Christina Harman, Author at The Adventure Junkies https://www.theadventurejunkies.com Be Safe, Confident & Prepared In The Outdoors Thu, 02 Dec 2021 13:01:46 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9.3 https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/wp-content/uploads/cropped-AJFaviconSquare-32x32.png Christina Harman, Author at The Adventure Junkies https://www.theadventurejunkies.com 32 32 100 Best Gifts For Photographers – The Ultimate Gift Guide https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/best-gifts-for-photographers/ Fri, 10 Nov 2017 12:09:27 +0000 https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/?p=51793 Buying gifts can be exciting but with so many things to choose from, how can you find something that your friend or loved one is sure to enjoy? Fortunately, outdoor photographers are a fairly easy bunch to please. From camera accessories to help them capture amazing images, to gadgets and gizmos to make the outdoor […]

The post 100 Best Gifts For Photographers – The Ultimate Gift Guide appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

]]> Buying gifts can be exciting but with so many things to choose from, how can you find something that your friend or loved one is sure to enjoy? Fortunately, outdoor photographers are a fairly easy bunch to please. From camera accessories to help them capture amazing images, to gadgets and gizmos to make the outdoor photography experience easier and more fun; there are plenty of things that your outdoor photographer will love. To help simplify the process, and make it easier for you to find that perfect gift –we’ve compiled a selection of 100 best gifts for photographers.

With this in mind, let’s explore some of our top picks for photography gifts. This guide includes gifts under $50, gifts under $100, and gifts over $100, as well as things for him, and her –and even budding young photographers.

 

 

 

GIFTS EVERYONE WOULD LOVE

UNDER 50 USD

CAMERA LENS COFFEE MUG

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

Wondering what to get the photographer who has everything? Wonder no more! This handy lens novelty coffee mug is perfect for holding a hot drink –and cookies!

 

 

 

QUALITY COFFEE

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

Speaking of coffee; photographers are on-the-go, getting up early to catch those sunrises. Get them some strong coffee beans to get them up and keep them going.

 

 

 

THERMOS BOTTLE

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This thermos is perfect for hot coffee or cold tea. Featuring an easy to clean screw top, its slim line design makes it perfect for travel. Any photographer who spends time in the great outdoors is sure to appreciate it.

 

 

 

SD CARD CASE

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

A photographer can never have too many SD cards, especially if they’re shooting RAW. This SD card case has 22 slots and will keep them organized and close at hand.

 

 

 

CAMERA LOCATE TRIGGER

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

They’ll never lose their camera again. This FindX Find Anything is a handy tracking device will alert them to its location. An extremely handy and practical gift.

 

 

 

FIRST AID KIT

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

Show your photographer friend that you care. It’s often-forgotten, but vitally important. A portable first-aid kit like this medical survival bag will prove to be invaluable the first time any outdoor photographer finds themselves injured and far from home. Durable and lightweight, this kit is ideal for on-the-go.

 

 

 

SURVIVAL BRACELET

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

An equally important kit for long hikes or any trip into the great outdoors. This survival bracelet contains fire starter and an emergency knife and whistle. It also includes a compass –which is also useful for determining which the direction the sun is in.

 

 

 

FOCUS AND ZOOM GRIP

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This focus and zoom grip is perfect precise and smooth focusing and zooming.

 

 

 

SOLAR CHARGER

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

For photographers that sometimes overnight it, this solar charger would make a great companion. With three USB ports, it can charge three devices simultaneously.

 

 

 

FLASK PARACORD HANDLE

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This paracord handle is a comfortable and fashionable way to carry a water bottle. No more leaks inside the bag or awkwardly fumbling with the flask. The perfect gift for on-the-go photographers.

 

 

 

CORD ORGANIZERS

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

Keep all of those cords organized. These adjustable cable ties will help your photographer to keep their bag tidy and organized. Extremely handy.

 

 

 

ENERGY BARS

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

As any outdoor enthusiast knows, you need protein-packed snacks to maintain your energy while you’re out. These Clif Energy Bars are easy to toss in the bag and go and will keep any outdoor photographer going. Contains: Chocolate Chip, Crunchy Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip Peanut Crunch, 2.4-Ounce Bars, 24 Count.

 

 

 

 TRAIL MIX

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

Likewise, a high-quality trail mix is also essential for outdoor adventures. This organic trail mix contains almonds, cashews, goji berries, mulberries and coconut chips. Packed with nutrition and with 5 grams of protein per pouch.

 

 

 

JERKY

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

A delicious snack that’s perfect for hikes. A good source of protein, and made with lean cuts of meat and gourmet ingredients, this KRAVE Beef Variety Pack includes Beef Jerky in Chili Lime flavor, Pork Jerky in Black Cherry BBQ flavor, and Beef Jerky in Sweet Chipotle flavor.

 

 

 

CAMERA RAIN COVER

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This Altura Photo Professional Rain Cover will keep your photographer’s camera nice and dry. Perfect for sudden downpours!

 

 

 

HANDSTRAP

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This camera grip wrist band hand strap allows photographers to shoot easily, without having to worry about dropping the camera. No need for neck straps either.

 

 

 

CAMERA CLEANING KIT

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This professional camera cleaning kit will allow your photographer friend to keep their camera’s lens clear, shiny, and streak-free. Includes cleaning pen, alcohol-free lens cleaning solution, lens cleaning tissues, and more. No more splotchy pictures.

 

 

 

ND FILTER SET

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Amazon

Buy your photographer friend this professional ND filter set, and they’ll be able to capture amazing long-exposure images. Includes an ND filter 1000x with 10 stops. Its thin frame is suitable for the wide angle end and telephoto end of 58mm lenses with less vignetting on the images.

 

 

 

MICROFIBRE CLEANING CLOTH

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

What photographer doesn’t need these? Handy and safe for lenses, these microfibre cleaning cloths are a perfectly practical gift. No more smudges.

 

 

 

THE PHOTOGRAPHER’S PLAYBOOK: 307 ASSIGNMENTS AND IDEAS

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

The perfect book to help inspire any photographer’s creativity. The Photographer’s Playbook is packed with assignments and ideas, so they’ll never be bored.

 

 

 

LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY ON LOCATION: TRAVEL, LEARN, EXPLORE, SHOOT

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

An extremely popular landscape photography book, Landscape Photography On Location: presents important information in an accessible and engaging way. Full of stories and insights; it also covers topics such as hiking, travel, and technical subjects. Good for beginners and professionals alike.

 

 

 

JOHN SHAW’S GUIDE TO DIGITAL NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

John Shaw’s Guide to Digital Nature Photography is full of helpful information on everything from equipment and lenses to technical information. It also includes more than 250 amazing images that are certain to inspire.

 

 

 

MOUNTAIN LIGHT: IN SEARCH OF THE DYNAMIC LANDSCAPE

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Amazon

Mountain Light: In Search of the Dynamic Landscape is a bestselling classic that’s a must-read book for mountain photographers. Written by Galen Rowell, often considered to be the father of modern day adventure photography, this book contains 80 of Galen’s finest images and essays about the creative, technical, environmental, and philosophical considerations that went into creating them. An elegantly written book that explores the craft of outdoor photography.

 

 

 

COLLIER’S GUIDE TO NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

The night sky is awe-inspiring, but it’s notoriously difficult to photograph. In Collier’s Guide to Night Photography in the Great Outdoors, author Grant Collier guides any nighttime photography enthusiast through the process of capturing amazing nighttime images. Starting with a look at equipment and supplies, as well as software and apps that are helpful when planning a shoot. Finally, there’s plenty of advice on capturing and processing nighttime images.

 

 

 

WATER BOTTLES

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

These water bottles are ideal for long hikes. With a vacuum leak-proof lid, there’s no need to worry about spills inside the bag, or on valuable equipment. They’re also insulated so they’ll keep drinks cool longer.

 

 

 

REFLECTOR

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

If your outdoor photography friend enjoys macro images or close-ups, this Etekcity 24″ Photo Reflector will help them to capture their shots in the best light.

 

 

 

CABLE ORGANIZERS

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Amazon

We all have tons of cables at our desks. These nifty AppleCore Cable Organizers will help your photographer friend to maintain a tidy workspace.

 

 

 

WIRELESS REMOTE

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

Who couldn’t use a wireless remote? If your photographer doesn’t have one already, this is the gift to buy. This Foto&Tech Wireless Remote is a handy little gadget that’s perfect for capturing long exposures, without the camera shake. Wildlife photographers can use it too –enabling them to capture the action, without scaring the animals away.

 

 

 

LENS PEN

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

Few things are as handy as this lens pen; the perfectly portable way to spot clean a camera lens. It’s small and easy to throw in the bag and go. It’s extremely effective as well.

 

 

 

CAMERA STRAP

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

No more toting their camera around on the strap that it came with. This TARION camera strap features an attractive brown weave. For all DSLR cameras including Nikon, Canon, and Sony.

 

 

 

MEMORY CARD

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

Just a memory card? Yes, but this SanDisk has 16GB to hold loads of images. Plus, if they’re shooting in RAW, they’re going to need it!

 

 

 

OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHER MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

A subscription to Outdoor Photographer? Definitely! Magazine subscriptions are the gift that your friend will be able to enjoy all year long. And they’re special because it’s probably not something that they’d normally purchase for themselves. The editorial emphasis of Outdoor Photographer Magazine is on the practical use of the cameras in the field. It looks at the modern photographic world by encouraging photography as part of a lifestyle. It’s full of inspiration to and encouragement for outdoor photographers.

 

 

 

GLOVES

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

For keeping hands warm on chilly days, these Metog suede mittens feature a flap mitten cover, and fingerless gloves. Perfect for fiddling with buttons and dials on a cold winter’s day.

 

 

 

FLASHLIGHT GLOVES

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

If your photographer’s a gadget lover as well, these handy high-tech Coroler Cool Fingerless LED Flashlight Gloves, with built-in flashlights, will be just the ticket. They’re perfect for a nighttime photographer, and will help to make the job of seeing dials and buttons on the camera, a bit easier.

 

 

 

DRY BAG

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

For any photographers who ventures out in a kayak or even on a hike when there’s a chance of rainstorms, a dry bag like this Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack provides necessary protection, keeping expensive gear safe from the elements.

 

 

 

WOOL SOCKS

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

Cozy wool socks? Yes please! Consider these merino wool socks. We love the moisture-wicking features of wool, and your outdoor photographer will too! Perfect for hiking or long treks.

 

 

 

MOUSE

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This ergonomic mouse is made for gaming, but it’s ideal for anyone who spends time editing photos. Much better than a laptop trackpad!

 

 

 

INSPIRATIONAL SIGN

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Amazon

This inspirational sign, Life is Like a Camera, is perfect for budding or professional photographers alike. A good reminder to ‘focus’ on the important things.

