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What Every Nature Photographer Needs in the Bag

The range of cameras and accessories available may overwhelm beginning nature photographers. Most want to invest in equipment that will be technologically beneficial, but they should not let their "wants" overshadow their actual needs, according to Mastering Nature Photography. Working photographers like Alexandra Morrison, named Canadian Photographic Artist of the Year in 2009, stress that the emphasis should be on creativity, rather than gear. Many of the photos that won her admission into her country's professional photographers' association were made with a point-and-shoot camera, Morrison says.

Cameras and Lenses
- The first item to go into the bag should be a digital single-lens reflex camera body, advises Jeff Aiello on the Mastering Nature Photography website. "Camera body" is specified because these cameras are usually sold without a lens. If you are serious about this activity, Bob Atkins from Photo.net recommends either a Nikon or a Canon, the brands he considers best suited to nature photography. Whatever the brand, the camera body must allow the user to manually override any automatic functions. Atkins advises adding two lenses ̵2; a wide-angle zoom and a telephoto zoom ̵2; to capture wildlife at varying distances.
Tripods and Other Supports
- Especially for long exposure shots, using a tripod is the only way to prevent blurred images. Novice nature photographers should carry a relatively light tripod, weighing about 3 to 4 pounds. Some photographers include beanbags to support the camera in situations where a tripod will not work or is not available, reports Taking your Camera on the Road. These can be homemade, stuffed with dried beans or rice.
Filters for Special Effects
- Most nature photographers carry filters. A circular polarizer and a neutral-density filter are recommended by Mastering Nature Photography. Filtering out unwanted light and reflections, even darkening the sky, is possible with the polarizer. When using the neutral-density filter, the photographer finds that the tone of all the colors is balanced. This filter should also be attached when intentionally creating blur with a long exposure or large aperture.
Handy Extras
- Weather conditions, terrain, type of shots anticipated and size of the bag may dictate what goes along. A number of photographers mention the need for a remote release for the camera. Alexandra Morrison carries many compact flash cards. Adding string, paper clips, rubber bands and garbage ties can provide the means to pin back grasses, tree branches or other structures that might interfere with photographic composition, according to Taking your Camera on the Road. Carrying a flashlight is a good safety measure. Shower caps, plastic garbage bags and towels can protect your sensitive equipment, if an unexpected storm appears.

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