Sleeping in the great outdoors: that’s wild camping!

Wild camping refers to camping or spending the night in the wild outside of campgrounds or private property. It means staying overnight in a place that is not specifically set up for camping purposes. Wild camping involves finding a suitable place in nature, such as a remote forest, field or mountain, to pitch your tent and spend the night.

Close to nature & freedom to choose sleeping place

Wild camping offers a more intense nature experience and greater freedom in terms of site selection and activities compared to camping at organized campgrounds. It allows campers to choose their own campsite according to personal preferences and the needs of the trip. This opens the possibility of discovering remote places and experiencing new adventures in nature.

Rest & relaxation: recharge energy reserves

Wild camping allows you to be away from the crowded tourist areas and enjoy the beauty of nature in a secluded environment. It provides an escape from stressful everyday life and offers the opportunity to relax and recover from physical and mental stress. Spending time in nature, away from urban noise and distractions, creates space for inner peace and recharging energy reserves. It helps that you experience the wild camping, the animal and plant world up close.

Self-sufficiency, but inexpensive

When wild camping, people are often on their own and must provide their own equipment, food, and preparation. This fosters a sense of self-reliance and self-sufficiency as people learn to navigate the outdoors and be independent. Another advantage of wild camping is that it is a cost-effective alternative, as there are often no overnight fees. This allows travelers on a limited budget to experience and enjoy nature without the high cost of campgrounds.

That’s what wild camping is all about!

Quickly in the overview – that’s what’s special about wild camping:

• Camping in the great outdoors, away from campgrounds & private grounds.
• Freedom to choose where to sleep, such as remote forests, fields or mountain
• Intensive experience of nature & allows to discover remote places
• Rest, relaxation & recreation away from crowded tourist areas
• Promotes self-reliance, self-sufficiency & self-reliance in nature.
• Cost-effective alternative, as there are no overnight charges

Alternative to camping: Wild camping allowed!

When wild camping, it is important to note that in many countries and regions legal regulations apply or wild camping may even be completely prohibited. These rules are in place to protect nature, avoid danger, and prevent conflicts with landowners. To avoid fines or other legal consequences, you should inform yourself about the respective laws and regulations before wild camping.

Wild Camping in Germany: Allowed or forbidden?

In Germany, the following regulations apply:

In principle, wild camping is not allowed. However, briefly entering natural areas for recreation is allowed as long as you do not pitch a tent or give the impression of “living” there. It is allowed to sleep under the open sky, even with a tarp (also called a tarp). Except in Berlin, you are not allowed to do that. In Hesse and Schleswig-Holstein you are also not allowed to leave paths at night. It is also forbidden to camp in nature reserves, national parks or on private property without the owner’s consent.

When traveling by car, you are allowed to stop at the side of the road to “restore your fitness to drive.” This means you are allowed to rest briefly, but then you should continue driving. Again, you are not allowed to unpack your camping table and appear to be “living”. You should follow these rules to protect nature and avoid negative impact on the environment.

Alternative: trekking places in the open nature

However, there are also special trekking sites, which are smaller pitches for campers in the wild. Spending the night there is allowed. Usually these offer space for up to four tents, have a few simple seats and sparse sanitary facilities. However, you get closer to nature than in a conventional campsite. Surrounded by nature and the sounds of the forest, you can slowly drift off to sleep or cook under the open sky – with the cooking tips you are suitably prepared.

In Germany, wild camping is generally prohibited, but brief entry into natural areas for recreation is permitted. As an alternative, there are trekking sites that allow you to spend the night in the great outdoors and offer a more intense experience of nature.

Where to go? Travel tips!

In some countries, wild camping is even allowed, although there are certain rules and restrictions. It is of great importance to check the current information and regulations locally to make sure that you do not violate any laws or regulations. This article is for general information only and does not constitute binding legal advice.

Wild camping allowed: Estonia, Lithuania & Latvia

In these countries, wild camping is allowed as long as no noise is caused and no damage is done to nature. It is not allowed to camp in nature reserves and time and regional restrictions may apply. So please inform yourself thoroughly about the specific region you want to camp in.

Two days in one place: Finland, Sweden & Norway

Wild camping is also generally allowed in the Scandinavian countries of Sweden and Norway, as long as you stay away from agricultural land. You are expected to take your trash with you, and camping is usually allowed for a maximum of two days in one place.

You can find more vacation tips for the two countries here:

• Camping in Sweden
• Camping in Norway

Wild camping far from private land: Scotland

Wild camping is also allowed in Scotland as long as no pollution is left behind and no remains of tents and fires are left behind. However, there are regional restrictions and seasonal wild camping may not be allowed in some areas. Stick to the limit of three days in one place and camp only with a small group of people. In addition, stay away from farms, pastures, fields, private property and homes.

