Photographing training excercises and climbing a mountain

[LouiseTopp]

I am with a group called Serve On since Last January, if you want to know what we do, please check out the link.
https://www.serveon.org.uk/

I take photos of their training excercise's and have just began training myself. In June I hope to go to Snowdonia and up the mountain photographing the training exercise. What I want to know is several things like:

• What's the best way of protecting the camera from the elements? I've heard the weather can change in minutes.
• What are the best settings, eg: iso, speed, white balance?
• Do I take the battery out at night when not in use?
• Where is the best place to get a genuine Nikon battery?
• Is 18-105 lens good to use up a mountain?

Having never climbed a mountain. or EVEN been to Wales before, I'm not sure what to expect. I'm a bit worried I've bitten off more then I can chew, I'm not a pro so I hope they don't expect too much of me.

[george013]

I am with a group called Serve On since Last January, if you want to know what we do, please check out the link.
https://www.serveon.org.uk/

I take photos of their training excercise's and have just began training myself. In June I hope to go to Snowdonia and up the mountain photographing the training exercise. What I want to know is several things like:

[LIST][*]What's the best way of protecting the camera from the elements? I've heard the weather can change in minutes.[*]What are the best settings, eg: iso, speed, white balance?[*]Do I take the battery out at night when not in use?[*]Where is the best place to get a genuine Nikon battery?[*]Is 18-105 lens good to use up a mountain?

Having never climbed a mountain. or EVEN been to Wales before, I'm not sure what to expect. I'm a bit worried I've bitten off more then I can chew, I'm not a pro so I hope they don't expect too much of me.

Let me start to wish you good luck.

George

[Manfred M]

Louise - some of your questions are easy to answer and others less so.

First of all how will you get to the site where you will be shooting. If there is any considerable amount of walking / hiking involved, I am a firm believer in a backpack type case for my camera gear. That leaves my hands free to use trekking poles. I recently replaced my rather ancient Kata R-103 backpack with a Thinktank Streetwalker Harddrive backpack (this would be overkill for your use), but both units had rain covers. For me this is a very important feature.

I also carry a Stormjacket rain cover with me to keep my camera dry for shooting in the rain. I've used in for years. Use your lens hood all the time as it can be a great help in keeping rain drops and snowflakes off the front element of your lens. I always carry a micro-fibre lens cleaning cloth in case something gets on the lens.

As for a genuine Nikon battery - your camera store should be able to supply these to you. I never leave the battery out of the camera overnight or any other time. The battery keeps your camera on standby and if you leave it off too long, things like your clock will turn off and any camera settings could go back to the default settings. The camera's internal backup battery is quite small and runs down if you leave the camera battery out for more than a day.

ISO, shutter speed, white balance are all dependent on the actual shooting conditions. If you are unsure of yourself, shoot in "P" (Program mode) and use auto-WB and auto-ISO.

As for the correct lens, it depends on the type of shooting you are planning to do. I would personally find the 18mm focal length on the wide end to be okay, but would prefer something a with a bit more reach on the long end - likely at least 200mm on your camera. If all you were doing is to shoot landscapes, the 18-105mm might be fine, but if you are shooting a training exercise, I think it might be challenging.

[LouiseTopp]

Thanks for your replies

First of all how will you get to the site where you will be shooting

Going with the team in a bus, we got a training exercise coming up in two weeks and I am being picked up at 5.30 in the morning which will be a KILLER.

Let me start to wish you good luck.

Thanks George

[Rent]

Louise From my experience of Snowdonia, it can be wet, and I mean wet. It also can be very beautiful. Since Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales be prepared for hard work. Take no risks, but above all else enjoy. Last time I was up there (about three years ago ) I took a Canon 400 with 18 - 105mm lens. I would endorse the use of a backpack and also a monopod to double up as a trekking pole. I envy you
Roy

[Dave Humphries]

Where is the best place to get a genuine Nikon battery?

