Go wild camping with your camera
1 Follow the rules
N ot everywhere permits wild camping, but many places do. Dartmoor National Park actively encourages it; in Scotland you have Right of Access, which extends to wild camping; and there is a long tradition of wild camping in the Lake District, so camping in the uplands is generally accepted as long as you leave the site as you found it. Be sure to check with the local authority before setting off, and always follow the Leave No Trace principles below.
2 Choose the right location
To get the most out of your overnight adventure you will want to be comfortable, and able to photograph both sunrise and sunset. Choose a location that is at least 50 metres away from the path and that offers easterly and westerly views. Make sure that your campsite is level, dry and not near any river, stream or other body of water (to prevent contamination). Google Earth is a great resource for researching potential campsites.
3 Pack light
T ry to pack as light as possible and bring only what you know you will need, such as a small single-person tent rather than a family size tent. If there is a water source in the area, bring a water filter instead of carrying your own supply. Double up and use your jacket as a pillow. Bring dehydrated food, which is much lighter than regular food. As far as camera gear goes, try restricting yourself to only two lenses or even just one lens.
4 Use your tent as a subject
Landscape photography is often about telling a story and inspiring others to explore the land around them. When I go camping, I always make a point of capturing at least one photograph of my tent in the wild so that I can share my experience of sleeping under the stars. To get a good shot, place a light inside your tent and photograph it during the blue hour, when the ambient light does not overpower the glow from the tent.
5 Leave No Trace principles
T he Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics (www.lnt.org) has published a basic set of guidelines to help people be more aware of their potential impact on nature while hiking and camping. They are: 1 Plan ahead and prepare. 2 Travel and camp on durable ground. 3 Dispose of waste properly. 4 Leave what you find. 5 Minimise the effects of fire. 6 Respect farm animals and wildlife. 7 Be considerate of others.