What is an adventure elopement? Instead of wedding photography that is based in one place with hundreds of people, it’s removing all the extra people and couples freeing themselves to have an adventure with the love of their life. One of our favorite things about adventure elopements is the “roll with the punches” attitude our couples take on – whether it’s planning for spontaneity, choosing a mountain hike with jaw-dropping sights along the way and at the top, or planning an international trip so unique only they can come up with. In order to provide an epic day for couples, we are spilling our backpacks open on the best adventure elopement gear for photographers. So YOU can provide the ultimate, once in a lifetime, experience.
If you’re a couple looking for your own gear check out our Ultimate Adventure Elopement Gear Guide. If you’re a photographer getting ready to make MAGIC for your couples, you have come to the right place!
What You’re Lugging Around in Your Elopement Gear for Photographers
Camera. Out of the bazillion cameras out there, I am a Nikon girlie. Our buddies at The Photographer’s Passport break it down, “If you want a camera that you know is going to produce really great travel photos, for the everyday consumer there are two clear choices, either a DSLR or mirrorless camera. There are pros and cons to both options but when it comes to travel photography I believe that a mirrorless camera is the better option. Both cameras are capable of extremely high image quality and in many ways are very similar. Though one defining factor that means that mirrorless cameras are much more suited to travel photography, is their size and weight.” If mirrorless is for you, we recommend the Nikon Z 7II FX-Format Mirrorless camera body. When people ask me why elopement photographers are so expensive, I blame the massive beasts of a camera.
Carry all your crap in the Gregory Stout 35 Pack. It includes a rain cover, and an adjustable VersaFit suspension for a great fit. It has a ton of zipper pockets to keep your headlamps and snacks safe. Technically it’s a man’s backpack but, hey, men had the name Taylor first and now ask Ms. Swift if she gives a fuck.
Alpha Universe recommends Sony 35mm f/1.4 G Master: A 35mm is such a wedding photography “must-have,” and this particular G Master version is the one, the only and nothing else can compare to it. I love that it is super light-weight but so durable. I use this lens to capture most of my portraits.
For lens, pack both a 35mm and 70-200mm. The 35mm is for those gorg landscape shots where you can get the humans small. It’s also my default lens that I use the most. The closeups are intimate too! I use the 70-200mm to compress large mountains in the background to make them look MASSIVE. Also, to make them look like they’re right behind the couple. You can get some gorgeous bokeh in the background as well when you are compressing the glass that much!
Peak is the Top of the Pecking Order
We are BIG on camera belt clip ons. Peak Capture Camera Clip is our go to. Unlike a camera strap, the clips keep your camera rigidly stable while hiking, biking, or just moving around the studio. It’s also super fucking accessible with is necessary.
These particular clips Include 2 components: a metal clip that clamps to any backpack strap, belt, or bag, and an Arca tripod-compatible plate that screws into the bottom of your camera. Your camera locks into the clip, where it is held rigidly and securely. Press the lockable quick-release button to remove. Holds well over 200 lbs.
Peak continues to be our brand of choice. The peak design tripod is ACTUALLY portable, what a concept! All photographs know the struggle of the tripod so we are THRILLED to share our travel tripod with you. We especially lean on the tripod with night photography. The longer exposure times require a motionless camera. Capture a perfect starry night elopement photo every time! PS – it also isn’t the worst idea if you’re a two photographer team to have one photographer use the tripod to capture the elopement ceremony.
Have I made my point about starry photos?? It’s not an Arches National Park elopement without the epic star photos! Our couple enjoys star gazing together, and even pointed out to us Hannah’s favorite constellations. This is why we love our job as elopement photographers.
The Pack to Pack in
If you’re an elopement photographer, you HAVE to have a backpack with a camelback system. I have three liters of water in mine thanks to the Gregory 3L water system and finish it during an 8 hour day. ALWAYS MAKE YOUR WATER ACCESSIBLE! Pro tip – you don’t need 20 shots of the same thing. You need 7-10 good shots and 3L of water. If you’ve been following me for a while, you know the PASSION behind self care. On my blog Self Care for Photographers – It’s Not Fine to Be This Way, TIP O-N-E is drink the damn water.