 

 

 

CAMERA PATENT PRINTS

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Amazon

These reproduction camera patent prints would make the perfect collection for any photography enthusiast.

 

 

 

VINTAGE CAMERA STYLE VASE

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Amazon

This vintage ceramic vase is designed to look like a vintage camera. A classic decoration for the home or office.

 

 

 

MAGNETIC POETRY KIT

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Amazon

This fun magnetic photographer kit is ideal for photographers with a creative streak. A great gift to inspire creativity.

 

 

 

CAMERA CUSHION

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Amazon

Know a photographer who also loves interior design? This vintage camera pattern cushion is sure to brighten up their space.

 

 

 

NOVELTY CAMERA PEN HOLDER

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Amazon

A fun and decorative pen holder, this retro camera desk organizer would make a great gift.

 

 

 

VINTAGE CAMERA PHOTO ALBUM

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Amazon

Can you smell the old pebbly leather on Galison’s trompe l’oeil Vintage Camera? It’s actually a photo album, but it’s one that recalls the good ol’ days of film.

 

 

 

NOTEBOOK

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

A moleskine notebook is perfect for jotting down photography notes, location details, or for serving as a journal.

 

 

 

USB CARD READER ADAPTOR

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

The perfect little gadget! This USB card reader adapter lets you transfer images from your memory card, via USB port. Perfect for moving images from the camera into a computer that doesn’t read memory cards.

 

 

 

TRAVEL TRIPOD

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This JOBY GorillaPod tripod is durable and lightweight, making it ideal for taking on hikes. The rubberized foot grips and wrappable legs will secure professional cameras up to 6.6lbs.

 

 

 

HOT KEYS SHORTCUTS

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

Know a photographer Mac user? Help them become a Photoshop master with this Adobe Photoshop Shortcuts Keyboard Skin to make tasks easier and faster than ever before.

 

 

 

PIRIT LEVEL FOR CAMERA’S HOT SHOE

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This Polaroid Hot Shoe allows photographers to make sure their camera is set up level on a tripod. A must for landscape photographers who want to steady their horizon lines!

 

 

 

LENS CAP HOLDER

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

Finding a place to put the lens cap when shooting can be a challenge, but not anymore. With this lens cap holder, your photographer won’t be losing lens caps nearly as often!

 

 

 

LENS KIT

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

What photographer doesn’t love bokeh? With the Bokeh Masters Kit, photographers can create bursts of light in a range of fun shapes.

 

 

 

NOVELTY USB STICK

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

A USB flash drive is a fun and practical way of storing all of your important files and documents. This high speed pen drive is shaped like a camera and lens, and comes with a necklace to keep it from getting lost. The perfect gift!

 

 

 

LENS CASE

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

These plush lens pouch cases protect lenses from bumps and scratches. Perfect for photographers who love hiking or traveling.

 

 

 

INSERT KIT

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This Incase DSLR Camera Insert Kit is perfect for keeping lenses and gear from bumping into each other while on-the-go; and is also ideal for stowing gear while at home.

 

 

 

CAMERA CASE

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

Another camera case, this DSLR camera case features DuraNeoprene to safeguard any DSLR. It also has zip pockets for memory cards and small accessories. Available in a range of different patterns.

 

 

 

CAMERA BEAN BAG

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

When it comes to stabilizing the camera, a bean bag is a simple yet effective solution. This Grizzly camera bean bag is perfect for wildlife photography –place the beanbag over an open window, and rest the camera on it for added stability. This bean bag allows you to fill it with anything from bird seed to rice, dried beans, or sunflower seeds.

 

 

 

FLASHLIGHT

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

Every outdoor photographer needs a good flashlight. This J5 Hyper V tactical flashlight is extremely bright, producing an intense beam of light for up to 800 feet. It’s also durable, perfect for hiking and outdoor use.

 

 

 

CAMERA HOLSTER

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

Draw partner! This SpiderHolster camera holster leaves hands and upper body unrestrained and can be used with your own belt. Ideal for point-and-shoots and lightweight DSLRs.

 

 

 

VIEWFINDER MAGNIFICATION

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This Matin 2x LCD view finder extender reduces eye fatigue, providing 2 times magnification without distortion or blur! The neck strap makes it easy to carry.

 

 

 

USB WALL CHARGER

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

A technological upgrade to standard wall chargers, this Portable Power Adapter: USB Wall Charger simultaneously charges both phone and battery backups. A true grab-and-go solution.

 

 

 

OUTDOOR POCKET BLANKET

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This ultra-compact sand-proof and waterproof pocket blanket is perfect for taking on hikes or treks. It’s perfect for use in dirty and damp conditions.

 

 

 

UNBREAKABLE FRAME SUNGLASSES

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

Clear, super light, and durable –these Torege polarized sunglasses offer UV400 protection coating, and block harmful UVA & UVB Rays. The polycarbonate lens and frames are impact, scratch resistant, durable and unbreakable.

 

 

 

CARABINER HOOK CLIP KEY HOLDER

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This set of six carabiner hooks will certainly come in handy for any photographer’s outdoor pursuits.

 

 

 

CAMERA CHEST HARNESS

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

Featuring an adjustable design, this camera harness provides a comfortable and custom fit. The even weight distribution is ideal for anyone who totes a camera around for hours!

 

 

 

MOSQUITO REPELLENT BRACELET

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This mosquito repellent bracelet is ideal for pest control. Perfect for taking on those long wilderness hikes. It’s waterproof and DEET-free plant-based oil protection.

 

 

 

SUN HAT

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

It may not be the most stylish hat in the world, it is designed to for extreme effectiveness. This Alchemi Labs River hat blocks 99.8 % of skin damaging UV rays with a tested UPF of 800+, and can even reflect up to 80% of the sun’s heat waves! It also has built-in ventilation and moisture-wicking sweatbands.

 

 

 

ICE GRIPS SNOW CLEATS

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

For winter hikes over slippery terrain, these traction cleats are easy to get on and off. Fits over boots and sneakers alike.

 

 

 

PILL FOB MATCH CONTAINER

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This portable match container features a waterproof sealed container and is a mini key ring that’s perfect for keeping matches/toothpicks/pills clean, dry, and handy. Makes a great gift.

 

 

 

GREY CARD

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This grey card helps to simplify the process of exposure and color correction when working in difficult lighting conditions. Folds up small and compact, and includes a handy nylon carry case.

 

 

 

BETWEEN 50 – 100 USD

PORTABLE ESPRESSO MAKER

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Amazon

Who wouldn’t love fresh espresso while on-the-go? This MiniPresso GR Espresso Maker makes it easy to enjoy fresh espresso shots –even in the remote wilderness! Compact and featherweight, this little espresso maker features powerful extraction pressure for a rich and strong shot. A great device that’s sure to be a hit with any coffee-loving photographer.

 

 

 

LENS BAGS AND BELT ACCESSORY

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

For the serious photographer, this RoryTory camera lens bag belt accessory will prove to be an invaluable and hands-free way to keep track of everything. It’s especially ideal for the photographer who likes to keep a range of different lenses close at hand.

 

 

 

POLAROID PIC-300

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

Here’s a fun novelty item your photographer friends are sure to love. This Polaroid PIC-300 is like taking a stroll down memory lane. Plus being able to see prints of your images, instantly, may never really lose its appeal. Compatible with PIF-300 Instant Film.

 

 

 

POLAROID PIC-300 FILM

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

And of course, you’ll need some film to go with that film Polaroid camera. This 7-pack Polaroid camera film is sure to get any photographer off to a great start.

 

 

 

HEAVY DUTY TRIPOD

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This Bushnell Advanced Tripod features adjustable legs, and a durable and beautiful design. It’s ideal for capturing landscapes and long exposures.

 

 

 

COLOR CHECKER

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This ColorChecker Passport is a powerful ‘capture to edit’ color solution for any photographer looking for more accurate, consistent color.

 

 

 

OVER 100 USD

WIFI DIGITAL PHOTO FRAME

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

A fun way for a photographer to display their favorite photos. This Nixplay digital photo frame can easily sync with Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, and more.

 

 

 

HATCHBACK CAMERA CASE

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This Lowepro photo camera case is an excellent way to carry camera and gear long distances.

 

 

 

CAMERA BACKPACK

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This Huntvp 40L backpack is another great solution for toting camera gear around. Made of water-resistant fabric, this high-strength backpack is extremely durable.

 

 

 

WATERPROOF HIKING GPS

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This high-sensitivity Garmin Foretrex hiking GPS is ideal for long wilderness treks. Offering improved performance and reception even in heavy tree cover or deep canyons. It can even retrace user’s path. It can also display sunrise/sunset times.

 

 

 

ACTION CAMERA

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

For the adventurer photographer, this GoPro HERO5 is certainly ranks high on their wish-list! Offering image stabilization as well as a waterproof design and exceptional durability, GoPro is ideal for capturing adventure photography. With its stunning 4K video, one-button simplicity, and voice control, HERO5 Session may be the ultimate combination of performance and small size.

 

 

 

PORTABLE PRINTER

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This HP Sprocket portable photo printer is ideal for on-the-go printing. Using seamless Bluetooth connectivity, it’s easier than ever to print from a smartphones or tablet.

 

 

 

PORTABLE STUDIO

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

Know a photographer who loves macro or close up nature photography? This AmazonBasics Portable Photo Studio is a great way to capture those small, delicate details, allowing for perfect lighting.

 

 

 

GIFTS FOR HER

WOMEN’S RAIN JACKET

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This The North Face rain jacket is both water and wind-resistant. Perfect for tossing in the backpack in case of showers.

 

 

 

LONG-SLEEVED TOP

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

Featuring brushback knit fabric for maximum comfort, breathability, and warmth, this Under Armour mock is perfect for layering on cold winter hikes. The signature moisture transport system wicks sweat to keep you dry and light.

 

 

 

HIKING SHIRT

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

Crafted from a light and soft stretch-flex fabric with a lovely drape, this ultra-versatile Columbia Sportswear shirt is perfect for hitting the trails. The sweat-wicking power to pull moisture away from the skin, hidden venting, and UPF 30 sun protection provides protection from burning and long-term skin damage.

 

 

 

12-IN-1 HEADBAND

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This 12-in-one headband is a versatile and extremely useful piece of kit. Works as a headband, neck warmer, bandana, balaclava, and cap; and in the winter, you can rock it as a lightweight neck gaiter, face mask, beanie, or balaclava. For the summer, it’s a tough headband to wick away sweat and offer protection from the sun, wind, and dust.

 

 

 

SILVERTONE CAMERA EARRINGS

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

These beautiful black and silver camera stud earrings are perfect for any stylish photography-lover.

