Capturing Memories: Photography Tips for the Kedarkantha Trek

Overview 

Situated amidst the lap of the Himalayas Kedar kantha Trek is one of the most popular treks among all. The enchanting landscapes, starry nights, dramatic weather change, and sunrise views create picture-perfect scenery and you can capture this beauty with your camera lens.

If you are someone who has a passion for photography no matter if you are a nocive or seasoned photographer, these photography tips for the Kedar kantha trek mentioned in this article will help you capture the best shots by giving creative shooting ideas, teaching light manipulation techniques, composition rules, and essential gears. 

Choose the right equipment 

Camera:

if you want to have good control and flexibility then you must use a mirrorless camera with an interchangeable lens or a DSLR. but while trekking people look for a more lightweight option then you can also carry high-end smartphone cameras. You can click some impressive shots of Kedar Kantha peaks to alpine meadows. 

You just need to select the right type of camera lens or smartphone. If you are willing to capture with your smartphone then you should invest in wide-angle lens attachments and a mobile tripod, this will elevate the quality of your image. 

Lenses: 

telephoto lens and wide angle lens are the two best lenses used for mountain photography. If you want to capture the vastness of Himalayan landscapes, majestic snow-clad peaks, dramatic cloudscapes, and sweeping valleys. Then the wide-angle lens with a range of 10-24mm is most suitable for capturing beautiful shots. If you are willing to capture unique rock formations, wildlife, and prayer flags then you can use a telephoto lens with a range of 70-300 mm 

Tripod: 

For low-light photography, during sunset, sunrise, and astrophotography you will need a sturdy tripod to ensure that the camera doesn’t shake and you can capture sharp images. You can choose a tripod that can be carried easily and is lightweight. The tripod should be capable of handling your camera during the windy weather. 

Remote shutter release:

To minimize camera shake even after using a tripod then you should use remote shutter release. A remote shutter release eliminates the risk of blurring images. 

Extra batteries and memory cards: 

During cold weather, batteries tend to day faster so it is necessary to carry extra batteries while going for mountain photography. Similarly, extra batteries, and carrying an extra memory card are also important so that you don’t miss out on capturing any beautiful shots because of a full storage card. 

Master in perfect lightning 

Golden hour magic: 

click some mesmerizing shots of the time before sunset and shortly after sunrise which is called the golden hour. During this time you can capture the best shots in golden light as the sun bathes the warm mountains. Your pics will get eliminated with this magical light and the landscapes will look even more beautiful.

Embrace the blue hour:

The blue hour refers to the time when the sky turns black from deep blue before sunrise and after sunset. You can capture some beautiful shots of stunning mystical blue landscapes. You will need to play with exposures to create dreamlike images with bright stars twinkling in the inky black sky.

Cloud play: 

if you want to add drama, texture, and depth to your mountain pictures then you can capture clouds framing the peaks you should look at or dramatic Strome and wispy cirrus clouds behind the mountain range. Your ordinary pictures can turn into extraordinary with this trick. 

Rules to capture a stunning masterpiece 

Rule of thirds:

you can divide two horizontal and two vertical lines into nine equal squares by dividing your camera's viewfinder into a 3x3 grind. You can position your photos’s important elements like the stream winding through the valley or the peak you are trekking toward. This helps put the subject in the frame and capture perfect pictures.

Leading lines:

In a photograph, the lines are followed by our eyes naturally. To draw the viewer’s eyes toward your main subject you can use leading lines like a river near the valley, mountainside trails, or a fallen tree trunk. 

Foreground interest: 

capturing just the panoramas can be a bit common as everyone does the same thing. Try something new by capturing foreground elements like your fellow trekkers, wildlife, and colorful flowers. Doing this will add context and depth to your landscape photography and it will also give a sense of perspective and scale to your viewers. 

Tips for Success

Protect your gear:

the environment in the hilly region can be harsh for your equipment. Make sure you are carrying a waterproof camera bag so that you can protect your camera from dust, snow, and rain. To remove dust and capture sharp images clean your lens regularly with a microfiber cloth.

Embrace the moment: 

Do not forget to enjoy the moment while capturing the photographs. Soak in the environment and put your camera down for a while. Witness the true beauty of nature with your own eyes. The views of the beautiful Kedar Kantha Peak will leave you spellbound. 

Things to carry 

Here is a list of a few things to carry while going to Kedarkantha to capture the pictures. These are the things that will be needed during your entire journey.

• A good quality camera 
• Lightweight and easy-to-carry tripod 
• Additional gear like extra batteries, memory card, waterproof bag for camera, microfiber cloth for cleaning the lens, and a headlamp.
• Carry a sturdy backpack, a portable charger, and comfortable clothes for hiking (warm clothes for the Kedarkantha trek)
• Good quality hiking shoes 

Conclusion

In a nutshell, Kedarkantha Trek offers a great opportunity for photography lovers who want to capture some unique shots. You can capture some mesmerizing pictures during the golden hour and the twinkling stars at night. You just need to know the right technique and select the right equipment for clicking some beautiful shots. While trekking you can capture your fellow trekkers as well and carry some beautiful memories with you. Follow these tips and enjoy a wonderful journey to the kedarkantha trek awaiting you.