When going out to shoot photos, I keep a few things in mind to create the best possible photo I can. In some situations, I plan out an exact image, and in other cases, I try to work on the fly and shoot things as they adapt and change around me.

What gear do I carry on a regular trip into the mountains? This is an ever-adapting list, and I’m always adding or removing things based on what activity I’m doing.

Some items included in the winter, rarely make it in, in the summer, and vice versa. I try to keep the weight of my pack down, and I think many people would be surprised at how simple I keep it.

Traveling can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t do it regularly. Trying to decide what you should bring, and what should be left at home, can cause nightmares putting stuff in and out of bags trying to make up your mind. When packing my suitcases, if I have time lay everything out quickly, put it in my bag, weigh it and gage where I am. I then take everything out and look through it to make sure I’m not missing something important, or bringing a bit too much. However with my carry on I always pack the same things, and always know what I am going to bring.

Last season I spent a few days shooting with the ManBoys in early February. We had good snow for a bit, but on the third day we went to a zone and the snow had been wind scoured. We made the call to head back home checking a few spots on the way.

A hike and photography at a trail near my house in Whistler. Behind the scenes of my thought process and my photography.

A hike and photography at Joffre Lakes in Pemberton, BC on a sunny fall evening. Behind the scenes of my thought process and my photography.