Zach Davis, contributor to TheTrek.co, and pro wildlife photographer Mark Calcagni join the show. They discuss hiking photography, equipment needs, and storytelling through pictures. The hosts also reminisce about The Foothills Trail and tease the next episode featuring a Bigfoot hunter and AT through-hiker.
The Foothills Trail is a scenic and accessible option for hikers looking to decompress after longer trails, offering beautiful waterfalls and the possibility of wildlife sightings including mountain lions.
When it comes to hiking photography, it's crucial to consider the type of photography wanted, choose appropriate gear, protect the camera from dust and dirt, and understand that professional-quality shots often require specialized gear and post-processing techniques.
Deep dives
The Foothills Trail and Hiking Photography
The Foothills Trail is an 80-mile long trail in North and South Carolina that offers beautiful waterfalls and scenic views. It is a great option for hikers who want to decompress after completing longer trails like the AT or PCT. Wildlife sightings are possible, including encountering mountain lions. When it comes to hiking photography, it is important to consider the type of photography one wants to focus on. Different cameras and lenses are recommended depending on whether one is interested in wildlife, landscape, or photojournalism style photography. Weatherproofing the camera and protecting the lens from dust and dirt are also important considerations. Post-processing techniques can enhance the quality of photographs, but it is important to have reasonable expectations and understand that time and specialized gear are often involved in capturing professional-quality shots.
Mark's Photography and Where to Find It
Mark is a professional outdoor photographer and his stunning photographs can be found on his website Laughing Totem Photo. His portfolio primarily showcases landscapes but also includes wildlife and sports photography. His work can also be seen in the context of stories on Wrapped Journal's website. Photographers of all levels can benefit from exploring Mark's photographs and learning from his expertise.
Hiking Adventures with Mark and Zach
Mark and Zach discuss their hiking adventures, including their experience hiking the Foothills Trail in North and South Carolina. The trail offers a diverse range of scenery, from waterfalls to lakes, and should not be underestimated based on its name. Wildlife encounters, such as seeing bears or mountain lions, are possible on the trail. Mark also shares insights into the differences between hiking as a photographer and as a through-hiker, emphasizing the need to consider the story one wants to tell through their photographs. In terms of gear, Mark recommends choosing a lightweight camera and considering weather sealing for protection against the elements.
Gear Tips and The Importance of Expectations
Zach shares a cautionary tale about not protecting his camera properly from dust and dirt during his hike, which resulted in damage to the sensor. Recommendations for camera gear include using wide rubber bands to seal off the camera and lens connection and considering weather-sealed cameras and lenses for better protection. Zach and Gary discuss the importance of managing expectations when it comes to hiking photography, as professional-quality shots often require specialized gear, more time, and advanced post-processing techniques. However, hikers can still capture great memories and beautiful images with lightweight cameras and by being reactive to the opportunities that arise on the trail.
In Part 2 of our Pilot, we continue our conversation with Zach Davis of TheTrek.co and bring in our good friend Mark Calcagni. Among other things, Mark is a pro wildlife photographer. We'll talk about what really goes into getting great shots on a hike, reminisce about The Foothills Trail and more. In this episode, no one gets eaten by a lion.