Monday, March 10, 2014

The Experiment Begins

  Today begins the experiment that will completely change my view of hiking for the next year.  There is one goal that is standard to all hikers; pack as minimally as possible. As a photographer, this goal goes against all I stand for. When I prepare for a hike, aside from my camera, I also must pack at least a wide angle prime lens, a fast standard prime lens, a telephoto zoom lens (the compact one if I don’t anticipate wildlife and the large, heavy fast lens if there will be critters), a tripod, extra batteries and any other photography gadget I feel the hike might “require”. By this point my backpack is quite full and I haven’t even given myself any water! Today all of that changes. For the next year, I will be going on a hike a week and the only piece of photo equipment that will be weighing me down will be a camera with a fisheye lens attached to it. I have never tried the “Only one lens” experiment and I have never used a fisheye lens. So this blog will definitely be a hiking journal, fully describing the trails and points of interest on my hikes. But it will also chronicle my battle of being a hiking photographer with only a minimal pack and a super wide view of the world. 

5 comments:

  1. This is a fascinating idea, and I can't wait to see how it progresses. Might I ask why you choose to take a fish-eye lens? I am not a photographer, so I don't really know anything about it. Don't forget your vital necessities!

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    1. I chose a fisheye because it is a completely new lens and angle of view for me. I liked the idea of forcing myself to see these hikes from a new viewpoint. It is turning out to be a tougher lens to use than I had envisioned.

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  2. Just wondering how heavy is your backpack. Like Robert, I am not a photographer. You may want to add some content about your photography tools.

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  3. I'd like to see some photos man, there is just so much area out there and different perspectives to capture! Don't forget to capture the human experiences, like if you come across maybe an old bonfire or initials etched into a tree. There is nothing more beautiful than the human experience along with nature's beauty.

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  4. I'm new-ish to the Vegas area and am always on the lookout for new places to hike. Of course, I prefer to head to the hills to escape the city and people in general, so I'm looking forward to other places you post. :) My summer schedule should be able to start booking up with hiking destinations as your blog rolls out. Fun!

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