Tips and Tricks to Shooting Action Photos

Shooting Essentials

When shooting in the field what are your essential pieces of equipment–besides a camera and lenses?

1. A good Camera Back Pack – I like packs that have a Back Panel Entry System (e.g. Dakine Sequence). It's nice to have access to the back of your pack when you lie it down. A bonus: Snow easily slides off the back of this pack keeping your equipment dry.

2. Tight, thin layered gloves – some with rubber fingertips. This is a personal preference, though. Nothing is worse than trying to shoot with numb fingers. Tight gloves give your fingers mobility without exposing them to the bitter cold.

3. Back up Batteries – If your camera dies because your batteries couldn’t handle the cold then consider your shoot finished. I like to keep spare batteries if I know I'm going to be in the cold for an extended period of time. Here’s a tip: Tape hand warmers to your spares so the charge lasts longer.

4. Lens Cloths – Maybe two or three ... or four or five. You don't want streaks or fingerprints ruining your shot.

5. Knee Pads ­ – You’d be surprised how much they come in handy, especially if snowmobiles are in the mix.

6. Crampons – They’re essential for Half pipe and Slopestyle shooting. Expect to do a bit a climbing or hiking when shooting in the park. Crampons make getting around a lot easier.