for trail running, kayaking and mountain biking.  Your subject remains reasonably sharp while the background blurs into streaks that imply fast movement.  Or, set your camera to motor drive and fire off several images in a row and you might just capture your subject in transition with both feet (or both tires!) off the ground.  A human hovering in mid-air is pretty much a dead giveaway that they’re not standing still.

Show The Whole Story

The adventure begins long before you step foot on the trail.  Photos of friends setting up a tent, chilling around a campfire and performing seemingly mundane tasks like cramming gear into every available inch of the SUV are all part of the story.  Find a fun way to depict the action.  If your spouse or friends are willing to look a little silly, use a wide angle lens and photograph a tight composition of their puffy cheeks filled with air while blowing up an air mattress.

Location is a big part of your story.  Show it off in your photos.  Include a prominent, well known peak in the background with your subject hiking in the foreground or show a hiker standing in awe on the rim of the Grand Canyon.  Found a killer campsite near an alpine lake?  Scout out a composition that shows your tent surrounded by wildflowers next to that jewel colored lake and your friends who bailed on the trip will cry tears of regret.

While this primer is by no means everything you need to know about adventure photography it does give you a few things to consider on your next adventure.  Don’t waste mid-day.  Get out there and burn through some memory!

Adventure Photographers Who Inspire Me

Jimmy Chin

Michael Clark

Kennan Harvey

Galen Rowell

Tyler Stableford

Corey Rich

Adventure Photography Resources & Training

Rocky Mountain School of Photography Adventure Photography Course

Adventure Photography: Capturing the World of Outdoor Sports

Don’t let the adventure stop here.  Ask a question, leave a comment or tell us how you coaxed your spouse into being your adventure model.  Got some cool adventure photos online somewhere?  Feel free to link to ‘em.

I’m starting a cool new interactive feature on my blog called “Ask An Expert”.  The concept is pretty simple: you send me a question related to photography and I round up an expert to answer it for you.  I’ll post your question on the blog along with the expert’s answer.  I’ll accept questions on just about any photography topic including technique, business & marketing, digital darkroom, equipment, etc.  Just try to keep it relevant to nature, landscape and/or adventure photography.

Questions we can’t answer:

• Which is better, Canon or Nikon? (Everybody knows Canon is best.)
• Is Photoshop cheating? (No.  I mean yes.  No, I mean no.)
• Should I get up for sunrise if it’s cloudy outside? (No.  Stay in bed so those of us who do wake up for it don’t have to fight with so many photographers.)
• Is it acceptable to yell at the Griswolds for standing under Delicate Arch for a family portrait just as the sky turns pink and the arch begins to glow? (Absolutely not!  While annoying, they have just as much right to be there as you do.)
• And finally my favorite…If I had a nice camera and lens like yours I could take really good pictures, too. (Okay, so that’s not a question but seriously, do people really believe it’s all about the gear?  Ugh!)

Now that we’ve got all that out of the way, let’s hear some great questions!  Please email your questions to me at bret (at) bretedge (dot) com.  If you’re wondering why I typed my email like that it’s because if I don’t, the spambots will launch a massive attack on my inbox.  I’d hate to miss any of your awesome questions.

As an avid hiker I’ve long been disappointed with the backpack options available for photographers.  Dedicated photo packs organize camera gear well and are great when working not far from your vehicle.  However, none of them are designed for the trail.  Along comes Clik Elite, a new pack company whose tagline is “Performance Packs for Adventure Photographers”.  Hmm, I wonder – could this finally be the Holy Grail?

Ever skeptical I shelled out $310 on the Large Hiker pack from REI.com knowing that it could be easily returned if the product disappointed. Upon receipt I was immediately impressed with the pack’s build quality and features. Even more impressive is the fully adjustable harness. My long torso and freakishly short legs make it difficult to properly fit packs but I was able to quickly adjust the harness for a perfect fit. We’re off to a good start.  The bottom compartment is padded and divided to carry camera gear while the large top compartment carries your day hiking essentials and a Camelbak style water reservoir.  An extra pocket on the bottom uses weather-resistant zippers and contains an organizer for memory cards, hard drives, filters and other small photo goodies.  A second, larger external pocket on the top section is large enough to stow a first aid kit, headlamp, hat and gloves and most of the “ten essentials”.  The pack passed muster in the living room.  What about in the real world?

Fast forward after two months of use in the Pacific Northwest and here at home in Moab, and I’m excited to announce that the folks at Clik Elite got it right.  The Large Hiker carries as comfortably as any non-photo dayhiking pack I’ve ever worn, even after several hours on and off the trail.  Clik Elite’s designers gave this pack a real, honest to God waistbelt that does exactly what it should – transfer the weight of the pack weight to your hips.  Halleleujah!  Camera equipment stays well protected in the padded compartment and is easy to access when needed. I still carry my camera with attached 24-105mm lens in a Lowepro Topload Zoom chest pack for quick access. The padded compartment carries my 16-35mm and 100-400mm lenses, external flash, extra batteries and an extension tube with room left over for lenses I’ve yet to buy.  The large top compartment provides ample room to carry rain gear, food, diapers (for my son, not me!), a jacket and more.  The pack is hydration compatible with a reservoir pocket and hose outlet or, for old schoolies like me, mesh pockets on the side large enough to hold 32 oz. Nalgene bottles.  The pockets are even placed such that I can access my water bottles and put them back without assistance from another hiker or a kind trail stranger.  Nice!

Unfortunately, nothing in this world is perfect. Those mesh water bottle pockets are loose and there are no bungees or drawstrings to keep the bottles in place.  I’ve had many a Nalgene come flying out while scrambling up a steep slope.  My biggest gripe is with the tripod carrying system, or lack thereof.  Straps are provided on the top and bottom of the pack to carry a tripod horizontally.  Huh?  Nobody likes to carry tripods horizontally.  At least, nobody I know does.  Have you ever tried to squeeze through a slot canyon with a tripod mounted horizontally on your pack?  It doesn’t work.  I developed a jerry-rigged vertical carry by placing two of the tripod legs in the lower pocket and securing the ballhead with straps provided on the top of the pack.  It works well, except that you lose the ability to use that cool lower pocket.  That’s it for the negative.  Not bad, huh?

I contacted Clik Elite about my two concerns and was told that I am not alone in my opinion and that they have already resolved the issue.  The new & improved packs will be available in the first quarter of 2010.  I was not provided with details on the fix nor have I seen photos of the new packs so I can’t comment on whether or not “new & improved” really means “new & improved”.

If you’re tired of adapting regular daypacks to photo use, or just plain disgusted with the usual photo pack options you should consider the Clik Elite product line.  Their entire line of packs, pouches and organizers can be viewed at www.clikelite.com.

I will add photos soon…