 

 

 

FASHION SCARF

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This fun and fashionable Lina & Lily Infinity Scarf is the perfect accessory for any photographer’s outfit.

 

 

 

NOVELTY SOCKS

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Amazon

‘Snap up’ these socks for your photographer friend. They’re a perfect thinking-of-you gift.

 

 

 

CAMERA NECKLACE

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Amazon

This cute point and shoot camera charm necklace features a tiny camera pendant, and includes an inspirational quote.

 

 

 

GIFTS FOR HIM

NOVELTY CUFFLINKS

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

These camera mode dial cufflinks are perfect for any fashion-forward photographer.

 

 

 

MEN’S POLO

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This Columbia Men’s Thistletown Park polo from Columbia features omni-wick to pull moisture away from the body. This also offers UPF 15 sun protection.

 

 

 

MEN’S JACKET

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This The North Face Apex Bionic soft shell jacket is light yet warm. It’s great for hiking in chilly weather, and perfect for layering up on those cold winter days.

 

 

 

MEN’S LONG-SLEEVE SHIRT

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This long-sleeve Under Armour Men’s Tech 1/4 Zip is perfect for cold winter’s days. With quick-drying ultra-soft fabric, it also features anti-odor technology to prevent the growth of odor-causing microbes.

 

 

 

MEN’S TROUSERS

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

These heavy-duty CQR Men’s Tactical Pants are perfect for photographers. With multi-purpose pockets –that are ideal for holding various tools and equipment, they also contain Duratex fabric to repel liquids and dirt.

 

 

 

GIFTS FOR KIDS

PIXLPLAY CAMERA

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

For the budding photographer in your life, this Pixlplay Camera makes it easy to turn a smartphone into a fun kid’s camera. Fits the majority of all standard size smartphones.

 

 

 

MAGNETS AND FRAME STICKERS

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

Kids will love displaying their photos with the magnetic frames and tiny wooden pegs in this Fujifilm Wood peg clips with magnets set. This fun and colorful kit allows them to show off their photography in a stylish way.

 

 

 

PHOTOGRAPHY T-SHIRT

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This Witspace t-shirt for boys or girls includes an image of a camera around their neck. Sure to be a hit with any up-and-coming photographer. 100% cotton. Very cool!

 

 

 

PHOTO STANDS

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

Budding photographers can use these 6 colorful cubic photo stands to display their favorite images on their desk or shelf! These cubes are super fun for kids and grownups alike, and the cube design makes it easy to swap images out.

 

 

 

GO PHOTO! AN ACTIVITY BOOK FOR KIDS

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

Go Photo! An Activity Book for Kids is the perfect gift for any young photographer. Full of activities that kids can do, it’s a great way to help a young photographer to get off to a great start. Ideal for children ages 8-12.

 

The post 100 Best Gifts For Photographers – The Ultimate Gift Guide appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

]]> The Ultimate Outdoor Photography Equipment List https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/outdoor-photography-equipment-list/ Mon, 30 Oct 2017 12:12:17 +0000 https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/?p=51192 Are you a photography enthusiast who enjoys taking nature shots? Maybe you’re looking to get started with landscape photography. If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place. Capturing the best images possible starts by being prepared before you go. For this reason, we’ve created this outdoor photography equipment list that will help […]

The post The Ultimate Outdoor Photography Equipment List appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

]]> Are you a photography enthusiast who enjoys taking nature shots? Maybe you’re looking to get started with landscape photography. If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place. Capturing the best images possible starts by being prepared before you go. For this reason, we’ve created this outdoor photography equipment list that will help you to prepare before you hit the trails.

At The Adventure Junkies, we’re here to help you enjoy your time spent in the great outdoors. This list will help you get started if you’re going out for a few hours, or even the day. If you’re planning to drive to your destination, you can bring as much gear as you’d like; but if you’re hiking to scenic locations, you’ll want to keep weight in mind and pack as light as possible. For overnight –or longer journeys, take a look at this hiking packing list.

 

 

HOW TO USE THIS PACKING LIST

Before we dive in, let’s take a quick look at how you can get the most out of this list. Next to each item that’s recommended for you, you’ll see a few categories. Here’s what it all means.

PURPOSE: What the item is used for. This will give you a brief insight into why you may need this piece of gear.

ESSENTIAL ITEM?: While essentials will vary depending on the type of outing you’re planning, we’ve ranked the items in terms of what you will most likely need for most outings.

PRICE RANGE: This will give you a good idea of how much each item will cost.

LOOK FOR: This will give you some insider’s tips on what to look for.

OUR PICK: This is our top choice based on quality and value.

LEARN MORE: This links to an article on choosing the best piece of gear.

 

 

1. CAMERA AND LENSES

CAMERA BODY

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

PURPOSE: To capture images

ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes

PRICE RANGE: $500-$2000

LOOK FOR: A high-quality DSLR or mirrorless option

OUR PICK: Canon EOS 5D Mark III

LEARN MORE: Landscape Photography Cameras 101 >>

 

 

 

16-35MM LENS

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes

PRICE RANGE: $500-$1500 (Approximately)

LOOK FOR: A high-quality lens which works with your camera model

OUR PICK: Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens

 

 

 

 

70-200MM LENS

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

PURPOSE: Versatile outdoor photography

ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes

PRICE RANGE: $400-$600 (Approximately)

LOOK FOR: A high-quality lens that works with your camera model

OUR PICK: Canon EF 70-200mm f/4

LEARN MORE: Landscape Photography Lenses 101 >>

 

 

 

75-300MM LENS

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

PURPOSE: Capturing wildlife

ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes

PRICE RANGE: $70-$600 (Approximately)

LOOK FOR: A high-quality lens that works with your camera model

OUR PICK: Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6

LEARN MORE: Wildlife Photography Lenses 101 >>


 

 

 

2. ADDITIONAL CAMERA GEAR

POLARIZER

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Amazon

PURPOSE: Ideal for improving color saturation and reducing glare

ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes

PRICE RANGE: $30-$300

LOOK FOR: A circular polarizer that rotates to adjust the effect

OUR PICK: Hoya 52mm Circular Polarizing Glass Filter

 

 

 

ND FILTER

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

PURPOSE: Long-exposures, gently blurring water and clouds

ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes

PRICE RANGE: $30-$300

LOOK FOR: A multi-coated filter to reduce flare issues

OUR PICK: Hoya 77mm HMC ND8 Multi-Coated Neutral Density Filter

 

 

 

GND FILTER

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

PURPOSE: Capturing landscapes that require different exposures for the sky and foreground

ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No

PRICE RANGE: $30-300

LOOK FOR: A high-quality filter

OUR PICK: Tiffen 52mm Neutral Density Filter

 

 

 

MEMORY CARDS

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Amazon

PURPOSE: Record images

ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes

PRICE RANGE: $10-$70

LOOK FOR: A memory card with enough room for your high-quality images. Bring spares.

OUR PICK: SanDisk 128GB

 

 

 

TRIPOD

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

PURPOSE: To steady your camera for long-exposures and to ensure tack-sharp images

ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Depending on the type of photography you will be doing

PRICE RANGE: $20-$2000 (Approximately)

LOOK FOR: A lightweight, carbon option if you’re going to be hiking

OUR PICK: Manfrotto 190 Go! Alu-Stativ

LEARN MORE: Travel Tripods 101 >>

 

 

 

SPARE BATTERIES

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Amazon

PURPOSE: For keeping your camera charged

ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes

PRICE RANGE: $40-$80

LOOK FOR: Batteries that hold their charge for longer. Bring spares.

OUR PICK: Nikon Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery (Choose one that fits your camera model)

 

 

 

3. CARRYING GEAR

BACKPACK

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Amazon

PURPOSE: Carrying your gear

ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes

PRICE RANGE: $80-$400

LOOK FOR: A high-quality option that’s comfortable and roomy

OUR PICK: Photo Sport 200 AW From Lowepro

 

 

 

DRY BAG

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

PURPOSE: Helping to keep your camera waterproof

ESSENTIAL ITEM?: No

PRICE RANGE: $40-$200

LOOK FOR: One that’s been rated highly

OUR PICK: Travelon Waterproof Pouch Dry Bag


 

 

 

4. FOOD AND WATER

FOOD

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

PURPOSE: Keeping up your energy while you’re out

ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes

PRICE RANGE: $5-$50

LOOK FOR: Bars with a good balance of protein and carbs

OUR PICK: KIND Healthy Whole Grains Granola Snack Bars

LEARN MORE: Freeze Dried Food 101 >>

 

 

 

WATER

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

PURPOSE: Keeping well-hydrated

ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes

PRICE RANGE: $15-$60

LOOK FOR: BPA-free water bottle

OUR PICK: Takeya Originals

 

 

 

5. CLOTHING AND PERSONAL ITEMS

COMFORTABLE CLOTHING

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

PURPOSE: Maintaining a comfortable temperature

ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes

PRICE RANGE: $20-$200 (Approximately)

LOOK FOR: Moisture-wicking material such as Merino wool

OUR MEN’S PICK: Woolx Men’s Merino Wool Tee

OUR WOMEN’S PICK: Woolx Women’s Merino Wool Tee

LEARN MORE: Outdoor Clothing Guide >>

 

 

 

HIKING SHOES

 

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

PURPOSE: Supporting your feet while you’re trekking around

ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes

PRICE RANGE: $80-$150

LOOK FOR: Breathable, lightweight, comfortable, good grip

OUR MEN’S PICK: Merrell Men’s Moab Ventilator

OUR WOMEN’S PICK: Merrell Women’s All Out Blaze

LEARN MORE: Hiking Shoes 101 >>

 

 

 

RAIN JACKET

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

PURPOSE: Keeping dry in case of sudden showers

ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes

PRICE RANGE: $30-$200

LOOK FOR: A waterproof, lightweight jacket

OUR MEN’S PICK: Multifunctional Waterproof Raincoat

OUR WOMEN’S PICK: Multifunctional Waterproof Raincoat

LEARN MORE: Rain Jackets 101 >>

 

 

 

SUNSCREEN

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

PURPOSE: Preventing sunburn

ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes

PRICE RANGE: $20-30

LOOK FOR: An option that offers both UVA and UVB protection

OUR PICK: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen

 

 

 

FIRST AID KIT

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

PURPOSE: In case of injury or accident

ESSENTIAL ITEM?: Yes

PRICE RANGE: $20-$50

LOOK FOR: A lightweight kit that includes essentials such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, and antibiotic ointment. Also pack medicine for headaches, stomach problems, and muscle cramps.

