Nature Photography Photo Workshop

1.3. SAFETY

Carrying further the examples of buffoonery just mentioned are situations where a nature photographer assumes great risks of injury or death just to get a photo. In 2010, a photographer was killed when he stepped backward over a cliff at the Grand Canyon. Don't do this. Keep your wits about you while you're shooting; it's part of being mindful.

1.3.1. PROTECTING YOURSELF

Photographing nature often involves some type of risk. As many safety training classes teach, you need to be able to assess the risk factors and minimize them. The more risk factors present at one time, the more likely it is that an accident (or "incident") will occur.

An accident in nature could range from getting a bad sunburn, to slipping down a hill and scratching yourself with a tree branch, to being struck by lightning. Anything's possible out there. The smart nature photographer doesn't take unnecessary risks to get the shot. The dumb nature photographer might get the shot but be killed doing so. Assess your priorities, evaluate the situation, and make clear decisions about your safety.

Following are a few tips for taking care of yourself in nature:

• Bring a light. Nature photographers often hike over uneven terrain in the predawn hours or after sunset. A flashlight is an essential piece of gear for the nature photographer; a headlamp allows you to keep your hands free.

• Put on sunscreen. It's easy to lose track of time when you're out shooting; a couple of hours in the sun (even under cloud cover) ...