Tips for Safety in Landscape Photography

The benefits of engaging in landscape photography far outweigh the risks. For me, landscape photography is rejuvenating both physically and emotionally. However, landscape photography does come with some risks. So let's talk today about how we can stay safe while enjoying the world's beauty. 

1. Plan 

Winston Churchill is credited with a significant quote that applies well here.

He stated, "He who fails to plan is planning to fail."

Planning for your photography adventures will help you capture certain types of images and keep you safe. It's a good idea to have a general plan of where you'll be going, the personal supplies you'll need for your photography outing, and your camera gear. This includes awareness about what kind of terrain you'll be venturing into, adequate clothing, food and beverages to keep yourself fed and hydrated and safety gear like bear spray, avalanche safety gear, an emergency transceiver, emergency first aid kit, or simply sunscreen. 

2. Always Tell Someone Your Plan

Share the details of your photography plan with someone you know and trust who will not be travelling with you, especially if you are travelling backcountry or out of cellular service. Arrange check-ins and instructions for what this person should do if you miss a check-in.

Consider products that can help keep you safe if you are backcountry, like a Garmin inReach or even the Lifeline option available inside All Trails with a Pro membership and data connection.

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3. Practise Awareness

Knowing your surroundings and what you could potentially be headed towards can help keep you safe. Keep your senses sharpened to what is happening around you and practise common sense.

On the trail in the Rockies, we've been taught to be bear aware, as prevention is the best defence. Signs of a bear in the area, such as fresh bear scat, should never be ignored.  

It's also a great idea to head out in pairs or a group, as it's true that there's safety in numbers.  

4. Secure Gear

As photographers, we must also be aware of keeping our photography gear safe. Always be mindful of where you are placing and leaving your camera gear, so it cannot be stolen or fall somewhere beyond reach. 

Take good care to secure your tripod and ensure your camera is attached to your tripod well. I've seen, mine included, cameras fall to the ground. This is often a costly disappointment. 

5. Respect Nature 

Nature is incredibly powerful, and it's essential to always prepare for the weather and natural hazards like heavy rain or thunderstorms, snow and avalanche hazards, rock slides, and fast-rising and flowing bodies of water. 

Don't underestimate the importance of safety in landscape photography. If you are worried about your security, you won't enjoy your outing, and this fear and concern will dampen your creative flow.   A little planning and awareness are your best bet to keep yourself and your camera gear safe so that you can enjoy and arrive home safely, feeling rejuvenated from your time immersed in photography.