From a shop may be good advice (if quite expensive), but if you order from Amazon UK, do not buy from a reseller, be sure to only get one supplied and shipped by Amazon themselves. Never off e-Bay either, as you're no doubt aware and hence prompted your question.

Shoot RAW of course.
Do not let batteries get cold, keep spare close to your body for warmth.

Good luck, Dave

[rpcrowe]

Footgear is a very expensive item in any trekking outfit and probably one of the most important. You cannot (at least I cannot) imagine shooting on a trek with my feet hurting. This means buying a GOOD pair of footgear (not just a pair of cheapie running shoes). The correct footgear can also prevent falls which are the bane of mountaineers. Make sure that you break-in the boots or shoes before setting off. Good socks are also important to your feet!

I would practice as much as possible to get into shape.

I would look into getting a polarizing filter which may be a boon to your images by darkening the skies, accentuating the clouds and by reducing reflections generally.

Finally, I would try to bring a second camera. I fell climbing a slippery mountain on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula and broke my 40D. I had a 30D with me on the trip which saved photography on that trip to Alaska. The second camera doesn't have to be a full size DSLR. Renting or borrowing a bridge camera such as a Canon SX50-HS would be an insurance policy against camera failure and it doesn't weigh too much.

Remember, Murphy's Law states, "The probability of a piece of gear failing is in a direct relationship to the importance of the shoot and in a reverse relationship to the availability of backup gear"

Finally: unless you are dead sure about your exposure, I recommend shooting with auto exposure bracketing. As mentioned above: shoot in RAW, programmed exposure and auto ISO...

BTW: shooting a trek is physically harder than just trekking....

Additionally, carry lots of memory. It isn't all that expensive these days and it weighs less than nothing.

I think than a pair of fingerless neoprene gloves would be a good investment.

Also carry along a small first aid kit and some pain killers like Motrin...

[Tronhard]

From the text above I get the impression that you are going there to get training as well as photography - is that correct. In any case, one of the major questions that I don't think has been asked is, if you are part of this exercise, what are YOU expected to carry? Did they give you a gear list?

I have been in the military, and I have hiked for quite a few decades in high country and alpine environments, some of which has been helping others who get into difficulties. You can't depend on anyone else to provide for you, in case you get separated from your team - a situation that can happen fast if it fogs in. Mountains generate their own climate and even if it looks benign at the start it can change rapidly and dramatically. I have seen a temperature change from warm and sunny to a drop of 25degC, and wet in an hour - respect the mountain.

If I was going up a mountain like Snowdon I would expect to be taking:
* a good 25-30li backpack, with a waist strap adjusted to take the weight and a rain cover.
* 2-3 litres of water (camelback or similar is best as you can drink as you go).
* Food (at least several energy bars, but in the cold really something more substantial - soup in a thermos?),
* Layered clothing - I would strongly suggest Marino layers, they keep you warm even if they get wet and they wick moisture (they don't smell either). You should take a good warm hat (50% of your energy goes to keeping your head warm if the temperature drops) and a good, breathable rain shell
* You want good gripping boots with ankle support and soft comfy socks. The boots should be worn in - if you are not used to them take blister plasters, you will be happy you did if you get them.
* You should also have an a LED head torch, with fresh batteries, a whistle and an emergency shelter bag - In NZ we have plastic bags that we can put all our gear in and they are large enough to crawl into if we need to, I would also take an aluminium emergency blanket. Here is an example from the UK:http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/practical/VE104.html
* If you want to protect your knees or you are not comfy on steep terrain or heights I recommend TWO trekking poles (Leki, Komperdel or similar): they take 40% off the stress on your lower joints so you tire much less easily; and when you are on steep terrain it's like have 2 extra legs, or a pair of handrails to walk with. Ones that have on/off suspension are best - you turn suspension OFF going up hill and ON going down to take the impact off your knees.

