Better Composition: Photo Hikes

Explore nature with your hiking boots and your camera

Overview:

Located only minutes from the bustle of downtown Boston, the DCR Blue Hills Reservation provides a green oasis in an urban environment. In these workshops, participants will be guided on a hike through the Blue Hills Reservation while using natural light and their own cameras to capture photographs in this unique location..

These hiking photography workshops integrate outdoor exploration with skill development and are led by experienced guides and professional photographers. 

We have two different offerings. The primary distinction between the differnt workshop trails lies in their respective levels of physical exertion and fitness requirements.

• Wolcott Hill Loop: This popular trail winds its way around the base of Wolcott Hill. View the impressive northeast slope of Great Blue Hill as you hike through Wildcat Notch. It entails “several woodland loops which allow you to enjoy the natural beauty of the reservation.”  *Described as easy/moderate hiking by mass.gov.

• Great Blue Hill Loop:  It is a family favorite and offers a panoramic view from the Eliot Observation Tower at the summit. The trail begins at the South lot parking area and heads uphill, passing by the Coon Hollow Path on the way to Eliot Tower. “Rugged, rocky loops over hilly terrain providing a more challenging hike” You will need to be able to climb stone staircase like ascents on this trail. If you have knee or other mobility challenges the Wolcott Hill Loop may be a better choice. *Described as a challenging hike by mass.gov.

Meeting & Parking

• Blue Hills Trailside Museum. Exact meeting details shared prior to the class via email.

• Parking: Free at the lot located by the trailside museum.

What You’ll Learn:

• Improving your photos with easy and helpful tips. 

• Applied manual mode instruction: shutter speed, aperture, and ISO.

• How to take photographs while hiking in the wild

• How to recognize potential subject matter while hiking

• Key principles of visual composition                                                                                                                                                

• Best practices for the care and transportation of camera equipment in an outdoor setting

What to Bring:

• Camera with manual mode settings (DSLR, mirrorless, advanced point-and-shoots).

• Fully charged battery.

• Empty memory card.

• A backpack or camera bag that can securely hold your camera while not in use or during challenging terrain. 

• Water and snacks

Need a camera? We offer rentals here.