The challenges & perks of outdoor photography
BH: As an Outdoor Photographer, what are the greatest challenges you face?
GC: Well I guess that depends if you’re talking in regard to the challenges of selling outdoor photography, or in the making of images. In the first part I would say the greatest challenge is to make images that will be able to stand out in a crowd, images where the viewer can instantly interpret the scene, and hopefully make some kind of emotional connection with the photo. I try not to get lost in copying the latest visual fad, stylistic trend, or mimic what others are doing. Sometimes I’ll make the choice to be lined up at a great icon if I’ve never been to a place before, or just want to get my own ‘postcard’ view. But it’s always far more rewarding when I am away from the crowds chasing down my own visions of a place, or being somewhere to capture a moment that I know will be unique and special.
BH: What’s the best thing about photographing the great outdoors?
GC: That’s where we as a species are born from and of; it is our ‘nature’. I love being a spiritual animal. There’s a saying I keep with me regarding our consciousness: “We are the Universe trying to understand itself.” For me, there is nothing more special than being someplace, alone with nature, getting to play “witness” with my camera; like waking up to a sunrise on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, looking out, and knowing there probably isn’t another person around for miles. For that moment, you get to feel, “How lucky am I?” and in one instance you can feel your complete insignificance and absolute connectedness. My goal is to get a small bit of that feeling into my pictures.
An outdoor photographer's checklist
BH: Okay, I have to ask, what’s in your camera bag?
GC: Right now I have a Nikon D2x camera which I love, and is a real beast. I also have a selection of zoom lenses, from a 12-22mm wide angle, up to an 80-400VR. I also carry a Nikon flash, and Circular Polarizer, and a set of Singh-Ray Graduated Neutral Density Filters. I use good lenses, but I don’t use the super-huge ultra fast telephotos, since I don’t do a lot of wildlife. My most important piece of equipment - that’s not in my camera bag - is my tripod, which can often make a huge difference between getting a sharp image or an out of focus image.
BH: For somebody who is just beginning Outdoor Photography, what are 5 things they shouldn’t be without?
GC: First would be the tripod. It will slow you down, but it will also slow-you-down. It will teach you to take your time with the equipment, and you’ll learn to use your camera like a real tool, as oppose to something you just aim and click.
Believe it or not, the next most important items have nothing to do with photography, but everything to do with safety in the outdoors, especially if you are hiking any distance on trails. Bad things can happen very quickly, and you should always have certain things with you. Good footwear, water, a jacket (or fleece & windbreaker), a headlamp, and a map (knowing how to actually read a map is pretty important, also). People get lost all the time, and if it happens while you’re out taking pictures, you should be ready to spend a night outdoors. I also highly recommend good hiking sticks.
The final page of our interview, we'll hear Gary's tips on outdoor photography. We'll also see what his two favourite portfolio images are; learn where Gary get's his ideas and inspiration from and find out how to contact Gary (and where we can see more of his outdoor photos).