If you are taking all that lot I would suggest NOT taking a camera backpack, instead go for a camera holster that can hang around from your shoulder or clip to you pack waist belt, and you can get to quickly. Companies like Lowe-Pro make them, I really like the system from Think Tank because it allows you to hang your camera pouch from a strong waist belt- just make sure any holster comes with a rain cover: the good ones do. I would put into that some lens cleaning cloths (not tissues), your spare battery, personally I would not worry about polariser it's one complication too many and if you are there to be trained it may be another distraction. Polarisers are great in good light at certain sun angles, but at this time of year on Snowdon I would suspect you may pushing your luck. I would recommend a quality glass UV filter, as much to provide protection for your front element, along with a lens hood for flare and extra protection for the lens if it takes a hit. I would also recommend a plastic cover if you want to use the camera in wet conditions: you can buy them, but I have used a CLEAN clear plastic bread bag with the lens poking out the open end - it's free, it's recycling and it works!

Without knowing what your brief is these are safety issues you should consider first, then the camera gear You're out with a great team by the looks of it, going to an amazing location. If you take good care you will have a brilliant time. I just suggest you take care of your safety needs first than look at the photography aspects.

I hope this helps. HAVE FUN, I ENVY YOU!

[Rent]

Louise Having looked at the website of the organization that you are involved in. Whilst I fully endorse the above. Don't be put off by it. Just be careful and sensible. Don't take any risks. Above all enjoy it
Roy

[rpcrowe]

There is another problem when hiking over rough ground. That is the tendency of the camera/lens to swing to and fro which can be anything from annoying to downright dangerous.

There are several ways to reduce this tendency:

1. Use an Optech Stabilizer Strap. This will totally eliminate swaying of the camera/lens, yet is easy to undo and doesn't interfere with access to the camera. I use this in combination with a neck strap.
https://optechusa.com/straps/stabilizer-strap.html

2. Optech Bino-Cam Harness. I am not as keen on this because it is not as versatile as the Camera Stabilizer Strap. I also have had problems with this strap slipping off my shoulder.
https://optechusa.com/straps/bino-cam-harness.html

3. If you like using the Black Rapid type of camera strap (which many photographers do), attaching a lightweight carbinier clip to that strap can secure the camera to a belt or a loop on your jacket. This is the cheapest and most simple solution.
https://smile.amazon.com/D-Ring-Cara...ords=carabiner

Did anyone mention that a lens hood would be a good addition to your gear; both to protect from flare and to physically protect your lens.

Finally... I like carrying several squares of dry T-shirt material in plastic baggies. These have a multitude of uses in wet weather...

[Saorsa]

Finally... I like carrying several squares of dry T-shirt material in plastic baggies. These have a multitude of uses in wet weather...

That's the only place I would have any cotton on me in frigid weather.

There is a lot of sound advise for outdoor shooting above.

[loosecanon]

I would add a gps unit. Depending on budget one with OS mapping is great (I use a Satmap unit with 1:25000 explorer mapping.) However even a cheap garmin unit will let you record your route. You can then tag your images so you know where you were exactly when taking your photographs. (Lightroom will let you tag raw images).

A small micro cloth towel is great for drying off your camera when its wet. I use sealable plastic bags, one with silica gell to keep the camera in when moving from warm to cold and cold to warm conditions so avoiding condensation. The other bag I use as a rain cover, a hole cut in it for the lens front and rubber bands holding it onto the lens hood. Lakeland good as a source of bags and silica gell.

When trecking a single lens option is good, especially when conditions make lens changing impossible. I like the compact Tamron 16 - 300. The holster is my prefered solution to carry the camera. If you slip over it will protect the camera - the Lowpro Toploader Pro is very protective. Always keep the camera in it except when taking your photograph. Then a wrist strap will stop you dropping the camera, especially if wearing gloves. A real problem with the camera on a strap be it just a neck strap or black rapid type is that if you fall over there is no protection.