Preparation: Gather info & pack equipment beforehand

Before you set out on your wild camping adventure, it’s important to be aware of the legal requirements and regulations in your destination to avoid fines and legal consequences. Always think about your safety, learn about potential hazards and take a first aid kit and a communication device, such as a cell phone. Create an emergency plan and share your travel plans with someone for assistance if needed.

Wild camping holds the unique opportunity to experience nature intensively and enjoy greater freedom in site selection and activities. Respect nature, be responsible and don’t leave trash behind. By preparing yourself, respecting the environment and paying attention to safety, you can have an unforgettable adventure in the great outdoors while ensuring that future campers can enjoy the beauty of nature.

You should pay attention to this before you set out:

• Find out about legal requirements & regulations
• Think about your safety & inform yourself about dangers
• First aid kit & care for functioning communication
• Create a contingency plan & share your travel plans with someone
• Respect nature & be responsible (no trash)

Equipment: Exciting days & cold nights

When you’re getting ready to go wild camping, keep these things in mind.

Maps or navigation aids and a headlamp are important so you can find your way without reception or light. A power bank is also helpful, as there are no outlets outside and you should keep your phone functional for emergencies. Remember to bring trash bags to make sure you don’t leave any trash or dirt in the environment. Also, warm clothing is crucial as it can get cold quickly at night and in bad weather.

In addition to these essential items, you should also have standard camping gear, such as sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and cooking utensils. A suitable sleeping accommodation is also important, especially if you want to park anywhere but still want comfort. In this case, as before, it makes sense to take a roof tent. The roof tent you can quickly and easily unfold anywhere you want to camp and yet it takes up less space on the roof of your car than a caravan.

You can get help with setting up here: Sleeping & Living while camping!

With this packing list you are suitably prepared:

• Map or navigation aid
• Forehead or flashlight
• Mobile Phone & Powerbank
• Garbage bags
• Warm & weatherproof clothing
• Sleeping bags, camping mats & cooking utensils

If you want to read about it in more detail, you can read on here: Camping Packing List.

The optimal starter equipment for outdoor photography

Expensive is not necessarily optimal, this also applies to the camera. Automatic functions such as ISO value, exposure time and aperture must be manually adjustable if necessary. In addition, a camera on which interchangeable lenses can be mounted is optimal. Both requirements are met by digital system cameras or digital SLR cameras. Digital system cameras are easier to handle for hikes, climbing excursions and just as much easier.

These take up very little space in the backpack or hand luggage and are hardly noticeable in terms of weight. For the equipment it also applies that there should not be too much. A beginner is better off using only those accessory elements that they can easily handle in the great outdoors. Even professionals only carry a few accessories on their hikes to make them as handy as possible. Important are interchangeable lenses and a tripod suitable for off-road use (best folded up small enough for the backpack). External flashes can be useful, but are only suitable for outdoor photography if the user is able to use them advantageously.

Outdoor photography – know the technology well, then use it

The available functions are explained in the manual of each camera. Many of them are automatic, some can also be selected manually. Before the first outdoor use, exercise photos according to the manual instructions are a good training and in any case recommended. But not everything that is possible is also used in nature.

It is therefore important to master a few important functions well and to gradually get back to the others as the photos of the hike gradually become more professional. Knowledge of the ISO value, aperture and exposure time is crucial. Convenient photographers can leave automatic settings to the digital camera here. But it is more creative to set the values manually in order to capture the photo object in the best possible way.

video tutorials as tutoring

If the information in the manual and your own experiments are not sufficient at first, then video tutorials on certain camera models are helpful. This can even be researched before a purchase decision is made: Which models can be learned most quickly with these tutorials? RAW formats are better suited for outdoor images than JPG. In RAW format, the images still contain all image information in uncompressed form.

This corresponds to the classical recording in the negative, which is developed only afterwards. Also RAW formats are developed only then, however virtually, thus with appropriate software. Managing outdoor photos is a learning process that takes place only after the image has been captured. Editing and managing gradually lead to really ambitious amateur photographers “shooting” better and better pictures on a permanent basis. This also includes experiments in the wild, for example changing perspectives (as intuitively as possible instead of according to doctrine), intentional disturbance motifs during a shot and of course more than one photo of each experiment.

