Mountain Photography Tips

Taking great images in the world's biggest mountain ranges isn't rocket science, nor is it the sole domain of professional photographers. This series of articles is a crash course, and assumes you have already mustered the basics of taking a decent 35mm image. Article and images by FTA Principal Dave Hancock.

Gear and Film: Dave uses a combination of Kodachrome 25 and Fugi Velvia slide films. His camera bag holds a Nikon F3, a Nikon F5 (both 35mm film formats), four various Nikon ED lenses from a prime 24mm to a 28-200 zoom, and a SB-24 Nikon flash. Note most of his best images were taken on the older F3, the F5 being a relatively new, and very expensive, addition to his kit that he has yet to get any real use from. Dave will be undertaking 2 Himalayan trips within the next 3 months and plans on giving the new camera a 'good working over".

Mountain Photo Tips Part I - Using Neutral Density Graduated Filters
	A split graduated ND filter reduces the amount of light (lumen) coming into the (normally) top of your viewable frame. In doing so it helps the film balance out the light variance so it more accurately sees what the human eye can see... For information on using neutral density graduated filters [click here]

Mountain Photo Tips Part II - Aperture Settings
	As we are all aware, or certainly should be, setting a high aperture gives greater depth of field, enabling us to keep a greater maxim of the content of the frame in focus. If you do this consistently your images will be sharper and have a higher degree of viewing impact... For more information on aperture settings [click here]

Mountain Photo Tips Part III - The National Geographic Effect
	This technique is one you see used regularly in high end magazines. I call it the NG effect because the editors of that magazine were first to really embrace it for its inherent artistic value... For more information on the National Geographic effect [click here]

Mountain Photo Tips Part IV - Night Time Shots
	Far too many photographers seem to think that picture taking has to stop once the sun has set in the evening. Personally I find this the most exciting and challenging time to capture great images... For more information on night time shots [click here]

Mountain Photo Tips Part V - Getting in Amongst It! & Tips Summary
	Far too many photographers seem to think that picture taking has to stop once the sun has set in the evening. Personally I find this the most exciting and challenging time to capture great images... For more information on night time shots [click here]