Backcountry Landscape Photography Tips

Dropping into canyon country on a solo trip can be both exciting and intimidating. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art for Canon EF.

It’s 7:30 p.m., and the sun is setting on a high mountain lake deep in the Colorado backcountry. At this point, my biggest challenge is the vast number of rising trout breaking up an otherwise perfect reflection of snowy peaks — a rarely photographed scene. Why is such a spectacular location so lightly visited? Simple. It’s not easy to get here.

Earlier in the day, I hiked nearly 4,000 vertical feet over six miles — much of it off-trail — to arrive in time for sunset. But the rewards far exceeded the effort. I was the only person here, and for that matter, there was no real sign of people at all. No obvious campsites, no fire rings, no beaten-down path around the lake and, most importantly, zero trash anywhere. Just me, my camera and a vision.

This is outdoor photography as it was meant to be.

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Remote, stunning landscapes few will ever see — this is true backcountry photography. Eagles Nest Wilderness, Colorado. Sony A1, Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art. Exposure: 1/3 sec., f/16, ISO 100.

Why Go Backcountry?

Today’s favorite landscape photography destinations stand in stark contrast to the scene I just described. Think Schwabacher Landing in Grand Teton National Park, Kebler Pass in Colorado during fall and Tunnel View in Yosemite. While beautiful and often worth photographing, popular locations like these come with numerous pitfalls.

Crowding tops the list. I remember my first trip to Oxbow Bend in the Tetons in early October — the sheer number of people, mostly photographers, lined along the bank of the Snake River was mind-bending. Next is environmental impact. A group of 100 people, no matter how well-intentioned, will inevitably leave a mark on the land, wildlife and the experience of others.

The third downside is the lack of originality. Everyone ends up with essentially the same photo that’s been posted on social media thousands of times. Don’t get me wrong — I enjoy meeting fellow photographers and capturing my own version of an iconic scene. But sometimes we need more. Or maybe we need less.

Enter the backcountry. When it’s time to break from the crowds and pursue a unique creative vision, the wildlands beckon. National forests, national parks, public lands and designated wilderness areas all offer millions of acres to explore with your camera.

When the locals show up in camp. Eagles Nest Wilderness, Colorado. Sony A1, Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art. Exposure: 1/1250 sec., f/6.3, ISO 200.

Getting Out There

There are many exciting ways to experience these target-rich environments — day hiking, river trips and overlanding in a 4×4 vehicle. One of the most popular methods is multi-day backpacking. The slow pace of walking through wilderness immerses you in the sights, sounds and smells of pristine nature. With your senses heightened, you’re tuned into your surroundings and ready to create some of your most original and compelling images — rich in depth and mystery.

Two of the most important things a photographer needs to venture into the backcountry are skills and gear. The right backcountry skills will keep you safe, comfortable and productive. What skills do you need? For starters: navigation, staying warm and dry in bad weather, packing a backpack, cooking and basic wilderness first aid.

I learned these essentials at the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) back in college. It was an incredible experience, though long and expensive. Fortunately, there are plenty of great alternatives to NOLS and Outward Bound. You can learn quite a bit on YouTube, but nothing beats time in the field. Check with your local community college — many offer backcountry-focused courses. Local hiking groups such as Colorado Mountain School, retailers like REI and private guides like Andrew Skurka are other excellent resources. Find the one that fits your needs and go for it.

I don’t often shoot astrophotography but when a scene like this is out your tent door, you don’t pass it up. Eagles Nest Wilderness, Colorado. Sony A1, Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art. Exposure: 30 sec. f/3.2 ISO 8000.

Hiking Gear for Backcountry Photography

If you already have the skills but haven’t been out in the backcountry in a while, here’s my advice on gear: modern backpacking equipment — especially over the past eight years — has improved dramatically.

From tents to sleep kits, and footwear to backpacks, there’s been a revolution in weight and comfort. In 1997, my Dana Design backpack weighed 7 pounds — empty. My next pack in 2012 weighed 5 pounds. My current backpack, the Granite Gear Blaze 60, weighs in at just 3 pounds and is extremely comfortable.

You can go lighter, of course, but photographers need a pack that can handle more than 20 pounds of gear. The same weight savings apply to sleep kits (mine dropped from 7 pounds to 3) and tents (from 6 pounds to under 2).

The days of heavy leather hiking boots — and the blisters and sore feet that came with them — are largely behind us. While there’s still a place for full-grain leather and Gore-Tex boots, a maintained trail usually isn’t one of them. Today’s lightweight hiking boots and trail shoes strike a great balance between agility and support — helping your feet stay happy after long days on the trail.

Multi-day backpacking trips are fun and challenging, but there are no guarantees that your hard work will pay off photographically. Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado. Canon EOS 7D Mark II, Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM for Canon EF.

Camera Gear for Backcountry Photography

When it comes to photography equipment, there are many ways to lighten your load. Of course, the gear you already own is probably fine — but consider bringing only what you need and leaving the rest behind.

For me, that means my Sony A1 full-frame mirrorless camera and a single lens. My go-to is the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art lens. If I want to go lighter, I’ll bring the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary instead. Need a wider field of view but don’t want to pack an ultra-wide lens? I simply shoot vertically and stitch together a panorama.

If wildlife is on the shot list, I’ll bring the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary lens, which offers an unbeatable weight-to-reach ratio. I also pack a polarizing filter, an extra battery, a spare memory card, a lens cloth — and yes, a tripod. But not the heavy-duty version. I bring a lighter carbon fiber tripod that’s still stable enough to capture tack-sharp images at shutter speeds of one second or longer.

A short section of 4X4 driving and a moderate hike can lead you to some incredible finds. San Juan National Forest, Colorado. Sony A7 III, Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art. Exposure: 13 sec., f/11, ISO 100.

Three More Tips for Backcountry Photography

If you’re thinking about putting together a backcountry trip like this, here are three more quick tips to keep in mind:

1. Start Small

This might be the best advice I can offer to beginners — or anyone who hasn’t done a trip like this in a while. That alpine lake 10 miles from the trailhead might sound doable, but even for seasoned pros, 10 miles with camera gear can be a slog. Start with something in the 4-to-6-mile range. If you arrive at camp exhausted, your photography will suffer.

2. Bring a Paper Map

Smartphones are great navigation tools, and today’s apps make route-finding easy. But electronics fail — whether it’s a dead battery or accidentally recording five hours of your pocket. (Guilty.) Always carry a paper map and know how to use it.

3. Practice Safe Hygiene

Learn how to go to the bathroom properly and sanitarily in the woods. It’s not hard — and it’s critical for your health and the experience of those who come after you. Better yet, learn and follow all “Leave No Trace” principles to help preserve the backcountry for future visitors.

It’s nice to camp out even close to home as you will be perfectly positioned for sunrise and sunset shooting. Breckenridge, Colorado. Canon EOS-1D X, Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens for Canon EF. Exposure: 1/2000 sec., f/7.1 ISO 400.

Conclusion

When you’ve already photographed the classics and are wondering what’s next, it might be time to seek out fresh perspectives. With a bit of planning, some sharpened skills and the right gear, you could be ready for a photographic adventure in the backcountry.

The solitude, challenge and raw beauty of remote landscapes offer rewards that far outweigh the effort. Step off the beaten path — and your best work might be just beyond the trail’s end.

See more of Liam Doran’s work at liamdoranphoto.com.

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