OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT

For those of you who enjoy photography AND the great outdoors, being able to combine the two can provide you with an abundance of great photo opportunities. No matter if your photography is undertaken from the comfort of your car or fixed hide or if your driving force is trekking across mountains or deserts for that perfect shot, finding the ideal location and taking the right equipment with you is a must. An excellent search engine for all things outdoors is searchtheoutdoors.com. Incorporated below is some information on what is on offer with ideas to assist you on what to wear or what to use.

Clothing:

It is important to have adequate protection from the elements if you intend to venture 'off the beaten track' in pursuit of your hobby. As I know, it is all too easy to lose track of time and the changes in weather conditions when absorbed in picture taking and not being prepared for this can be a serious problem. In cold, damp regions it is advisable to wear warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear and there are general outlets that will sell almost anything you may need, but there are also suppliers of specialist outdoor clothing, equipment and survival items for the serious outdoor enthusiast. Most camera equipment can be easily transported in the many bags and backpacks available but another very useful item of clothing is the utility vest or 'body warmer' which has numerous flaps, pockets and zipped compartments for carrying all sorts of equipment (and even your lunch!). Hats or balaclavas and gloves or fingerless mitts are useful as are thick hiking or fisherman socks. For these items it is advisable to buy dark colours for two reasons - a) wildlife will find it more difficult to spot you while you're watching them and b) they don't show the dirt!

Equipment:

Being dressed for the occasion makes good sense but if it's wildlife you intend photographing your chances of getting that shot will be greatly improved if both you and your equipment can 'disappear' into the surroundings.

There are numerous covers for this that will make you blend in with the environment. Camouflage is the name of the game and and you can now get anything for yourself or your camera gear - for you there are covers that can act as hides or bivi's to 'pop up' dome tents or portable hides. Your camera and lens can also be completely disguised with camouflaging nets, covers and sleeves - these can be bought 'off the shelf' with adjustable velcro straps or custom made for your specific requirements.

A beanbag is a handy item to take with you but a good versatile tripod can also be a definite plus for general photography or for 'getting down' to the tiniest flower or insect and a sturdy monopod can also act as a

walking stick or pole (see 'Camera Supports'). A useful extra here is the addition of a built-in spirit level. One thing I find extremely helpful is a shooting stick, invaluable as a portable seat.

Accessories:

Close-up work outdoors can be aided with the use of a reflector and as this photography can be hindered by the slightest breeze or even insects, a clever idea is the light tent. Both of these things are totally portable and can be carried in a bag or pocket. For general photography, a selection of filters can be advantageous - from the mood enhancing type to those used just for fun. Most outdoor photographers will take binoculars and a compass with them on their ventures, but if you are travelling alone or to isolated areas it is also wise to carry a survival kit that, depending on your location, could contain whistles, flares, signalling mirrors, first aid, thermal blanket and bag and that all important insect repellent! A flask and some kind of food such as chocolate would ensure that no matter what the elements throw at you, like a good scout, you would always 'be prepared'. Lastly, when planning always ensure that you tell someone your intended route, destination and when you expect to return and for that final reassurance, a mobile or cell phone may prove invaluable.