Result: new, fascinating motifs can be discovered everywhere in nature

Outdoor photography offers endless possibilities for exciting photos in the middle of nature due to the diverse landscapes. Beginners should buy rather handy, light cameras and only the most necessary accessories. This can be expanded at will once the user has learned the best way to use the camera. For really beautiful nature shots, the amateur photographer should also consider the possibilities of the subsequent image editing and management.

Landscape photography: With 6 tips for fantastic landscape photography

1. The golden ratio

The golden ratio is certainly not an unknown term for you, because not only in the field of painting is it common, but also in the field of photography. You have the opportunity to direct the viewer’s gaze to specific points in your picture and, by applying the Golden Ratio, to conjure up that certain something in your work. Of course, the golden ratio has nothing to do with magic, but with your mental imagination. You just have to divide your photo into nine rectangles of the same size.

Draw two vertical and two horizontal lines in front of your inner eye. On these lines and intersections you place crucial elements of your images. This enables you to direct the viewer’s gaze in a targeted manner. The golden ratio is not absolutely necessary for every work, but it is a simple method so that you can optimally set your motif in scene.

2. Find beautiful reflections for landscape photos

The second tip deals with reflections in landscape photography and usually you will find them where there is water. So if you photograph a brook, lake or sea then look closely, because somewhere there you will find beautiful reflections for your photos. For example, club the tip with the reflection with the golden section and you will achieve excellent results.

3. Find exciting foregrounds

Countless landscape pictures mostly show breathtaking views of seemingly endless landscapes, imposing mountains and abysmal valleys, while the spectacular is rarely reproduced in photos as it is in reality. So that your landscape photo is not considered completely boring, you should pay attention to the foreground. Here you will often find elements such as objects, people, plants or stones that you can bring to the fore in your photo. Your possibilities here are almost limitless.

4. The icing on the cake in landscape photography – the long exposure

Do you know pictures where it looks like the flowing water is like milk or clouds blurring? These images are the result of a long exposure. If you expose over a period of 10 to 30 seconds, components of your subject will move. Here waterfalls are again a great example for the long-term exposure of landscape photography.

Due to the extended exposure time, the water receives this unique dynamic, while all rigid objects remain rigid. For this you need an ND filter or gray filter and a tripod. You screw the gray filter onto the lens and the incident light is reduced and you can expose longer.

5. Waterfalls with long exposure and the right perspective

If you always shoot your pictures standing up and at eye level, then it is advisable to try out different perspectives. Lie down on the ground, climb a small rise and squat down. Especially in landscape photography the change of perspective often has an enormous effect.

6. Also the time is important

Finally a less beautiful message for your sleep, because while you sleep comfortably it can be that you miss a unique landscape photo. Not everyone is an early riser and therefore it is often not easy to torture yourself out of bed for a photo of the sunrise, but be assured it is more than worth it. Optimal times for landscape photography are the times around sunrise and sunset.

The light is much softer when the sun is lower. The landscape to be photographed is usually much more beautiful and there is often a magical atmosphere created by the light. These periods are also called golden or blue hour.
A landscape photo in the darkness is also worth a sleepless night. Especially if you live in a rural area, because this way your chance to take a picture of a starry sky without light pollution is relatively high.

6 tips for beautiful waterfall shots

taking pictures of waterfalls with the right equipment

It is important that you capture water movements so that your recordings get the appropriate dynamics and drama. When shooting with a smartphone or compact camera, you’re faced with a big problem because you can’t set the shutter speed. The movement of the water gets so lost in you. The basic prerequisite for photographing waterfalls is therefore a camera whose exposure time has to be set manually.

Half a second is usually enough to turn a seemingly boring subject into an extraordinary shot. The water becomes foggier the longer the exposure time is. Since no human is able to hold a camera motionless for several seconds and not even at half a second, you secondly need a tripod. This is the only way to show the waterfall in its best light.

attention to the light

If you have your camera and tripod, you can find the most beautiful spot with the most appealing light at the waterfall to create the right scenery. If the waterfall is directly confronted with the full sunlight, it is best not to unpack your equipment in the first place, because in this case the contrasts would be much too hard. However, if the light of the sun is under dense clouds or if the waterfall is in a narrow gorge without direct sunlight, you have excellent conditions. In addition, the twilight is also suitable to photograph a waterfall optimally.

Images of waterfalls with long time exposure

If the light and the point of view match, you can start taking pictures. It is important to expose for at least a quarter of a second so that you can record the movements of the water. In many cases, however, it is better to expose for several seconds. In order to achieve such an exposure time, it is sufficient to fade down to aperture 13 in the case of twilight. The advantage of this wide aperture is the fact that the photo is sharply photographed from the foreground to the background.