Dehydration not only makes your body feel terrible, but also your brain. You’re not working with your full mental capacity. Personally, I notice when I’m less creative is when I’m hungry or when I’m thirsty. When my body is not being taken care of. Okay, off my pedestal, back to the pack.
Cotopaxi Kapai 1.5L Hip Pack – Del Dia | REI Co-op Cotopaxi fanny pack. We are obsessed with the Cyndi Lauper style colors. 80’s bright colors are highly recommended. BTW did you hear they are making a Freaky Friday 2?1 Currently petitioning to get an encore to 13 Going on 30. No film made me want to be in the 80s more.
Also the Ergonomic (SAT word) back panel on the fanny pack contours to body so you are comfy AF and not ruining your body in the process.
Elopement Gear for Photographers: What You’re Wearing
Don’t be low on gas and always bring a jacket
Patagonia does it better. Especially with their Better Sweater Fleece. It’s literally the comfiest, warmest thing I have ever owned. They have a ton of gorgeous muted colors so you can pair it with a ton. It’s also made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory and we’re down with that.
Another option by Patagonia is the Micro Puff Jacket. Pro tip- get it embroidered with your logo for an even classier look. It’s a good go-to insulation piece for mixed (and possibly miserable) cold conditions. Hey if our couples are down, WE RIDE AT DAWN!
If you are going all out, Arc’teryx Shell Jackets are the creme de la creme. This is the one you break out on the BIG adventures and will save you from biting winters. Our dupe is the REI Women’s Rain Jackets. It’s about half the price and still a great look. We’ve worn this during several Glacier National Park elopements and don’t have a complaint. BUT if you are ready to invest- Arc’teryx should be at the top of your list.
Layers and Bottoms
Word to the wise – invest in non-cotton layers – from your sports bra, short sleeve shirt/tank top to your 3/4 zip, NONE of your hiking clothes should be cotton. Cotton gets you wet when you sweat and then keeps you that way which means MAJOR cold when you stop sweating at the top of the mountain. Look for wicking fabrics. Ain’t got no time for hypothermia, babes.
On the bottom I’m wearing apple bottom jeans hiking pants. I want 5,000 pockets and your girl needs to squat and lunge like a beast to get these angles. PrAna (pretentious spelling, perfect pants) is the go to. Halle Pant II is my exact pair. They’re built for whatever weather the day brings. If the trail leads into scrambling across rocks, or you brush up against a thorny plant, they’re abrasion-resistant to stay in good condition hike after hike. These pants have front and back pockets and an additional zippered seam pocket which is the best spot to put your shit.
Happy Feet
Keep your feet happy during all that hiking with Altra Timp Hiker GORE-TEX Hiking Boots. Please for the love of Hermione get the one that is WATERPROOF!! Wet socks are right next to Voldemort on my hit list.
Speaking of socks, the Venture Out Project Hike Print Crew Socks are maximum importante! We’re just loading you up on allll the color options today, mix them up. Life’s too short to dim your light, honey.
DON’T FORGET: Elopement Gear for Photographers
Throw the bear spray and bug spray in the ‘pack. Our go to is Ultrathon Insect Repellent Lotion and Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray. Ehhh might as well throw in a Coghlan’s Bear Bell. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it, ‘amiright?
REI headlamps. There is such an assortment of headlamps, for color, dual strap, etc. You might as well invest in a rechargeable one if you are an elopement photographer. I use mine a TON! Sunrise elopements, sunset elopements, etc. Also, it’s good to pick up a few extras just in case. Headlamps for Camping, Hiking & Running.
Look me and down, these are all the things you’ll find! If you are looking for more kick ass things as a photographer we did an Ultimate Gift Guide for Elopement Photographers that stands.
How are you feeling about the adventure elopement gear for photographers? HYPED for your next adventure I hope??? No adventure planned yet, ADVENTURE WITH US! The program is literally called that. You and me, looking at YOUR goals, you coming on an incredible adventure with us, and then post elopement review and coaching. Are you ready?
This is BOTH for people wondering “how do I start an elopement business?” and for my elopement peeps that are ready for the next step. This can include feeling stuck with mediocre weddings, getting the ick from the business side, WORK TOO MANY LONG hours, or have couples that are hyper focused on your price instead of your fucking art. Oops, got triggered again. Talk soon!
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