Desert landscape photography7/29/2023 ![]() Here is the equipment you will need: Tripod Much like photographing virtually any type of subject, the key to great desert photography starts with having the right gear. Start With the Right Desert Photography Gear The harsh lighting conditions in the desert will likely be too bright for your lens and sensor – and could damage the sensor in your camera.Here’s a shot I captured in the pre-dawn hours of December at the Mesquite Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park. ![]() Invest In A Good UV Filter And A Lens HoodĪ good UV filter is a must-have for the desert. Get rid of any sand that may be in your gear bag or stuck to your equipment – if you leave any behind, it could damage your camera or lenses later on. When you get home, make sure that you unpack all of your gear, and clean it off with microfiber cloths and lens cleaner. Ideally, you should do so in your tent or in a car, away from blowing dust and sand, which could enter the camera body, and scratch the sensor and other important components. You must also be extremely careful when changing lenses. The towel will help protect your camera from direct sunlight and radiant heat when it’s very hot outside. ![]() One good way to help protect against heat buildup is to cover the body of the camera with a light towel whenever the outside temperatures are high. As you probably can guess, high temperatures and rough sand don’t do the fragile electronics and glass of your camera any favors – and you can easily damage your gear if you’re not careful in the desert. → Related reading: 6 Tips for Photographing Sand Dunes ![]() Stay on marked trails, know where you are, what conditions you can expect, any potential danger posed by local wildlife, and other such details when going to any desert. Light source(s) – If you’re going to be doing any sunset, dusk, or nighttime photography, you’ll want a flashlight and/or headlamp, to make it easier to get back to your car or campsite once you’ve concluded your session for the night.īeyond these essentials, use common sense on your trip.A paper map can be a good backup, in case you lose cell service. Make sure you have some method of communication and navigation, so that you can call for help or retrace your steps back to your campsite or car, if you get lost. Cell phone, map or GPS – You definitely don’t want to get lost in the desert.Cover up any exposed skin with plenty of high-SPF sunscreen. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, dress in a UV-protective long-sleeve shirt, wear long pants, and wear sturdy boots. Sun protection – A sunburned photographer is a miserable photographer.The heat and dryness of the desert will take its toll on you quickly. Drinking water – Keep at least 2 liters of water on you at all times, and keep a few gallons of water in your car, tent, or somewhere else where you can access it quickly, if need be.You need to respect the desert, and be prepared for harsh weather conditions. You’re venturing into dangerous territory – even if you’re relatively close to a town, or in a national park. Humans, in particular, are not adapted to desert life, and the harsh climate conditions of living in the desert. There’s a reason that deserts are… deserted, if you’ll forgive the pun. Be Prepared For The Harsh Conditions Of The Desert So, in this article, we’ll be going over our top tips to protect you and your camera from the harsh desert conditions – and get fantastic shots. Whether you’re photographing a desert near you, or going on an expedition across America – or even internationally – you need to be prepared with the right gear, equipment, techniques, and safety precautions. Streaks of pink, yellow, and orange streaming across the blue sky, silhouetting a Saguaro in the Sonoran desert – it’s an image that will stay with you forever, especially if you’re a photographer!īut photographing in the desert brings its own unique set of challenges. There’s nothing quite like a desert landscape at sunset.
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