To extend the exposure time, you can also try closing the aperture even more, for example with aperture 22. If the exposure time is still too short even with the aperture wide closed, a gray filter or ND filter can help you. With a gray filter you can increase the exposure time significantly without having to close the aperture further.

You can get a gray filter in different strengths. For example, the exposure time doubles at a strength of 0.3 and quadruples at 0.6. You can also combine the filters. The corresponding filters are available in plastic and glass. Although glass filters are more expensive, they are largely colour neutral.

Avoid reflections

You can minimize reflections on wet leaves, stones, or water by using a polarizing filter. However, it is important to know that the use of a polarizing filter also has a prolonging effect on the exposure time. Of course, you can also use Photoshop to edit the images afterwards, but it’s nicer if you do everything right when you shoot.

It’s better to shoot one more image than one too little

Even if you have taken a photo with a certain exposure time, it is still worthwhile to test further exposure times. If you have different gray filters, then the exposure times are very simple for you to vary. If you ask yourself now whether all this effort is necessary at all, then this can be answered unequivocally with yes. Your picture results are often difficult to estimate on the display of your camera.

In many cases, it is only on your computer that you can see which recording is actually the best. You will notice that every single exposure time has its individual advantages. Unfortunately, there is no rule of thumb for the correct exposure time. It is largely dependent on the flow velocity of the water and the motif.

Give the certain touch

So that you can give your photos that certain something, it makes sense if you add an eyecatcher. Foam, for example, draws attractive patterns on the water or in autumn colourful leaves on the water provide a highlight. Also try different exposure times and keep your eyes open when you are in nature, so you will find many great eye-catchers.

Patience is a necessary virtue for animal photography success.

An important aspect of animal photography is simply mustering the patience to stay ready to get the shot. Since it is unlikely that Fluffy or Fido will stay still for their photo session, it is important to be in the right position with equipment set and ready to go. A setting where the pet is comfortable and at ease is always best especially if the area is free of random distractions. The dog park might sound like a good place for a photo op, but keeping the subject interested in the camera will be difficult at best.

Getting a pet’s attention can be tricky, if there is no one available to help guide attention to you, a strange noise will usually get a pet’s attention for a short bit of time. Several free apps make squeaky toy sounds if odd noises are not a personal skill. Offering treats will not always ensure the desired behavior; occasionally the pet will take a treat and run off, or leap for a treat wreaking havoc with equipment. Engaging the pet in play can create fun and unique images, but take care not to over excite your subject. Plan on making multiple attempts as the perfect shot is typically the product of dozens of shots. Avoid becoming frustrated or angry as both dogs and cats are skilled at sensing human emotions and are not likely to sit pretty for an aggravated human.

Good equipment plus good technique equals great animal photography.

Camera equipment does not need to be overly expensive or difficult to use to get a charming photo of Fluffy or Fido at their best. A quality camera lens is not negotiable and this is an area where splurging may be necessary. For indoor photography, a flash or a speed light is necessary to fill in shadows and give sharpness to the subject. It is important to remember not to point the flash directly at the pet unless you are using a diffuser. At best, shadows will shroud the subject and they will look terrible, at worst, a direct flash can spook a dog or cat ending the photo session.

Experiment with bouncing light off the ceiling for a natural look, and do not use the built-in camera flash as this usually directs the flash into the subject’s eyes. The best way to get an expressive image is to focus on Fido or Fluffy’s eyes; taking photographs at or somewhat below the pet’s eye level creates the best and most engaging animal photos. Change your camera’s focus point setting from the auto setting to the single point setting so the camera does not control the focus point. In autofocus mode the camera focuses on whatever is closest, this is usually the animal’s nose.

Close Up Portraits of your Pets

For close up pet portraits, get close to your pet and make sure that they are several feet away from the background. If possible, adjust the camera’s aperture to the widest setting. This combination will create a softly blurred background with the subject’s face in focus. The required elements for great action shots of animals are shutter speed, light, and a lens with continuous focus; take action shots with the pet moving from side to side and not oncoming for best results.

Point and shoot cameras will not give the same professional looking results as those from a digital single lens camera because of shutter lag. Even a few seconds between the time the shutter button is pressed and the camera takes the picture make a difference when photographing pets. If it is possible to adjust the camera’s aperture, set it to the smallest number. Setting the camera to burst mode allows you to take many pictures at once and portrait mode will improve the quality of a point and shoot camera’s photos.

Aside from a few key pieces of equipment, photographers need practice and patience to take great animal photos. Once you have perfected a technique, your pet’s photos will be the envy of all.