OUR PICK: Coleman All Purpose 27 Piece First Aid Kit

LEARN MORE: First Aid Kits 101 >>

The post The Ultimate Outdoor Photography Equipment List appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

]]> 23 Of The Best Landscape Photography Books Of All Time https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/best-landscape-photography-books/ Tue, 24 Oct 2017 14:43:01 +0000 https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/?p=50953 There’s a reason that landscape photography is one of the most popular forms of photography. The world is filled with beautiful scenes and breath-taking locations that make for exciting photo opportunities. One of the best ways to improve your landscape photography is by getting a hold of some of the best landscape photography books that […]

The post 23 Of The Best Landscape Photography Books Of All Time appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

]]> There’s a reason that landscape photography is one of the most popular forms of photography. The world is filled with beautiful scenes and breath-taking locations that make for exciting photo opportunities. One of the best ways to improve your landscape photography is by getting a hold of some of the best landscape photography books that are available today; ones that will help you in your photography journey.

Here at The Adventure Junkies, we love helping our readers improve their landscape photography. Having some of these titles on your shelf or on your tablet or Kindle will give you the tools necessary to hone your craft, and the inspiration that you need to head out and capture your own amazing masterpieces.

 

 

TIPS AND TECHNIQUE

1. LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY ON LOCATION

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This title is especially popular, thanks to the insight that it offers, and the way that it presents valuable information in an accessible and entertaining way. Packed with stories and insights about the images featured, as well as tips for promoting your images on social media, it also covers hiking, travel, and useful information on technical subjects. A good title for beginners and professionals alike.

 

 

 

2. UNDERSTANDING EXPOSURE, FOURTH EDITION

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This book is a newly revised edition of Bryan Peterson’s popular book. In it, Peterson clarifies complex concepts such as exposure in photography, giving readers the tools they need to capture exciting images. From exposure to light, aperture, shutter speed and more;you’ll learn how the fundamentals work together to create breath-taking images.

 

 

 

3. GMC LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

In this new series of Expanded Guides, the author focuses on photographic techniques to give the reader a solid understanding of the subject, allowing them to take their photography up a notch. Full of expert advice, useful hints and tips, this book contains practical examples of techniques, and is illustrated with the aid of diagrams and charts.

Landscape Photography is your detailed guide on capturing exceptional landscapes using both SLR and compact digital cameras.

 

 

 

4. THE LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This title is more of a workshop than a book and is easy to follow at your own pace. Written by authors Ben Hall and Ross Hoddinott, two of the UK’s leading natural-history photographers, it’s ideal for photographers at any stage of expertise.

Full of assignments for hands-on learning, it also includes answers to often-asked questions. This book will take you from the basics of equipment and exposure, on through post-processing and printing.

 

 

 

5. DIGITAL LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY: IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ANSEL ADAMS AND THE MASTERS

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

By Michael Frye, a photographer who resides in the shadow of Ansel Adams near Yosemite National Park, this book provides a unique look at landscape photography by exploring the methods that Ansel Adams himself used in his photography.

 

 

 

6. THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY PAPERBACK

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Amazon

The Essential Guide to Landscape Photography is one of the most comprehensive guides for photographers of all levels. Full of expert advice, inspirational images, and informative gear reviews, this book will inform you with everything that you need to become a master landscape photographer.

 

 

 

7. PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPOSITION

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This title by award-winning photographers Tom Grill and Mark Scanlon covers one of the most important aspects of photography: composition. With their modern and clear approach, the authors combine straightforward text with compelling images to make composition learnable and fun.

 

 

 

8. MASTERING LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

Written by award-winning landscape photographer, David Taylor, this book explores some of the practical skills and requirements that landscape photographers need. An understanding of how seasons and weather affect the landscape, as well as navigational skills, and empathy for the natural world are all explored in this book. This book also includes a guide on choosing cameras, lenses, and accessories, and goes on to cover the fundamentals of exposure.

 

 

 

9. THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

This is a useful and authoritative guide for photographing nature in today’s digital world. Includes insider advice on everything from packing your gear to selecting sites, as well as composing images and post-processing.

 

 

 

10. JOHN SHAW’S GUIDE TO DIGITAL NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY PAPERBACK

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

For more than four decades, John Shaw’s trusted advice has helped photographers to capture impressive shots in the great outdoors. In this title that’s loaded with current information about nature photography, John Shaw shares in-depth advice on everything from equipment and lenses to thorough coverage of digital topics including how to use the histogram. He also shares inspirational and frank insight that goes far beyond the nuts and bolts of photography. It also includes more than 250 jaw-dropping images.

 

 

 

11. PHOTOGRAPHY NIGHT SKY: A FIELD GUIDE FOR SHOOTING AFTER DARK

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

Photographing the night sky is something that most landscapers would like to master. In this book, authors and professional photographers Jennifer Wu and James Martin will teach you how to overcome the unique issues that confront night-time photographers, showing you how you can capture images that you’ll be proud of.

This book concentrates on four principal subjects: stars as points of light, star trails, the moon, and twilight, and is ideal for photographers of all levels.

 

 

 

12. THE CAMERA

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Amazon

In this classic, master landscape photographer Ansel Adams deals fully with the 35mm, medium-format, and larger view cameras. It includes coverage of essential camera components: shutters, light meters, accessories, and special equipment. Complete with 130 beautifully printed photographs, including many of Adams’ most famous images, as well as extensive captions that detail technical information.

 

 

 

13. THE NEGATIVE

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Amazon

The second book in Adam’s series of three, this book includes a discussion of light, film, and exposure, as well as thoughts on the zone system, chapters on natural and artificial light, and an extensive chapter on the darkroom and its equipment. Good for anyone who would like to improve their knowledge of how photography has changed over the years.

 

 

 

14. THE PRINT

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Amazon

Finally, book three provides technical information that’s clear and concise, starting with designing and equipping a darkroom. It continues on with advice on making the first print, and ends with professional tips and tricks for achieving that special image.

 

 

 

15. LIGHT, GESTURE AND COLOR

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

A new classic. In this fantastic book, Jay Maisel, one of the world’s best photographers, writes down everything he’s learned in over 60 years of professional photography and fine-art. It’s easy to read, which means that you can finish it in an evening or two. A must-read for anyone who’s interested in photography.

 

 

 

EXPLORING THE CRAFT

16. MOUNTAIN LIGHT

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Amazon

An excellent book on outdoor and landscape photography by Galen Rowell –the father of modern-day adventure photography. This book is a must-read for mountain photographers; and contains 80 of Galen’s finest images and essays about the creative, technical, environmental, and philosophical considerations that went into creating them. This book is elegantly written, and will take you on a journey of exploring the craft of outdoor photography.

 

 

 

17. LANDSCAPE BEYOND: A JOURNEY INTO PHOTOGRAPHY

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Amazon

Written by David Ward, a regular contributor to Outdoor Photographer magazine, this book explores the essential attributes of what makes a great landscape image. It also discusses how simplicity, ambiguity, and beauty are found and translated into successful photographs.

 

 

 

18. THE ART, SCIENCE, AND CRAFT OF GREAT LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY

Check out the latest price on: 
Amazon

The Art, Science, and Craft of Great Landscape Photography teaches photographers how to convert those moments of wonder and awe at extraordinary natural beauty into stunning images. Author Glenn Randall is an experienced wilderness photographer who explains the art, science and craft of creating astounding images.

 

 

 

INSPIRATION

19. THE ART OF PHOTOGRAPHY

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Amazon

In this book, Bruce Barnbaum explores the intangibles that make a great photograph in more depth than almost any other author. A must-read if you’re looking to create powerful photographs.

 

 

 

20. LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR: 10 YEAR SPECIAL EDITION

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Amazon

Looking for landscape photography inspiration? This celebration of Landscape Photographer of the Year awards features more than 250 beautiful images and is sure to inspire.

 

 

 

21. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC GREATEST LANDSCAPES: STUNNING PHOTOGRAPHS THAT INSPIRE AND ASTONISH

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Amazon

An iconic collection of National Geographic’s photography of the world’s most beautiful locations. Sure to inspire your own outdoor photography endeavors.

 

 

 

22. RICK SAMMON’S CREATIVE VISUALIZATION FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

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Amazon

In this book, master photographer and photo educator Rick Sammon presents his proven methodology for creative digital photography. His inspiring and motivating approach opens creative avenues for photographers in a variety of genres.

 

 

 

23. CREATIVE NATURE & OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHY

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Amazon

Amateur and experienced photographers alike can benefit from this book. Author Brenda Tharp’s inspiring approach has garnered fans all over the world. In this book, she uncovers one skill that no camera can do for you: learning how to “see.”

The post 23 Of The Best Landscape Photography Books Of All Time appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

]]> Best Tripods for Wildlife Photography of 2022 https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/best-tripod-for-wildlife-photography/ Fri, 20 Oct 2017 10:30:53 +0000 https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/?p=50727 Are you interested in wildlife photography? Whether you’re hoping to venture into the heart of Africa on a safari or just looking to photograph birds and squirrels in your backyard, one indispensable tool is the tripod. When it comes to finding the best tripod for wildlife photography, it’s important to ensure that you balance out […]

The post Best Tripods for Wildlife Photography of 2022 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

]]> Are you interested in wildlife photography? Whether you’re hoping to venture into the heart of Africa on a safari or just looking to photograph birds and squirrels in your backyard, one indispensable tool is the tripod. When it comes to finding the best tripod for wildlife photography, it’s important to ensure that you balance out your needs and preferences with your budget to find the best option that will make a difference in your work.

Here at The Adventure Junkies, we enjoy helping our readers to learn about photography; in order to help them capture the best images that they’re after. With this in mind let’s take a look at some different tripod options that are available.

From traditional aluminum tripods to lightweight carbon models that are perfect for travel and hiking, let’s take a look at the best options that are available for wildlife photography enthusiasts today.

For more of our top wildlife photography gear recommendations, check out the Best Monopods for Wildlife Photography. 

