Jack Johnson’s well-known line sums it up nicely when it comes to many things and especially outdoor photography. It’s wonderful to visit and photograph beautiful locations, to have a permanent (or so we hope) record of our experience long after the trip is over, but an added plus is always being able to savor those moments with someone else.
A recent exchange online got me thinking about all the benefits of sharing your photographic adventures with a friend or partner. Beyond the obvious pleasure of simply enjoying a tropical sunset together or wandering down a forest trail and savoring the smell of wet pines after a storm, there’s another big perk – perspective. Having someone in your landscape images can often add a unique visual element that gives the viewer a sense of place, and with action shots the benefit of being able to give direction (although utmost care is needed here) can make for much more compelling imagery.
In this image, my wife Maureen and I are just starting off on a 16 mile journey down the Na Pali coast of Kauai. Shooting this close to the water is always risky business, but I managed to keep my equipment dry with the careful use of a dry bag while my partner helped line up the perfect shots. So the next time you’re heading out to shoot bring a friend, and don’t forget to let them get in on the action.
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