How to Get Ready for Your Next Photography Adventure: Tips and Tricks

Nature photography is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding passions in life, but it can also be incredibly challenging and at times bearably frustrating. I’ve dedicated many years of my life to an endless pursuit of capturing stunning images of the natural world and over that time I’ve learned a lot. After making countless mistakes and “learning things the hard way” I’ve developed a list of tips and tricks that will help ensure other photographers, especially those early in their photography journeys, largely avoid many of these mistakes.

At the end of the day, embarking on a photography adventure is one of the most exciting ways to challenge yourself creatively, capture breathtaking moments, and connect with the natural world around you. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, proper preparation and planning can make all the difference. This detailed guide is designed to help ensure that your next photography trip is a resounding success.

Let’s get right into it and take a look at 10 helpful tips and tricks to get you ready for your next photography adventure!

1. Find the Right Location for You and Your Photography

Choosing the perfect destination is the cornerstone of a memorable trip. Start by identifying the type of subjects you want to capture. Are you drawn to the expansive vistas of mountainous landscapes, the intimate beauty of wildlife, the vibrant energy of bustling cities, or the ethereal serenity of seascapes? Before deciding where to go you need to clearly define your interests and let them guide your choice of destination. For instance, if wildlife excites you, destinations like Costa Rica or Yellowstone National Park are perfect. On the other hand, if dramatic landscapes captivate you, consider Iceland or maybe the American Southwest. Of course, these are merely suggestions, there are plenty of other stellar locations out there just waiting to be photographed. The key here is to define your passions/interests as a photographer and go from there.

Your budget will also play a crucial role. Be realistic about how much you can spend and account for airfare, accommodations, transportation, food, entry fees, travel insurance, and any other expenses that may come up. If necessary, you can research cost-saving measures such as traveling during off-peak seasons, staying in budget accommodations, or traveling close to home.

It’s worth mentioning that if you want to avoid all of the planning and logistics all together, you can always consider joining an all-inclusive guided photo workshop like the ones offered by Backcountry Journeys. In this case, all you have to do is choose your location and then the tour company will take care of everything after that.

Timing is equally essential—seasons significantly affect lighting, weather, and subject availability. For example, autumn offers vibrant foliage, while winter can provide opportunities for snow-covered landscapes or migratory wildlife. Research the best times to visit your chosen destination to align with your photographic goals.

2. Make a Plan Before Heading into the Field

Now that you’ve selected where you want to go, it’s time to make a solid plan. Proper planning ensures you maximize photographic opportunities and avoid unnecessary surprises. Begin by studying the area you’re traveling to. Familiarize yourself with its geography, weather patterns, cultural norms, and any potential hazards you may face. For example, if you’re heading into the backcountry, learn about local wildlife and necessary safety measures.

Use tools like Google Earth and maps to scout the terrain, identify potential vantage points, and map out routes. Look for areas with unique features or spots that offer multiple composition opportunities. Additionally, studying images captured by other photographers can be incredibly helpful. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Google Images are excellent resources. Analyze what worked well in those images—lighting, angles, or perspectives—and think about how you can bring your unique vision to similar compositions.

3. Decide What Type of Trip is Right for You

Tailor your trip to your preferences and styles to make the experience more enjoyable. Decide whether you want to plan your trip independently or join a guided photo workshop. Guided workshops provide expert instruction, access to exclusive locations, and camaraderie with like-minded individuals. Whereas, self-planned trips offer independence and flexibility but require thorough research and preparation.

Consider how you’ll approach your shooting locations. Backcountry adventures offer solitude and unique scenes but require physical fitness, specific knowledge and expertise, and specialized gear. Alternatively, road-accessible locations are easier to navigate and suitable for beginners or those with limited time. Also, decide whether flying or driving best suits your destination. Flying allows you to cover greater distances quickly but requires careful planning for gear transportation. Driving offers more flexibility and convenience for bringing equipment. Ultimately, you’ll need to evaluate some of the locations you’ve chosen and decide which makes the most sense for you.

4. Master the Fundamentals of Photography

So, you’ve now selected where you want to go and how you want to explore this area. What are some other things you can do to set yourself up for success in the field? Having guided many workshops in the past one of the most common situations I frequently see is that many people show up without much background knowledge or expertise. To put things bluntly, they haven’t really mastered the basics or the fundamentals of photography. Of course, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with this but if you have more of a solid understanding of the basics you can think more about creative decisions like composition and less about basic camera settings.

 A strong foundation in the basics and fundamentals of photography is essential for capturing stunning images. Understanding the exposure triangle—aperture, shutter speed, and ISO—is fundamental. These settings control how your camera absorbs and interprets light and can have massive effects on the overall look and feel of your images.  Knowing how to adjust these settings manually and knowing how they will change your image ensures you’re ready for any situation. Additionally, you should also know how to quickly access and read your histogram to check for blown highlights or lost shadows and adjust exposure accordingly. Familiarize yourself with different metering modes to handle challenging lighting conditions effectively. For instance, if you’re shooting a dark animal in a bright snowy environment, you will likely need to adjust your exposure to the right.


Composition is another critical aspect of any photograph. Once you dial in your settings and get the proper exposure, you can now get creative and decide how you want to portray your scene. Techniques like the rule of thirds, leading lines, symmetry, and framing can elevate your shots to new heights, and of course, don’t be afraid to experiment and break these rules to develop your unique style. Ultimately, by increasing your knowledge and by mastering the basics you will set yourself up for success in the field and capture more keepers.