 

Quick Answer - The Best Tripods for Wildlife Photography

  1. Manfrotto MT190XPRO4
    View at Amazon
  2. MeFOTO Classic
    View at Amazon
  3. Induro CT-414 8X
    View at Amazon
  4. Gitzo GK2542-82QD Series 2 Mountaineer
    View at Amazon
  5. ProMaster Professional XC525C
    View at Amazon
  6. Davis & Sanford TR654C-36
    View at Amazon
  7. Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB
    View at Amazon

 

Comparison Table - Best Tripod for Wildlife Photography

For the best experience turn your device horizontally
NameWeightMaterialPriceRatingReview
Manfrotto MT190XPRO44.4 lbsAluminum$4.6Read Review
MeFOTO Classic3.7 lbsCarbon$$4.6Read Review
Induro CT-414 8X6.3 lbsCarbon$$4.6Read Review
Gitzo GK2542-82QD Series 2 Mountaineer5.4 lbsCarbon$$$5.0Read Review
ProMaster Professional XC525C3.0 lbsCarbon$$5.0Read Review
Davis & Sanford TR654C-363.3 lbsCarbon$4.3Read Review
Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB5.4 lbsAluminum$4.5Read Review
NameWeightMaterialPriceRatingReview

Reviews - The Best Wildlife Photography Tripods

Manfrotto MT190XPRO4

Specs
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Weight: 4.4 lbs

BEST FOR: EASE OF USE

PROS: Sturdy, versatile, easy to use

CONS: Aluminum construction

View at Amazon

MeFOTO Classic

Specs
  • Material: Carbon
  • Weight: 3.7 lbs

BEST FOR: OVERALL USE

PROS: Lightweight, ideal for travel, 360-degree panning, versatile

CONS: Locking mechanisms don’t have great weather sealing

View at Amazon

Induro CT-414 8X

Specs
  • Material: Carbon
  • Weight: 6.3 lbs

BEST FOR: VERSATILITY

PROS: Steady, good build quality, built-in level, 55lb load capacity

CONS: Rubber feet can become loose over time

View at Amazon

Gitzo GK2542-82QD Series 2 Mountaineer

Specs
  • Material: Carbon
  • Weight: 5.4 lbs

BEST FOR: PROFESSIONAL USE

PROS: High-end, includes bubble level, includes a top-notch ball head system

CONS: Price

View at Amazon

ProMaster Professional XC525C

Specs
  • Material: Carbon
  • Weight: 3.0 lbs

BEST FOR: ASPIRING PROFESSIONALS

PROS: 5-section tripod, spring-loaded weight hook, ball head included, built-in monopod

CONS: May not include carrier bag

View at Amazon

Davis & Sanford TR654C-36

Specs
  • Material: Carbon
  • Weight: 3.3 lbs

BEST FOR: LOAD CAPACITY

PROS: Lightweight, versatile, high maximum load capacity

CONS: Plastic construction for some components

View at Amazon

Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB

Specs
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Weight: 5.4 lbs

BEST FOR: VALUE

PROS: Flexible, stable, versatile

CONS: Plastic construction for some components

View at Amazon

 

 

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST TRIPODS FOR WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY

While there is no shortage of options available today, you’ll want to ensure that you find the best tripod for your needs. Here’s a look at some things that you’ll want to consider when choosing a tripod for wildlife photography.

 

WEIGHT

The weight of the tripod is an especially important consideration if you’re planning to travel with it; or if you’re going to be taking it with you on hikes or nature walks. Tripods vary in weight considerably, from just over a pound to more than 6 pounds. Keep in mind that the heavier models will get very heavy quickly when you’re packing it around.

With tripods, you’ll usually be choosing between heavier, traditional aluminum models, and more modern, lightweight carbon fiber ones. Carbon fiber is the preferred material of choice for most wildlife photographers, but it’s more costly than aluminum.

It also tends to be less stable in high-wind conditions; although some models include an option to hang a sand or water bag to add extra stability. Here’s a look at both options now.

 

ALUMINUM

Aluminum is the classic material that most tripods used to be made from. Today, many budget models are still made from the same material. The main advantage to aluminum is the price. It’s usually much more affordable than carbon fiber. There’s also the fact that aluminum is a more study choice; ideal for high-wind environments.

 

CARBON FIBER

Carbon fiber is a material of choice for most photographers today. Carbon fiber tripods are lighter; and easier to transport. However, these tripods tend to be more expensive than aluminum. They also may lack stability in extremely windy conditions.

 

TYPE OF HEAD

When you buy a tripod, it will come with a head –but you can remove this and attach it to a different type of head if you would like. There are a variety of different tripod heads on the market, and all of them are designed for different things.

Ball heads are the most common type of head that most tripods come with, but pan-tilt heads are another popular choice. These heads allow for more precise positioning.

Most serious bird photographers and anyone who’s looking for something that will allow them to track the movement of wild animals will want to consider purchasing what’s known as a gimbal head for their tripod. A gimbal head allows for easier movement and offers better stability for heavy telephoto lenses –the kind that you’ll be using for most of your wildlife photography.

 

MAXIMUM LOAD CAPACITY

Most tripods are designed to hold a certain amount of weight, so make sure you consider the maximum weight that your tripod is able to take. Go ahead and calculate the weight of your camera and lens to find out what type of tripod you’ll need to get.

 

STABILITY

Stability is another important consideration. A good tripod should be able to hold your camera and gear; without falling over and damaging them. Usually, tripods that feature better construction provide better stability.

 

HEIGHT

Next, you’ll want to consider the height of your tripod, and make sure you get one that’s the right size for you. Choosing one that’s the right height will allow you to easily look through the viewfinder, without having to hunch over –or stand on a log!

To find your ideal tripod height, take your height and then subtract the distance from your eyes to the top of your head. Then, subtract the height of the camera from the bottom to the viewfinder, as well as the height of the ball head. If you’re stuck, Jim Harper at Improve Photography has a helpful chart that you can use to find a tripod that’s an ideal height for you

 

A QUICK RELEASE PLATE

A quick release plate is one accessory that allows you to easily remove and reattach the camera from the tripod. This will allow you to place the camera on the tripod and lock it into place easily. This is especially useful when photographing wildlife; where you need the ability to work quickly.

 

COST

Finally, last but not least, you’ll want to consider the cost as well. You can expect to pay more for a high-quality carbon fiber model, but they’re the preferred option for most landscape photographers. Higher-quality models tend to be easier to use as well; which means less fiddling with components when you’re out in the field.

The post Best Tripods for Wildlife Photography of 2022 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

]]> Best Tripods for Landscape Photography of 2022 https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/best-tripod-for-landscape-photography/ Thu, 05 Oct 2017 06:07:01 +0000 https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/?p=49676 One indispensable tool for any serious landscape photographer is the tripod. Finding the best tripod for landscape photography can make a world of difference in your photos. In fact, after your camera and lens, the tripod is one of your most vital pieces of equipment. So, it’s important to ensure that you find the best […]

The post Best Tripods for Landscape Photography of 2022 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

]]> One indispensable tool for any serious landscape photographer is the tripod. Finding the best tripod for landscape photography can make a world of difference in your photos. In fact, after your camera and lens, the tripod is one of your most vital pieces of equipment. So, it’s important to ensure that you find the best option for your needs.

Here at The Adventure Junkies, our goal is to help our readers to create amazing landscape images. One of the best ways to ensure that you’re capturing the best images possible is by having the right tools for the job; including a tripod.

From traditional metal tripods, to newer lightweight carbon models, to portable options that are perfect for travel, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. With this in mind let’s take a look at some of the best tripods that are available for landscape photography today.

For more of our top landscape photography gear recommendations, check out the Best Landscape Cameras. 

 

Quick Answer - The Best Tripods for Landscape Photography

  1. Manfrotto MT190GOC4US 190go!
    View at Amazon
  2. MeFOTO Classic
    View at Amazon
  3. Feisol Tournament CT-3442
    View at Amazon
  4. Gitzo GK2542-82QD Series 2 Mountaineer
    View at Amazon
  5. ProMaster Professional XC525C
    View at Amazon
  6. Slik Mini III
    View at Amazon
  7. Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB
    View at Amazon
  8. Mactrem PT55
    View at Amazon

 

Comparison Table - Best Tripod for Landscape Photography

For the best experience turn your device horizontally
NameWeightMaterialPriceRatingReview
Manfrotto MT190GOC4US 190go!3.7 lbsCarbon$$4.8Read Review
MeFOTO Classic3.7 lbsCarbon$$4.6Read Review
Feisol Tournament CT-34422.5 lbsCarbon$$4.8Read Review
Gitzo GK2542-82QD Series 2 Mountaineer5.4 lbsCarbon$$$5.0Read Review
ProMaster Professional XC525C3.0 lbsCarbon$$5.0Read Review
Slik Mini III1.7 lbsAluminum$4.3Read Review
Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB5.4 lbsAluminum$4.5Read Review
Mactrem PT552.6 lbsAluminum$4.7Read Review
NameWeightMaterialPriceRatingReview

Reviews - The Best Landscape Photography Tripods

Manfrotto MT190GOC4US 190go!

Specs
  • Material: Carbon
  • Weight: 3.7 lbs

BEST FOR: LIGHTWEIGHT

PROS: Lightweight, portable, solid build construction, design allows you to get low to the ground, includes an attachment to hold a light or reflector

CONS: Doesn’t include a carrying bag

View at Amazon

MeFOTO Classic

Specs
  • Material: Carbon
  • Weight: 3.7 lbs

BEST FOR: TRAVEL

PROS: Lightweight, ideal for travel and hiking, 360-degree panning, versatile, well-built

CONS: Locking mechanisms don’t have the best weather sealing

View at Amazon

Feisol Tournament CT-3442

Specs
  • Material: Carbon
  • Weight: 2.5 lbs

BEST FOR: STABILITY

PROS: Compact and portable, durable, large cross-section leg tube diameters for added stability

CONS: Feet can become loose over time

View at Amazon

Gitzo GK2542-82QD Series 2 Mountaineer

Specs
  • Material: Carbon
  • Weight: 5.4 lbs

BEST FOR: PROFESSIONALS

PROS: High-end tripod, easy to use, includes bubble level, features a top-notch ball head system

CONS: Price

View at Amazon

ProMaster Professional XC525C

Specs
  • Material: Carbon
  • Weight: 3.0 lbs

BEST FOR: PROFESSIONAL USE

PROS: 5-section tripod, spring loaded weight hook, lightweight and versatile ball head included, includes built-in monopod

CONS: May not include a carrier bag

View at Amazon

Slik Mini III

Specs
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Weight: 1.7 lbs

BEST FOR: BUDGET-CONSCIOUS PHOTOGRAPHERS

PROS: Affordable, lightweight, good for travel, extremely portable

CONS: No counterweight on the bottom so it’s less stable in high winds

View at Amazon

Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB

Specs
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Weight: 5.4 lbs

BEST FOR: VALUE

PROS: Flexible, stable, versatile, good value

CONS: Plastic knobs

View at Amazon

Mactrem PT55

Specs
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Weight: 2.6 lbs

BEST FOR: ADVENTURERS ON A BUDGET

PROS: Lightweight, portable, versatile, features a 3-way pan head and 4-section legs for uneven terrain

CONS: Plastic construction for some components

View at Amazon

 

 

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST TRIPODS FOR LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY

WEIGHT

The weight of the tripod is an important consideration when making your choice –especially when it comes to landscape photography, which involves a lot of hiking to scenic locations. Most tripods weight anywhere from just over a pound to over 6 pounds –a big difference when you’re carrying it around! If you plan to take it traveling with you, you’ll also want to consider the tripod’s weight, and portability when making your decision.

