Photography

A collection of outdoor photography related tips and resources.

Reliving a hike or backpacking trip is always more memorable when you have photos to go with the stories. These resources can help you improve your outdoor photography skills no matter what your camera budget might be.

Our annual Northwest Exposure Photo Contest is now underway until October 6! Get tips on capturing a winning shot and get ready to enter your photos when the time comes.

Featured Articles:

Story Behind the Photo: In the Clouds

Apr 11, 2018

Every year, WTA invites photographers to share their favorite photos for our annual contest. Photographer and avid hiker Sherri Nordin shared this shot at Mount St. Helens during last year's contest.

How to Capture Color in Photographs

Many photographers plunk down the cash for expensive cameras, software and lenses but still find deep and vibrant color lacking in their images. While good equipment is certainly important, it’s not the only factor when it comes to producing beautiful imagery. A few simple tips and photo habits will ensure that you’re always getting the best from your camera.

10 Tips to Take Better Photos in the Rain

Feb 26, 2018

Living in the northwest means plenty of rainy days. Use these tips to protect your gear and take some stunning photos, even on the soggiest days.

2017 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest Winners

Jan 05, 2018

Check out the winning images from the 2017 photo contest.

Last of the Best: 2017 Geminid Meteor Shower

Dec 13, 2017

Wednesday, December 13 is going to be one of the best nights to watch the Geminid Meteor Shower. Don't miss your opportunity to see this once a year event.

Story Behind the Photo: Going Against the Stream

Dec 06, 2017

Every year, WTA invites photographers to share their favorite photos for our annual contest. Photographer and avid hiker Mike Warren shared this shot at Sahale Peak during last year's contest.

5 Helpful Tips for Entering Our Photo Contest

Aug 22, 2018

Our annual Northwest Exposure Photo Contest is now accepting entries. Get tips for capturing a winning shot and enter today.

How to Protect Your Photos

Digital photography allows us to take lots of photos. However, finding a beloved photo becomes an exercise in frustration without a meaningful method of storage and organization.

Sharing a Love for Adventure

Oct 03, 2017

Every year, WTA invites photographers to share their favorite photos for our annual contest. Photographer and avid adventurer Christy Pelland shared this trail family shot during last year's contest.

Capturing the Moment

Sep 19, 2017

Every year, WTA invites photographers to share their favorite photos for our annual contest. Photographer and avid hiker Michael Moore shared this shot at Colchuck Lake during last year's contest.

How to Photograph Faces on Trail

Turn your lens toward those we share the trail with. Adding people to your photographs helps to convey scale, a sense of place and a peek into the human experience.

Great Outdoor Photography on a Budget

May 31, 2017

Capturing a great image, including one good enough to win WTA’s photo contest, does not require spending thousands of dollars on expensive equipment. This month we offer some advice for photographers on a budget

A Treasured Moment Together

May 14, 2021

Every year, WTA invites photographers to share their favorite photos for our annual contest. Hiker Giselle Pichardo shared a shot with her family at Ebey's Landing last summer.

How to Photograph Waterfalls

These four tips will help you capture the beauty of Washington's waterfalls.

Winter Photography Tips for Snowy Landscapes

Jan 23, 2017

Get the most out of your winter photography with these tips for capturing snowy landscapes.

2016 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest Winners

Jan 03, 2017

More than 4,800 photos were entered in the 2016 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest, giving us incredible imagery from all over Washington. Here are the winners from each category.

Then and Now: Photography

Oct 26, 2016

Changes in photography technology have made taking pictures on trail easier than ever. See the differences between today and 50 years ago.

Northwest Exposure: Tips from 2015 Photo Contest Winners

Aug 17, 2016

The 2016 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest is now open. Check out these tips from past winners before entering your shots.

2015 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest Winners

Jan 08, 2016

The 2015 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest showed us some of the best photos we've seen in the 13 years the contest has been running.

Does Social Media Impact the Trails We Love?

Sep 29, 2015

Social media can be a powerful tool for sharing ideas, inspiration and information, but does it have the potential to negatively impact Washington's trails and wilderness areas?

Photography Tips: Capturing Outdoor Action

Sep 29, 2015

These five tips will help you create better action photography to capture all the exciting moments that happen on trail.

Photography Tips: Six Tactful Touch-Ups

Sep 02, 2015

These tips from photographer and Northwest Exposure judge Doug Diekema will help you snap some great shots.

2015 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest Kick-Off

Aug 17, 2015

It's the day you've all been waiting for! Submit your photos to any or all of the five categories we're featuring this year for a chance to win amazing prizes and be featured in our annual calendar.

Northwest Exposure Photo Tips: Kristin Elwell Talks Inspiration, Alpenglow and What Makes a Great Shot

Aug 13, 2015

We talk photography tips with the 2013 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest grand prize winner, Kristin Elwell.

Northwest Exposure Photo Tips: Doug Diekema

Sep 04, 2015

Judging a photography contest is hard work, but returning judge Doug Diekema is up to the challenge. We talked with him on what it'll take to impress the judging panel for this year's Northwest Exposure Photo Contest.

Northwest Exposure: Photography Tips from Dean Zulich

Oct 15, 2015

We sat down with Dean Zulich, winner of the Offbeat Outdoors category in the 2014 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest to talk photography and tips for this year's contest.

Northwest Exposure Photography Tips: Mukul Soman

Aug 07, 2015

Leading up to the Northwest Exposure Photo Contest we’ll be sitting down with some of last year’s winners to talk all things photography. First up, Mukul Soman, winner of the Flora and Fauna category.

Get Inspired on Instagram by Six Hikers We Follow

Jul 17, 2015

Looking for some photographic motivation? Look no further! These hikers take some of the best shots in Washington on Instagram.

Memorial Day Weekend in Trip Reports: Wildlife, Waterfalls and Wildflowers

May 26, 2015

Trip reports from Memorial Day weekend include dramatic sunsets, foggy ridge traverses, and roaming wildlife. Check out a sampling of trip reports to learn more about how other hikers spent their weekends.

Inspiration and Advice from WTA's 2014 Photo Contest Winners

Jan 13, 2015

16 hiking photographers share what inspires them and how they captured their winning shots for WTA's 2014 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest winners with you.