New trail photos added this week

Every hike
tells a story.
I capture the moments.

Welcome to my trail journal — where mountains meet memories and every step becomes a photograph worth keeping.

Explore the Gallery Read My Story
8,400+ miles hiked & captured
Stunning mountain landscape at sunrise during a hike - nature photography
Featured in 2026
MY JOURNEY

Why hiking and nature photography became my passion

There’s something magical about waking up before sunrise, lacing up my boots, and heading into the mountains with my camera. Hiking clears my mind, and photography helps me freeze those perfect fleeting moments forever.

I started taking photos on my phone during weekend hikes. Over time it grew into a serious passion — learning composition, chasing golden hour light, and capturing the quiet beauty of forests, peaks, and hidden trails. Nature photography taught me patience, observation, and deep respect for the outdoors.

240+
Hikes completed
1,850
Photos published
52
Trails explored
Photo of my hiking and photography setup on a trail - backpack, camera, and water bottle taken with digital camera
My trail setup
Taken with my digital camera • March 2026
SKILLS & PROCESS

Hiking & Photography Techniques

Planning & Safety

I always research trails, check weather, tell someone my plans, and carry the Ten Essentials. Good preparation makes every hike safer and more enjoyable.

Golden Hour & Light

The best light happens at sunrise and sunset. I plan hikes around golden hour to capture dramatic skies, long shadows, and warm colors in nature.

Composition in Nature

I use leading lines (trails, rivers), rule of thirds, and natural frames like trees or arches to create strong, balanced nature photographs.

Weather & Conditions

Fog, rain, and snow create moody photos. I’ve learned to embrace changing weather and always pack rain protection for both myself and my camera gear.

Leave No Trace

I follow Leave No Trace principles on every hike. Taking only photos and leaving only footprints is essential for protecting the places I love to photograph.

Photo Editing Workflow

I edit in Lightroom for color and exposure, then use GIMP for creative adjustments. Subtle edits help the photo feel true to the moment I experienced on the trail.

MY SETUP

Gear I Use on Every Hike

Reliable equipment that helps me hike safely and capture beautiful moments.

Hiking Gear

  • Waterproof hiking boots
  • 30L backpack with rain cover
  • Trekking poles & headlamp
  • First aid kit & navigation app

Camera Gear

  • Canon EOS R + 24-105mm lens
  • Lightweight tripod
  • Extra batteries & memory cards
  • Weather-sealed camera bag
Photos edited in Lightroom + GIMP

Editing & Apps

  • Adobe Lightroom (mobile + desktop)
  • GIMP for advanced edits
  • AllTrails & Gaia GPS
  • PhotoPills for planning shots
Animation I Created

I created a short trail animation showing a path being drawn across a mountain using Adobe Animate CC. The CSS version below demonstrates a similar “path being revealed” effect for this website.

WATCH: TRAIL PATH ANIMATION
Created with CSS + Animate CC
INTERACTIVE

Test Your Hiking & Photography Knowledge

Take this quick quiz and download the printable version!

This downloadable quiz fulfills the assignment requirement for a downloadable form.