5. Make Sure You Have the Right Gear for Your Next Shoot

The gear you bring can significantly impact the success of any photography adventure. Start by selecting the right camera body and lenses. This will ultimately depend on the location you’re visiting and types of shots you want to achieve. For instance, if you’re shooting wildlife, you’ll want to prioritize fast autofocusing capabilities, fast burst modes to capture more images of your subjects, and higher focal lengths to capture small or distant animals. In contrast if you’re photographing landscapes you may want to prioritize wider focal lengths, tripods and lens filters, and cameras with higher dynamic ranges.

I won’t dive too much into camera bodies specifically, as that’s an entire article in itself, but just like all other gear you’ll have to evaluate the options and decide what’s right for you based on your needs/wants as a photographer and your budget. I strongly encourage anyone who hasn’t to make the jump to mirrorless as these newer cameras come with some great benefits and capabilities.

When it comes to lenses, you’ll want to primarily think about the focal lengths and apertures you’ll need to capture the images you want. It’s important to mention that it’s always better to bring too many lenses as opposed to not enough. If you can handle the extra weight and have the space, bring that extra lens just in case you may need it.

Don’t forget accessories. Lens filters like polarizers or neutral density filters can greatly enhance your shots, while a sturdy tripod and remote shutter release are invaluable for stability and long exposures. Ensure you have weather-appropriate clothing and a reliable camera bag. For cold-weather shoots, bring hand warmers and extra batteries, as cold temperatures can drain battery life quickly.

6. Understand the Ins-And-Outs of your Gear

Now that you’ve selected the right gear for your upcoming adventure, you’ll want to make sure you know how to use it with ease. Familiarity with your equipment is crucial and will save you valuable time as well as prevent headaches and frustration while in the field. Before your trip, ensure you can quickly adjust key camera settings like ISO, shutter speed, and aperture. Know how to switch between focus modes and settings. Know how to quickly view your histogram, review images, ad more. Practice attaching filters, setting up your tripod and tripod head, and operating remote controls and other accessories. The more comfortable you are with your gear, the more confident you’ll feel on your next shoot.

7. Take Practice Shots Before You Head Out

Along these same lines, one of the best ways to fully understand your gear and prepare yourself for any photography outing is to practice, practice, practice. Of course, you may not be able to perfectly replicate the situations you’ll find yourself in on your trip but there are plenty of things you can do close to home to get ready. Practicing locally is an excellent way to prepare. Visit nearby parks, urban areas, or even your backyard to test your gear, try different compositions, and experiment with lighting conditions. This helps you identify potential issues with your equipment and refine your skills before embarking on your trip. For instance, if you’re heading out to photograph wildlife in Costa Rica, you could practice taking images of local animals like songbirds, deer, squirrels or whatever you have in your neck of the woods. These might not end up being wall-hangers but they’ll increase your hit rate when it really matters.

8. Develop Your Post-Processing and Image Editing Techniques

Post-processing is where your images truly come to life. Stay updated on your chosen software, whether it’s Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, Capture One, or another reputable editing software. If you have a lot to learn or simply want some refreshers it’s never a bad idea to watch tutorials or take courses which will allow you to expand your editing knowledge and refine your workflow.

We often think of post processing as something that comes after we capture the image, and for the most part this is correct. That being said, I strongly encourage you to think about how you edit images while you’re capturing them. If you already have some ideas on what you want the final edit to look like you can incorporate this into how you’re capturing an image. On top of this be sure to capture shots with enough detail in the shadows and highlights to allow for adjustments during editing.

I also recommend that you try to define your own unique editing style—whether you prefer a natural look or dramatic, artistic edits. This will allow you to stand out from the crowd and can make your work more identifiable. At the end of the day, a consistent post-processing workflow saves time and ensures high-quality results.

9. Practice the Art of Patience

Patience is a vital skill for photographers. Waiting for the perfect light during golden hours—sunrise and sunset—can transform an ordinary scene into something extraordinary. Whether you’re observing wildlife behavior or waiting for weather conditions to shift, patience often leads to the most compelling images.

One of the most important tips for any style of photography, and really anything you pursue in life, is to practice the art of patience. At the end of the day photography is as much about the journey as it is the destination. Waiting for the perfect light during the golden hour can often transform an ordinary scene into something extraordinary. Or maybe you simply have to wait for a break in a storm so that you can photograph dramatic light without weather hazards. Perhaps you have to wait for an owl to return to its nest, which can sometimes take hours. Whatever it is you’re waiting for, whether you’re observing wildlife behavior or waiting for weather conditions to shift, patience is an art and when it’s mastered can often lead to the most compelling images.

10. Never Stop Learning

Photography is a continuous journey of growth and discovery. No matter your experience level or background, there’s always room for improvement. As someone who has made photography a primary focus in my life for many years, I’m constantly learning and growing as a photographer. Attend nature photography workshops, read books, listen to podcasts, watch YouTube videos, and closely follow photographers you admire to advance and develop your craft. Embrace mistakes as opportunities to grow, and review your images critically to identify areas for improvement.

Another great way to grow is to set goals for every trip you go on. Whether it’s mastering night photography, long exposures, or capturing candid moments of specific wildlife subjects, having a focus ensures you’re always progressing. And of course, don’t be afraid to take creative risks—sometimes the most unexpected choices yield the most stunning results.

It’s also worth mentioning that not every image you capture is going to be a wall-hanger. This is especially true when you’re first getting started. Remember, photography is a lifelong journey, so keep exploring, experimenting, and enjoying every step of the journey! Embrace the process, and don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, preparation is the key to a successful photography adventure. By following these detailed tips, you’ll be ready to capture stunning images and create unforgettable memories. So, grab your gear, map out your plan, and let your creativity soar. The world is waiting to be photographed—one adventure at a time.