 

MATERIAL

The most common materials for tripods are aluminum and carbon fiber. While carbon fiber is the lighter option, it’s also more costly than aluminum. Here’s a look at both options.

 

ALUMINUM

Aluminum is what most tripods used to be made of, and many budget models are still made from this material today. The advantages of aluminum includes the fact that it’s usually more affordable than carbon fiber, and is a sturdy choice; especially in high-wind environments.

 

CARBON FIBER

Carbon fiber is the preferred material of choice for most photographers today. Carbon is lighter; which can make a big difference when hiking around with your tripod.

The downside to carbon is that these tripods also considerably more expensive than their aluminum counterparts. They also may be more prone to shaking in extreme wind.

 

STABILITY

Next, you’ll want to consider stability. This matters when you’re out in the field, trying to capture photos in the wind. A well-built tripod should be able to support your camera, without threatening to drop it!

 

MAXIMUM LOAD CAPACITY

Make sure you consider the maximum load capacity when making your choice. You’ll want to make sure the tripod you choose can support your camera’s weight. If you don’t know how much your camera and lenses weigh, be sure to weigh them.

 

HEIGHT

When buying a tripod, you’ll also want to consider height. If you purchase one that’s too small, you’ll have to hunch over to use it.

To find a tripod that’s the right size for you, take your height and subtract the distance from your eyes to the top of your head, then subtract the height of the camera from the bottom to the viewfinder, as well as the height of the ball head. Jim Harper over at Improve Photography has created a helpful chart for finding a tripod that’s an ideal height

 

FEATURES

Which tripod features are important to you?

 

QUICK RELEASE PLATE

One accessory that will make it easier to use the tripod is a quick release plate. This is a component that comes off of the tripod head, and attaches to the tripod jack on the underside of the camera body. This allows you to place the camera on the tripod, locking it into place quickly and easily.

 

LEVELING BUBBLE

When it comes to landscape tripods, a leveling head can be a handy way to tell whether or not your image is centered, regardless of whether the tripod’s legs are on level ground. This feature is especially valuable when capturing panoramas.

 

EASE OF USE

Some tripods are easier to use than others. If you hate the idea of wasting time setting up your tripod, you may want to consider one that’s user-friendly, one that goes up and down easily; with no hassle.

 

PRICE

Finally, you’ll also want to take cost into consideration as well. High-quality carbon fiber tripods are more expensive, but they’re the preferred option for most photographers. Be prepared to pay more for a well-built tripod; keeping in mind that these models are also significantly easier to use as well.

The post Best Tripods for Landscape Photography of 2022 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

]]> 16 Awesome Outdoor Photography Tips For Beginners https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/outdoor-photography-tips/ Sun, 01 Oct 2017 11:43:22 +0000 https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/?p=49452 Are you new to the world of outdoor photography or a budding professional? There’s much that you can learn from experienced photographers! Keeping tried and true outdoor photography tips in mind will help you capture breathtaking images. It will also make outdoor photography an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Here at The Adventure Junkies, our goal […]

The post 16 Awesome Outdoor Photography Tips For Beginners appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

]]> Are you new to the world of outdoor photography or a budding professional? There’s much that you can learn from experienced photographers! Keeping tried and true outdoor photography tips in mind will help you capture breathtaking images. It will also make outdoor photography an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Here at The Adventure Junkies, our goal is to help photography enthusiasts capture amazing outdoor images. Let’s look at a few things that you’ll want to keep in mind to get the most out of your camera, and capture some images that you’ll be proud to call your own.

 

 

1. PACK SMART

When heading out into the great outdoors, make sure you pack smart. You’ll want to ensure that you bring enough supplies to keep you going and the right gear for the images that you’re after. But if you’re planning to hike to distant locations, however, you’ll want to keep things light.

Bring adequate food and water, as well as sun protection or a light jacket in case of rain. As far as gear goes, when hiking, bring only the lenses that you might need, as well as a few key accessories. These include a lens hood to reduce glare and a polarizer and ND filter, if you have them.

A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing sweeping landscapes and dramatic skies. A telephoto lens, though, is best for photographing wildlife. Finally, a tripod or monopod is important for low-light photography or long exposures.

 

2. HEAD OUT AT THE BEST TIME OF DAY

Midday is a notoriously difficult time to shoot landscape photography due to the harsh shadows and blown out highlights. It’s also difficult for shooting outdoor portraits since the harsh sun will cause your subjects to squint.

For most outdoor photography, early morning and late afternoon are the ideal hours of the day. Beautiful, diffused lighting, with fewer harsh shadows can usually be found during these hours. This is also the best time of day to capture wildlife. If you do find yourself shooting in bright sun, consider moving into the shade.

 

3. WORK WITH THE LIGHT

Shooting toward the sun is usually a bad idea. This will result in washed out images or dark shadows. If you can, try to pay attention to the direction of light and work with it to enhance your images. The best option is usually to shoot with the sun behind you since this will result in a well-illuminated landscape.

 

4. CONSIDER SHOOTING IN RAW

You may not be too concerned with post processing when you’re first starting out. But at some point you may want to experiment with editing your images in post. When you do, you’ll want to shoot in RAW since this will give you the most flexibility in post processing, allowing you to get the results you’re after.

 

5. USE A WIDE-ANGLE LENS

Wide-angle lenses are extremely popular for creating landscape images. Wide-angles tend to emphasize the sense of distance and space into the scene; and cause objects that are close to appear larger and more imposing. They’re especially ideal for capturing images that include a lot of foreground.

 

6. USE A TELEPHOTO LENS

In some cases, though, you’ll want to use a telephoto for your images. Wildlife photography, for example, usually requires the use of a telephoto. Additionally, you can use a telephoto to help far-away elements such as mountains or the moon appear closer.

 

7. TRY USING A SLOW SHUTTER SPEED

Look for opportunities to use a slow shutter speed to create long exposures. You can gently blur movement –such as rushing waterfalls, drifting clouds, or rippling fields to add a soft, artistic effect to your images. If you’re using slow shutter speeds during the day, you’ll most likely need an ND filter to help filter out some of the light when capturing long-exposures.

 

8. WATCH THE HORIZON

When composing your images, keep your eye on the horizon. You’ll want to ensure it’s perfectly level and not dipping off to the side.

You’ll also want to pay attention to the position of the horizon. You can move it lower to include more of an interesting sky, or raise it to capture more of the foreground in your image. In most cases, you’ll want to avoid having it dead center in your image since this will cause the photo to look like it’s cut in half.

 

9. INCLUDE PLENTY OF FOREGROUND

In most cases, you’ll want to include foreground in your landscape images. Foreground can help to set the stage for your composition, and add context to your image. A particularly interesting foreground can even serve as the main point of interest in your photo.

 

10. USE A POLARIZING FILTER

A polarizing filter is a must-have item for outdoor photographers. Polarizers work by only letting light in from certain angles. You can rotate the filter to improve color saturation or remove unwanted surface glare.

These filters can also help to cut through atmospheric haze, making distant mountains appear more clear and in-focus. They also help to separate the clouds from the sky, darkening them and making them stand out more.

 

11. ADJUST YOUR WHITE BALANCE

While your camera is good at guessing the white balance, it doesn’t get it right all the time. Sometimes you’ll need to adjust the white balance yourself. If you’re shooting in RAW, this won’t be quite as serious of an issue as you can always adjust the white balance in post processing later on.

 

12. INCLUDE A FOCAL POINT

When composing your images, you’ll want to include a main focal point. This could be a mountain, a barn or house in the distance, or even a lone tree in the middle of a field. Having a focal point will help to anchor your image, and make for a more powerful composition.

 

13. LOOK FOR LEADING LINES

Keep on the lookout for leading lines that will help you to compose your image. This could include a fence, a jagged coastline, or winding roads or trails. Leading lines don’t always have to be obvious. Even objects that aren’t linear, such as stepping stones, can be used to lead the eye on through the image, and on toward the main point of interest.

 

14. LOOK FOR REFLECTIONS AND WATER

Water can be a beautiful feature in outdoor images, helping to add a touch of beauty and tranquility to a scene. Whether you happen upon some water that’s smooth enough to capture a reflection, or slow down your shutter speed to gently blur the surface, looking to incorporate water into your images can help to add something special to your landscape shots.

 

15. LOOK FOR WILDLIFE

Outdoor photography is a great chance to capture some wildlife images. Wildlife is usually best captured with a telephoto lens, somewhere between 100mm and 300mm is ideal.

This will allow you to get up close to the animals, without frightening them away. With wildlife photography, you’ll usually want to use a small aperture, of around f/16, to capture sharp and in-focus details.

 

16. DON’T BE AFRAID TO BRANCH OUT

Part of the beauty of outdoor photography is the tremendous opportunities that it offers. There are so many different types of images that you can capture, from reflections and waterfalls to wildlife images, close-ups and macros, standard landscape images, outdoor portraits and more. Don’t be afraid to try your hand at different types of photography, you just might find a new niche that you genuinely enjoy.

The post 16 Awesome Outdoor Photography Tips For Beginners appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

]]> Photography Essentials: Post Editing Process https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/post-editing-process/ Wed, 27 Sep 2017 12:23:31 +0000 https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/?p=49276 When it comes to creating great outdoor images, ensuring that you’re familiar with your camera and all of its features is vital for getting the most out of your gear. In the same way, learning about the post editing process is another important step for photographers today. Post processing software is a valuable tool that […]

The post Photography Essentials: Post Editing Process appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

]]> When it comes to creating great outdoor images, ensuring that you’re familiar with your camera and all of its features is vital for getting the most out of your gear. In the same way, learning about the post editing process is another important step for photographers today.

Post processing software is a valuable tool that every photographer has at their disposal. While understanding the different features and options, sliders and buttons in your post processing software can be overwhelming. With a bit of practice, you’ll soon be adept at refining your images in post processing and creating polished and jaw-dropping images that are in line with your creative vision.

Here at The Adventure Junkies, our goal is to help you to master the tools that are available in post processing. Here’s a look at some different options that you can use to enhance your outdoor images.

 

 

1. LEVEL

One of the first things that you’ll want to do in post processing is to check that your images that feature a straight horizon. This means ensuring that the horizon line is straight, and not dipping off to the side.

While tilting images can be done intentionally for an artistic effect, in most cases, you’ll want straight horizon lines; especially when it comes to landscape photography. If you forgot to double check your horizon when composing your images, post processing allows you to easily correct this mistake.

 

 

2. CROP

Another easy yet effective edit to perform in post processing is cropping. This is often done to help eliminate unwanted details, allowing you to zoom in on an area of your image that you’d like to draw into focus.

Cropping can also be used to recompose your images, so to speak. For example, by cropping, you can reframe your image so it’s in line with the rule of thirds.

