The Balance of Lens and Trail: The Challenges of Combining Photography with Hiking

The Dolomites are a breathtaking place, a landscape of towering peaks and deep valleys that seem designed to inspire awe. As a photographer, it’s impossible not to want to capture every inch of it. But when you’re also there to hike, combining these two passions can be more challenging than expected.

The Struggle with Harsh Light

Unforgiving Light at Noon

Harsh light, often seen during midday, creates strong contrasts and deep shadows that can wash out details and flatten textures in landscape photography. This results in overexposed highlights and underexposed shadows, making it difficult to capture a balanced and vibrant image.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was the light. The Dolomites offer spectacular views, but the lighting is far from cooperative. Early mornings and late afternoons bathe the landscape in a beautiful, soft light that’s perfect for photography. But once the sun gets higher, the light becomes harsh and unforgiving. The intense brightness washes out details, while deep shadows make it difficult to capture the full scope of the scenery. I found myself constantly adjusting my settings, trying to balance exposure without losing the essence of the landscape.

The Tug-of-War Between Enjoying the Moment and Capturing It

Hiking with a camera brings a unique set of dilemmas. On one hand, I wanted to fully immerse myself in the experience—to feel the ground under my boots, to breathe in the fresh mountain air, and to simply enjoy the stunning surroundings. On the other hand, I couldn’t ignore the urge to document the beauty around me. My brother, who was my hiking partner, was more focused on the hike itself. While he moved steadily along the trail, I often lagged behind, pausing to frame a shot or adjust my camera settings. This difference in pace created some distance between us, and I had to remind myself that sometimes it’s okay to just take in the view without needing to capture it.

Equipment Concerns on the Trail

Carrying camera gear on a hike adds another layer of complexity. The Dolomites’ rugged terrain meant that every step had to be taken carefully, not just to avoid a misstep but also to protect my equipment. The rocky paths and steep inclines made it easy to worry about the safety of my camera, especially when the weather turned. I encountered everything from fine dust on dry trails to sudden thunderstorms, each posing its own risk to my gear. Thankfully, my camera’s weather sealing held up well, allowing me to focus on the hike rather than constantly fretting about potential damage.

Watching the Trail and Not Just Through the Lens

Roa Scharte on our Way to Regensburger Hütte

In the Dolomites, steep, debris-ridden paths can be particularly dangerous. Loose rocks and unstable footing on these challenging sections increase the risk of slips and falls. The steep inclines demand careful navigation to avoid accidents and ensure safe progress.

With all the focus on photography, it’s easy to forget the importance of staying aware of the trail itself. The Dolomites are as challenging as they are beautiful, and navigating the rocky paths required constant attention. While I was eager to capture every moment, I had to be equally mindful of where I was stepping. It was a delicate balance between looking through the viewfinder and watching the trail ahead, ensuring that I didn’t miss a step—or worse, a breathtaking view—by being too focused on my camera.

Dealing with Fatigue

Another challenge that emerged over time was simple fatigue. Hiking in the Dolomites is no easy task; the trails can be steep and demanding, and adding the mental focus required for photography only compounded the physical strain. There were moments when I had to push myself to keep going, even when my legs were tired and my mind was preoccupied with capturing the next shot. The weight of my gear, though not excessive, felt heavier with each passing hour, and there were times when I questioned whether I had the energy to keep juggling both tasks.

Missing the Perfect Shot

Perhaps one of the most frustrating aspects of trying to combine photography with hiking is the inevitability of missed opportunities. Whether it was because I was too focused on navigating a tricky section of the trail or simply because the moment passed too quickly, there were times when I missed capturing the perfect shot. A fleeting beam of light illuminating a distant peak, or a sudden break in the clouds revealing an awe-inspiring view—these moments were sometimes lost because I couldn’t react quickly enough. It was a reminder that, as much as I wanted to document everything, some experiences are meant to be enjoyed in the moment, without the pressure of capturing them perfectly.

Getting up early

Waking up for a sunrise shoot in the Dolomites was like trying to convince a bear to leave its cave for a jog. The pre-dawn alarm was set for an ungodly hour, and while I had the best intentions of capturing the perfect sunrise, my bed had other plans. As the alarm blared, I found myself in a deep, philosophical debate with my pillow about why sleep was essential for survival. In the end, I dragged myself out of bed with the grace of a zombie, only to discover that the sunrise was breathtaking—if you could remember it through the haze of sleep deprivation. Waking up early for sunrise shots often meant battling my desire for extra sleep, but the reward of capturing the first light over the Dolomites made it worth the struggle.

Langkofel at Sunrise

A Rewarding Endeavor

Despite the challenges, the experience of combining photography with hiking was deeply rewarding. The Dolomites offer a landscape so stunning that it’s impossible not to want to capture it, even if it means dealing with harsh light, equipment worries, and the occasional missed shot. The photos I managed to take, despite the difficulties, are more than just images—they’re memories of a place that left a lasting impression on me.

In the end, the effort to balance hiking with photography is worth it. The connection between the two enhances the experience, allowing you to not only enjoy the moment but also to preserve it. The Dolomites, with all their challenges, offer an adventure that’s as memorable as it is beautiful. Whether through the lens or simply through the experience, it’s a journey that leaves you with more than just stunning photos—it leaves you with stories to tell and memories to cherish.