The Photographer’s Playbook
Your resource to becoming an adventure photographer
The Adventure Photographer’s Playbook is an e-book created by full-time photographer Dalton Johnson to help new photographers go from nothing to booked in the adventure photography space.
This adventure photography e-book goes over the business and what “making it” as a photographer in the outdoor space requires. Covering topics such as pricing, marketing, building a body of work, reflection questions, and everything you need to know to make a career out of adventure photography.
Updated: June 2025
The Case for Being a Long-Term Creative Partner, Not a Vendor
A working adventure photographer explains why positioning as a genuine creative partner, rather than a transactional vendor, produces stronger creative work and better business outcomes.
Usage Rights vs. Ownership: What Clients Are Really Paying For
A professional photographer explains the practical difference between licensing usage rights and transferring full copyright, and why that distinction matters for pricing and contracts.
Why I Retain Copyright and What That Means for Clients
A working adventure photographer explains why retaining copyright and licensing usage, rather than transferring full ownership, protects both photographer and client.
Why a Newsletter Converts Better Than Any Social Platform
A working adventure photographer explains why a direct email newsletter consistently outperforms social media for converting an audience into paying clients.
Why Distribution Matters More Than the Photos Themselves
A working adventure photographer explains why distribution, not just photo quality, determines whether great work actually turns into paying clients.
My Actual Backup System When a Card Fails in the Field
A working adventure photographer breaks down his real backup system, from dual card slots to verified multi-drive transfers, and why it has to be boring and consistent to actually work.
My Actual Backup System When a Card Fails in the Field
A working adventure photographer breaks down his real backup system, from dual card slots to verified multi-drive transfers, and why it has to be boring and consistent to actually work.
Shooting Surf From the Beach vs. From the Water
A working adventure photographer breaks down the creative and practical tradeoffs between shooting surf from the beach and shooting from the water, and how he decides which to use.
Shooting Surf From the Beach vs. From the Water
A working adventure photographer breaks down the creative and practical tradeoffs between shooting surf from the beach and shooting from the water, and how he decides which to use.
What Changes When You Shoot a Bikepacking Trip Instead of a Day Ride
A working adventure photographer explains how shooting a multi-day bikepacking trip differs from a single day ride, from story structure to gear weight to physical demands.
What Changes When You Shoot a Bikepacking Trip Instead of a Day Ride
A working adventure photographer explains how shooting a multi-day bikepacking trip differs from a single day ride, from story structure to gear weight to physical demands.
Capturing the Send: Timing a Climbing Shot Right
A working adventure photographer explains how he anticipates and times the exact moment in a climb that reads as a genuine send, rather than just a person on a rock.
Capturing the Send: Timing a Climbing Shot Right
A working adventure photographer explains how he anticipates and times the exact moment in a climb that reads as a genuine send, rather than just a person on a rock.
What I Always Check Before a Shoot Starts
A working adventure photographer breaks down his actual pre-shoot checklist, from gear and logistics to a dedicated safety pass, and why he never lets experience shorten it.
What I Always Check Before a Shoot Starts
A working adventure photographer breaks down his actual pre-shoot checklist, from gear and logistics to a dedicated safety pass, and why he never lets experience shorten it.
What I Do When Feedback Contradicts Itself
A working adventure photographer explains how he handles contradictory client feedback, from naming the contradiction directly to avoiding guesswork while waiting for clarity.
What I Do When Feedback Contradicts Itself
A working adventure photographer explains how he handles contradictory client feedback, from naming the contradiction directly to avoiding guesswork while waiting for clarity.