 

 

3. REMOVE UNWANTED DETAILS

Another great feature of post processing is the ability to remove unwanted details. For instance, if the background contains distracting elements; such as unwanted people, trees, or other things that aren’t helping to enhance your final composition, you can remove them. Using the blemish correction or image healing tools, you can easily correct most small flaws.

 

 

4. ADJUST THE EXPOSURE

Next, you’ll want to consider adjusting the exposure of the image or the brightness. This allows you to add more light in, if your image is too dark, or reduce light –if it’s too bright. Just keep in mind that adjusting the brightness will usually adjust the contrast as well.

 

 

5. ADJUST THE TEMPERATURE

Another adjustment that you can make in post processing is adjusting the temperature or white balance in your image. Often, images contain an unwanted colorcast. This can easily happen when you’re shooting in difficult lighting conditions, or when using an ND filter.

Keep in mind that shooting in RAW is a vital step for getting the best results in post-processing since this will allow you the most flexibility when adjusting your white balance later on.

 

 

6. ADJUST THE CONTRAST

You can also adjust the contrast, or the difference between the light and dark parts of your composition in post processing. Moving your contrast slider is a simple way to improve the visual impact of an image, making the dark and light areas more pronounced.

 

 

7. ADJUST SATURATION

If you adjust the temperature and contrast, you probably won’t need to adjust the saturation at all. But in some cases, you may want to use this tool. Adjusting the saturation slider to one side of the spectrum will fully saturate an image’s colors, resulting in more vibrant colors.

Moving the slider the other direction will result in a black and white image with no color at all. Use this tool carefully, since too much saturation can create unrealistic images with an over-processed look.

 

 

8. ADJUST NOISE

While it’s best to capture your images with a low ISO setting, sometimes low light conditions require the use of higher ISO settings. Unfortunately, though, higher ISO settings also result in more image grain. The best way to remove this is to either crop your image, or apply noise reduction in post processing to keep everything sharp and clean.

 

 

9. ADD A VIGNETTE

Vignetting involves making parts of the image darker or lighter. This commonly refers to making adjustments to the border of an image, but can also be used to selectively lighten or darken specific areas of a composition. Adding a subtle vignette with your local adjustment slider is a great way to help draw the eye to the subject or main focal point in a composition.

 

 

10. ADD SOME BLUR

An image that features a sharp object against a blurry background can help to draw attention to the main point of interest. You can create this effect in post processing by adding some selective blur to your images. While there are a number of different ways to introduce blur in post processing, just remember to keep it subtle for a more natural effect.

 

 

11. EXPORT FOR PRINT OR WEB

It’s time to save your images for web or for print. When exporting, you’ll want to determine which format to save them in, and whether to save them as low resolution or high resolution. In most cases, saving your images as JPEGs is the best option, since this format is the one that’s most universally accepted.

An image of 150 DPI or 300 DPI (dots per inch) is usually considered ideal for prints. A common resolution for an inkjet printer is usually 240 PPI, while 72 PPI (pixels per inch) is more suitable for the web. Remember to ensure that your images are the right size if you’re exporting them for print.

 

 

12. SHARPEN

Finally, sharpening your image can make the details more defined. It’s a good idea to save this step for last when post processing. This is because, in order to use the sharpen tool most effectively, you’ll want to sharpen your image after you’ve downsized it to its output resolution.

You’ll also want to avoid sharpening the entire composition since this can add noise to out-of-focus points. Instead, a better option is to sharpen the sections of the image that are already in-focus.

The post Photography Essentials: Post Editing Process appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

]]> How To Get Started in Outdoor Photography – FAQ https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/how-to-get-started-in-outdoor-photography/ Tue, 19 Sep 2017 05:24:03 +0000 https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/?p=48863 Take a look at any amazing landscape images and chances are, you’ll feel inspired to capture your own breathtaking creations. But taking beautiful photos involves more than just picking up a camera and shooting. The best images are the result of hard work, practice and lots of trial and error. If you’re wondering how to […]

The post How To Get Started in Outdoor Photography – FAQ appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

]]> Take a look at any amazing landscape images and chances are, you’ll feel inspired to capture your own breathtaking creations. But taking beautiful photos involves more than just picking up a camera and shooting. The best images are the result of hard work, practice and lots of trial and error. If you’re wondering how to get started in outdoor photography, there are a few things that you should keep in mind that will help you to get the best results possible.

Here at The Adventure Junkies, our goal is to help educate our readers on outdoor photography, in order to help them capture the best images possible. When it comes to outdoor photography, everyone has to start somewhere. In this article, we’ll address some common questions that budding photographers often ask; to help you get off to a great start.

 

 

GENERAL QUESTIONS

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW BEFORE I GO?

Before you head out, it’s a good idea to be as informed as possible. This means reading up on your camera’s features and functions; and having a good grasp of the basics of composition, lighting and exposure.

This will help to give you a tremendous advantage. You’ll know what tools you have at your disposal and will be able to get the results that you’re after.

 

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT MY CAMERA?

Take the time to familiarize yourself with your camera. Have a look at the owner’s manual and check out articles online that highlight the different features that your camera offers. Knowing how to use your camera will prove to be invaluably helpful.

 

WHAT TYPE OF GEAR DO I NEED?

While you can get started with just the gear that you have, investing in a few key pieces of equipment will help you to get better results. In addition to your camera and lens, a tripod is another important piece of gear. This will help you to stabilize your camera, allowing you to capture tack-sharp images, and do long exposures.

 

WHAT TYPE OF CAMERA SHOULD I GET?

The best camera for the job is the one that you already own. But if you’re in the market for a camera and considering your options, you’ll most likely want to choose either a DSLR or mirrorless camera.

Mirrorless cameras weigh less and are popular for outdoor photographers who are on-the-go. But, DSLRs have a wider selection of lenses and are still the go-to camera of choice for many professionals.

 

 

USING YOUR CAMERA

DO I NEED TO SHOOT IN RAW?

Shooting in RAW is preferred by many photographers since it provides the most flexibility when post processing. This is a good choice if you’re hoping to adjust the exposure or white balance when you get home.

However, the downside to shooting in RAW is that you have to edit all of your images a little bit. If you’re not ready to edit your photos, you’ll want to hold off on making the switch.

 

WHICH SHOOTING MODE SHOULD I USE?

SLRs come with a range of different shooting modes. Learning how to use them will help you to capture the type of images that you’re after.

If you’re shooting fast action or hoping to gently blur moving water, for instance, you can use Shutter Priority mode. Shutter Priority allows you to increase the speed at which the photo is taken, or to slow it down and blur the motion.

Aperture Priority mode, on the other hand, allows you to adjust the amount of light entering the lens by adjusting the size of the opening that the light travels through. This is ideal if you’re hoping to use a wide aperture to blur the background behind your subject, or looking to capture some beautiful bokeh.

 

DO I NEED TO SHOOT IN MANUAL?

Shooting in manual isn’t essential, but it’s the preferred mode of choice by many photographers. Not only will manual give you complete control over your exposure settings; but it will also help you to gain a tremendous knowledge of your camera. It will give you a good understanding of what it’s capable of.

 

WHY DO MY PHOTOS HAVE A STRANGE COLOR TINT?

Yellow or blue tints across your images are caused by incorrect white balance. While your camera is good at adjusting the white balance automatically most of the time; some situations will call for you to manually adjust it. To ensure that your images have natural tones, consider getting a gray card and using it to set your white balance.

 

 

COMPOSITION AND TECHNIQUE

HOW CAN I ENSURE THAT MY LANDSCAPES ARE CLEAR AND IN-FOCUS?

Most of the time, you’ll want landscape images that are in-focus. To create sharp images, start by using a tripod, or monopod, to help steady the camera, especially during longer exposures. You’ll also want to make sure you use a narrow aperture, or bigger f-number, to keep the entire scene as sharp as possible.

Finally, find an ideal focal point in your image. In most landscape images, you’ll want to find the hyperfocal distance. This is the closest point that you can focus in a scene, while still keeping the background acceptably sharp.

 

HOW CAN I GET BLURRED BACKGROUNDS?

A sharp, in-focus subject and beautifully blurred background are ideal if you’re capturing wildlife or other nature images. For capturing blurred backgrounds, switch to aperture priority mode, and use a large aperture, or smaller f-number, to allow more light into the lens. Positioning your subject farther away from the background will also help it to blur more easily.

 

HOW CAN I CAPTURE AMAZING LIGHTING?

Lighting is an outdoor photographer’s secret tool for amazing landscape images. Finding the right time of day will help you to improve your landscapes tremendously. Golden hour – the time of day just after sunrise and just before sunset – is a great time for beautiful lighting and can result in images that are awash in a golden glow.

 

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT COMPOSITION?

Composition is essential for a good photograph. Start by experimenting with different angles, see how things look differently from low to the ground, as opposed to up higher.

Familiarize yourself with the rule of thirds. With this rule, envision your composition as divided into nine equal parts, with two horizontal and two vertical lines. Place your main focal point on one of the intersecting points at the lines.

This is often more visually interesting than having your subject dead center. In addition to subject placement, keep the background in mind as well. Ensure that the horizon line is straight; and make sure there are no distracting elements competing for attention. Finally, add depth by including the foreground for added interest; helping to set the stage for your image.

 

HOW CAN I CAPTURE NIGHTTIME PHOTOGRAPHY?

Beautiful starry nights, a full moon; there are plenty of exciting nighttime subjects to capture. But it’s important to keep in mind that nighttime photography can be difficult, and will require a lot of practice to perfect.

If you’d like to give it a shot, though, be sure to use a tripod. Switch to manual focus, and focus on a good light source; such as a headlamp placed about 15-20 feet away as a target. Point the camera at the stars or moon, and then take a long exposure image. Use bulb mode to set extremely long exposures.

 

SHOULD I POST-PROCESS?

That’s up to you! It’s good to try to perfect your image as much as possible at the time that you take it. But there’s nothing wrong with using post-processing to enhance the final result. Photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop are popular with many photographers.

 

 

OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHY PROGRESSION

HOW CAN I IMPROVE MY IMAGES?

There are plenty of ways for you to improve your photography. First and foremost, read everything that you can about photography; particularly when it comes to technique and composition.

Learn what your camera is capable of –and use the settings. Finally, practice, practice, practice. Trial and error will show you what you can improve, and help to cement concepts in your mind.

 

WHEN SHOULD I UPGRADE MY GEAR?

You’ll know when it’s time! Great photography is more about composition than having the latest greatest gear. But once you’ve reached a point where you’ve exhausted the extent of your current kit’s capabilities, it may be time to think about making an upgrade.

 

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHY?