[Tringa]

I agree with Manfred's replies to your specific questions, though I think your 18-105 lens will be fine for most of the shots you want. I'm guessing you will be taking photos of various members of the team on the mountain.

I also agree with the other comments about footwear and clothing.

If I need quick access to my camera when I'm out walking I tend to 'wear' it with the strap over my head and with one arm through so the camera hangs to one side, rather than swinging around my neck. Though if it is raining I often just hang the camera around my neck but under my coat for protection. If I'm fairly sure I'm not going to need the camera for a while it goes in my rucksack.

Although I have a small rucksack designed for a camera if I'm in a remote/hilly/mountain area I use a normal 'walking' rucksack. It has more room for the essentials – waterproofs, extra clothing, food, drink. I usually wrap my camera in bubble wrap and surround it by the extra clothing. For these longer and more strenuous trips the better support of a normal rucksack, when you are likely to be carrying more weight, is really useful and much more comfortable.

You said, -
“ Going with the team in a bus, we got a training exercise coming up in two weeks and I am being picked up at 5.30 in the morning which will be a KILLER. “
Is this training exercise in two weeks going to Snowdon? If so, that is potentially quite an undertaking. Snowdon at the end of February could be idyllic but it could also be severe – rain, wind, very low visibility, temperatures below freezing and wind chill.
How many of your party have, like yourself, never been on a mountain and as important how many are experienced walkers who can assess situations and how people are coping?

Sorry if this sounds as if I am trying to put you off going. I am not. I am a keen walker and would encourage everyone, within their capabilities, to do it, but there is no substitute for good preparation.

Here is a link to information about Snowdon -

https://www.visitsnowdonia.info/snow...routes-95.aspx

Hope this helps and I really hope you enjoy the experience.

Dave

[rpcrowe]

Early in my pro career, I would securely pack my gear for traveling so that bumps would not bother it.

I missed "a definitive shot" because the camera was packed away securely. Dreaming, I think that the shot would have been of Pulitzer Prize quality. Of course, the value of the shot might have increased greatly in my memory...

After that, I always traveled with a ready access camera out and easy to access.

Guess what, I never damaged the ready access camera and was able to grab some shots that I might have missed...

[LouiseTopp]

Hi sorry for the delay in snaweing, pc kept playing up.

From the text above I get the impression that you are going there to get training as well as photography - is that correct.

Yes

what are YOU expected to carry? Did they give you a gear list?

Not yet, but they will do

I have seen a temperature change from warm and sunny to a drop of 25degC, and wet in an hour - respect the mountain.

Sounds scary, but I will do

Marino layers

What are they, and can you get them in the UK?

I hope this helps. HAVE FUN, I ENVY YOU!

Thanks this is very useful

I'm guessing you will be taking photos of various members of the team on the mountain.

Yes I will.

Is this training exercise in two weeks going to Snowdon?

No, somewhere nearbye. They aren't telling me the location as yet.

How many of your party have, like yourself, never been on a mountain

Not sure, think some have.

[Tringa]

You asked about Marino layers, Louise which Trev mentioned. I'm guessing that Trev is referring to garments made from Merino wool. Wool is, as mentioned, a very good insulator and will keep you warm. It might be that I rarely feel the cold that I find wool a bit too hot.

I tend to wear a fleece jacket and, if necessary, a waterproof and windproof. When being active it is often as easy to get too hot as it is to be too cold so the idae of clothing in layers is very good.

One thing to avoid is denim. Jeans are tough but when they get wet they become heavy, cold against the skin and take an age to dry.

Dave

[Manfred M]

What are they, and can you get them in the UK?

One very reputable brand of merino wool undergarments is Base Layer. They seem to be available in the UK. I just spent a week in the Himalayas and wore these merino wool undergarments. The are not inexpensive, but are good.

http://www.baselayer.co.uk/Merino-Wool-cat-448