At Adventure Junkies, we offer a wealth of information on outdoor photography. Be sure to have a look at some our other outdoor photography articles to learn more –start with this section.

The post How To Get Started in Outdoor Photography – FAQ appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

]]> Photography Essentials: Composition https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/photography-composition/ Tue, 19 Sep 2017 01:31:03 +0000 https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/?p=48853 If you’re looking to create amazing images, you might think that you need expensive gear or a new camera to get the results that you’re after. But one of the simplest ways that you can improve your images is by mastering the art of composition. A strong photography composition is one of the most fundamental, […]

The post Photography Essentials: Composition appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

]]> If you’re looking to create amazing images, you might think that you need expensive gear or a new camera to get the results that you’re after. But one of the simplest ways that you can improve your images is by mastering the art of composition. A strong photography composition is one of the most fundamental, yet important aspects of photography, and is what helps to separate a snapshot from a high-quality image.

Here at The Adventure Junkies, we’re passionate about giving budding photographers and professionals alike the tools they need to create amazing outdoor images. With this in mind, let’s take a look at some tools and guidelines that you’ll want to keep in mind. These tips will help you to capture breathtaking outdoor images of your own.

 

 

FIND YOUR FOCAL POINT

Strong compositions usually feature a solid focal point. With landscape images, this is often the vanishing point or disappearing point at the horizon.

Other times, though, the main focal point could be something that’s a bit closer. When creating your shots, try to find a main point of interest, be it a tree, a fence, a boulder or some interesting wildlife – and compose your image in a way that directs attention towards this point.

 

CONSIDER THE RULE OF THIRDS

There’s a reason the rule of thirds is a popular guideline that’s often used in landscape photography –it’s a good guideline for creating images that are interesting and dynamic. To use this rule, imagine that your image is divided into a grid, with three lines going down, and three lines across.

This rule calls for the main focal point to be placed over one of the intersecting points on the grid.

 

ADD BALANCE

Balance is another important guideline. Before releasing the shutter, check to ensure that your composition is well-balanced. This means that if you have some elements positioned off to one side of the frame; you’ll usually want to try to include some other objects on the other side of the image as well, to help add visual balance.

 

LOOK FOR SYMMETRY

Similar to balance, you’ll also want to look for opportunities to create symmetry in your images as well. One of the best ways to do this is looking out for reflections that you can include in your compositions. For example, a bold mountain reflected in a smooth lake can be a great opportunity to create a pleasing and symmetrical image.

 

INCLUDE LEADING LINES

Leading lines are a helpful tool that can be used to direct attention to the photo or the main point of interest. You can look to include obvious leading lines such as rivers, roads, or fences in your landscape images, as well as more subtle ones such as the tops of a mountain range, a jagged coastline or fallen trees. Lines don’t have to be perfectly straight or linear; anything that directs the eye on through the photo will work.

 

FRAME YOUR IMAGE

Adding a “frame within a frame” in an image is a technique that can be used to enhance your compositions, adding context to your shots. When creating landscape images, look to create frames out of natural elements –by shooting through foliage, branches, or overhangs; and by looking for structural details, like fences or arches to include as frames for your images.

 

INCLUDE SOME FOREGROUND

Including foreground can help to set the stage for your compositions, providing some much-needed context to the image. It can also be used to add depth to a scene, helping it to appear more lifelike and real.

If you’re hoping to capture images that feature lots of prominent foreground, your best option is to use a wide-angle lens. Wide-angles cause objects in the foreground to appear wider and larger, and are ideal for times when you’re trying to capture images where the foreground takes center stage.

 

APPLY SOME COLOR THEORY

If you want to take your compositions up a notch, look out for eye-catching color schemes. One strategy is to look for complementary colors –colors that are located directly opposite from each other on a color wheel.

Complementary colors include groupings such as blue and orange, or red and green. These colors work well together, and often can result in contrasting and vibrant images. Analogous colors, hues that are located next to each other on the wheel, such as blue and green, can also make pleasing color combinations.

 

WATCH THE HORIZON

When composing your landscapes, watch the horizon. You’ll want to make sure it’s straight before you take your shot. In most cases, you’ll also want to avoid placing the horizon directly in the middle of the image – this could cause the image to look like it’s been cut in half. Instead, try to move the horizon up slightly to include more foreground, or down if you have an especially interesting sky that you’re hoping to capture.

 

LOOK FOR BEAUTIFUL LIGHTING

The right lighting can truly make a photo! You might not have control over the weather or lighting conditions, but you can time some trips so that you can arrive on-location at an ideal time.

The best lighting is often found in the early morning or evening –the time of day that’s known as Golden Hour. During this time of day, everything is awash in a beautiful golden hue; ideal for photography.

You’ll also want to look for dramatic lighting that’s often found just after a storm –dark clouds and light streaming down from the sky can make for some exciting photos. Take care, though, when photographing during full midday sun –this type of light can be difficult to work with. Use an ND filter, or a faster shutter speed to reduce the amount of light that reaches the sensor.

 

SIMPLIFY

Finally, when presented with an especially exciting scene, you may feel tempted to try to fit everything in. But doing so can often result in an image that’s cluttered and busy. Before taking your image, ask yourself, “What’s interesting about that image; what’s the main point that I’m hoping to capture?”

Then, see if your image could be better served by simplifying your composition a bit. Removing unnecessary and distracting details can help you to tighten up your image, resulting in a much more powerful photograph.

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]]> Photography Essentials: Focus https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/focus/ Mon, 28 Aug 2017 11:56:40 +0000 https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/?p=48023 In photography, focus is closely connected to sharpness and refers to how much of an image is in focus. While most photographers aim to have the entire image as sharp as possible, especially in landscape photography, you’ll want to selectively blur some of the composition in some cases to draw attention to one specific area. […]

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]]> In photography, focus is closely connected to sharpness and refers to how much of an image is in focus. While most photographers aim to have the entire image as sharp as possible, especially in landscape photography, you’ll want to selectively blur some of the composition in some cases to draw attention to one specific area.

Here at The Adventure Junkies, our goal is to educate our readers on outdoor photography; and to help you create amazing images. Whether you’re looking to capture wide, sweeping landscapes or are interested in macro photography, here’s a look at the basics of focus to help you create images that are as sharp and clear or selectively focused as you’d like.

 

 

8 WAYS TO ADJUST YOUR FOCUS

While many outdoor compositions call for clear and pin-sharp images, in some cases, you’ll want to selectively focus on just one area of a scene. Fortunately, most modern digital cameras today offer a number of different ways for you to obtain sharp images or to selectively blur out different elements in a composition to ensure that the focus is where you want it to be.

With this in mind, let’s look at some of the most common digital camera focusing techniques and see how you can select the best focus point for your image.

 

1. MANUAL FOCUS

While almost all modern cameras will adjust the lens automatically, there are some situations while you’ll want to use manual focus instead. Manual focus is an especially good option for macro photography since cameras often struggle to lock onto very close subjects.

Using Live View will make manual focusing much easier since it will allow you to enlarge the image on the screen, so you can see the exact point that you’re focusing on.

 

2. AUTO FOCUS POINT SELECTION

With automatic focus point selection, you’ll have two options for selecting the autofocus point. You use the automatic autofocus selection point option and let the camera decide, or set the autofocus point yourself.

 

3. SINGLE-SHOT AUTOFOCUS

Single shot autofocus mode will set your camera to focus when the shutter release is halfway down. This allows you to keep the focus on the subject until the shot is taken. This mode is especially useful for landscapes and other static subjects.

 

4. CONTINUOUS AUTOFOCUS

With continuous autofocus, the camera will focus on the selected subject as long as the shutter release button is half-pressed. This is a good option when photographing moving subjects or taking fast-action shots since it allows you to continuously adjust the focus as the subject moves.

 

5. FOCUS AND RECOMPOSE

Most digital cameras will offer a collection of autofocus points for you to choose from, allowing you to select the one that’s directly over your subject. But in some cases, there may not be an AF point where you need it. In these cases, you’ll want to try focusing and recomposing.

To use this technique, set your camera to single AF mode. Then, move the camera so that the AF point is on the subject or area that you’re focusing on and press the shutter halfway down to focus the lens.

With the shutter still pressed halfway, recompose your image and release the shutter to take your shot. This is an especially useful technique in low light when focusing is often more challenging.

 

6. BACK BUTTON FOCUSING

While most cameras allow you to focus by pressing the shutter halfway down, some cameras include an AF button that you can use instead. This is useful since it saves you from having to keep the shutter halfway pressed and eliminates the risk of accidentally taking a shot.

If your camera has it, using the back-button focusing technique is especially useful when photographing moving subjects or if you’re waiting until the lighting is just right. With this technique, you can focus on the subject or area that you’d like to have sharp without locking in the exposure settings, and then release the shutter when you want to take the image.

 

7. HYPERFOCAL DISTANCE FOCUSING

Hyperfocal distance focusing is extremely useful for landscape photography or any other situation that requires a wide depth of field. This technique allows you to keep most of the scene sharp and in-focus.

While the traditional way of calculating hyperfocal distance involved focusing on the subject and then using the lens’ depth of field scale or a tape measurer along with depth of field tables to find the nearest acceptably sharp point is.

Today, the loss of depth of field scales on most lenses makes it difficult to apply this technique precisely. However, there are a number of techniques that you can use to find the hyperfocal distance.

 

USE AN APP

Calculate the hyperfocal point in your compositions by taking advantage of useful apps such as Field Tools or DoF.

 

USE THE PRINCIPLE

In a pinch, you can apply the principle that depth of field extends approximately twice as far behind the point of focus as it does in front. This means that you should focus approximately one-third of the way into the scene.

 

FOCUS ON THE FARTHEST OBJECT FIRST

Another option if you’re stuck is to focus on the farthest object in a scene. Then, adjust your focal distance a bit closer, and retake the image. Adjust your focal distance as close as you can, while still maintaining relative sharpness in the distance.

 

FOREGO THE HYPERFOCAL DISTANCE

With telephoto lenses, the hyperfocal distance is too large to focus on. Instead, use a narrow aperture to keep the depth of field as wide as possible, and focus approximately one-third of the way into the frame. Avoid focusing to infinity – the foreground will become blurred.

 

 

8. FOCUS STACKING

Focus stacking is a technique that involves taking different images, with different focal distances – and then combining those images later on in post processing to create one composite image. This technique is often used in landscape photography, but it’s also useful for macro photography as well.

To capture images for focus stacking, you’ll want to use a tripod to steady the camera and ensure that you capture the same scene each time. Next, take your first shot with the closest area of the scene in focus.

Then, refocus a bit further into the scene and take a second shot. Repeat until you’ve taken a shot with the further point in the scene in focus. Later on, you can merge the images in post processing, using any image editing program that supports layers.

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