All in Adventure Photography

How To Start Your Adventure Photography Career

How To Start Your Adventure Photography Career

Dalton Johnson
ADV Photographer Playbook, Adventure Photography

Adventure photography sits at the thrilling intersection of exploration, storytelling, and visual art. It’s about more than snapping “pretty” landscapes—it’s about capturing moments of human endeavor, raw emotion, and the awe-inspiring power of nature. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your passion for the outdoors into a fulfilling freelance career, this starter guide comes from The Adventure Photographer’s Playbook and will show you exactly how to get started, grow your reputation, and land the work you want as an adventure photographer.

From Paddle to Plunge, A Sunset Kayaking Adventure on Lake Tahoe

From Paddle to Plunge, A Sunset Kayaking Adventure on Lake Tahoe

Dalton Johnson
Adventure Photography, Adventure Destinations, California, Kayak, Micro Adventure, Photography, United States

Golden light coats the largest natural lake in California and blankets the Emerald Range lining the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe. From Pope Beach, looking north across the lake reminds me of being in a cove opening to the ocean. Kristin inflates her Bote kayak and begins the short paddle to her ideal destination during this sunset.

Using Spec Work To Land New Photography Clients

Using Spec Work To Land New Photography Clients

Dalton Johnson
Adventure Photography, United States, Photography, Photograhy

While road tripping down the Pacific Coast Highway, just north of Santa Cruz, CA, I asked Kristin Riegel if she would be open modeling for a spec shoot for Blundstone while we stopped at Sharkfin Cove for sunset. She looked at me with a smile, “I’m ugly right now, but of course I will.” For the past three years, Kristin has always been there for me and the building of my career. For this, I am forever grateful ❤️

This Is What Happens When You Stop Marketing Your Photography Business

This Is What Happens When You Stop Marketing Your Photography Business

Dalton Johnson
Adventure Photography, Photography, Photograhy, North America

For a couple of years I was the go to photographer for water bottle companies. While you can say what you want about photographing outdoor lifestyle campaigns around water bottles, it was rad. Right now, I am smiling as I look through my archive at the countless photoshoots I did for brands like MiiR and Klean Kanteen but something is off!

A Bob Ross Like Morning At Wild Willy Hot Springs In Mammoth, CA

A Bob Ross Like Morning At Wild Willy Hot Springs In Mammoth, CA

Dalton Johnson
Adventure Travel, Adventure Photography, Adventure Destinations, California, United States, Road Trip, Recovery, Photography, Micro Adventure, Digital Nomad

Before the sun rose, we had our shorts on, bags packed, and towels slung over our shoulder. Andrew has the behemoth Muse Roamer that allows for a very plush life on the road, meanwhile I have modest comforts with a converted van. So, I crawled out of the van and headed into the heated Muse Roamer to enjoy coffee to wait for the best lighting.

The First Surf Image That Gave Me Faith I Could Do This Photography Thing

The First Surf Image That Gave Me Faith I Could Do This Photography Thing

Dalton Johnson
Adventure Photography, United States, Surf

Getting a start as a creative is no easy task, especially when you don’t have a clue as to what you want to do, create, or, most importantly, enjoy. As a kid, I always thought I would be an author, which I became about a month ago with my first book, but the idea of “becoming a photographer” never crossed my mind. Becoming a filmmaker was not something I ever talked about with my family growing up, but my first documentary won a few awards at film festivals last year. So, what the heck did I do as a kid?

Consistency VS Frequency, Creatives & Marketers Need To Know The Difference

Consistency VS Frequency, Creatives & Marketers Need To Know The Difference

Dalton Johnson
Adventure Photography, Adventure Travel, Photography

Consistency is not frequency, yet many creatives think these words are synonymous. Heck, I used to think this was the case until a few years ago, which lead to me leaving all social media platforms for about 2.5 years, but that is a story for another time. To debunk the consistency vs frequency argument, I’m starting with the fundamentals…

Photographing Olmstead Point In Yosemite At Sunset

Photographing Olmstead Point In Yosemite At Sunset

Dalton Johnson
Adventure Photography, California, Micro Adventure, National Park, North America, United States, Photography

Photographing Olmsted Point in Yosemite National Park is an overcrowded tourist experience I pretty much never pass up. While I have been to this spot roughly 20 times, each stop is different, so I always bring my camera. With its sweeping views of Half Dome, Tenaya Lake, and Clouds Rest, this spot is a favorite among landscape photographers. Equipped with a Sony A7R IV and a Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 lens, you can make the most of this location's photographic potential.​

L'Auberge De Sedona Is Sedona's Most Luxurious Hotel (Photo Essay)

L'Auberge De Sedona Is Sedona's Most Luxurious Hotel (Photo Essay)

Dalton Johnson
Adventure Photography, Arizona, Couple Travel, Grand Adventure, Hike, Luxury Travel, North America, Photography, Reviews, United States

Tucked away along the Oak Creek in Sedona, AZ is L’Auberge de Sedona. This four star resort should be on everyone’s bucket “must-stay” list if you are looking for luxurious stays. If you are a Sunday brunch kind of human, well, they also have the best Sunday brunch in town. But, good luck getting a room, this spot is almost always booked out, so get on your reservations now.

Alaska's Premier Adventure Luxury Destination Stillpoint Lodge (Photo Essay)

Alaska's Premier Adventure Luxury Destination Stillpoint Lodge (Photo Essay)

Dalton Johnson
Adventure Destinations, Adventure Photography, Alaska, Photography, Luxury Travel, Couple Travel

Tucked away in Halibut Cove, Alaska is a hidden series of cabins with waterfront views belonging to a two key Michelin adventure lodge; Stillpoint Lodge. Getting there might spike your cortisol levels if you are not keen on boat rides or plane flights, but once you’re standing on your front porch staring out at the water, all your stress will fade away.

How to Avoid Common Mistakes as a Beginner Stargazer

How to Avoid Common Mistakes as a Beginner Stargazer

Dalton Johnson
Adventure Photography, Stargazing, National Park, Micro Adventure

My passion for stargazing started on a 30-day backpacking trip with friends through Escalante National Monument. Each night, after long days of hiking through the desert, we’d pull out a night sky book and try to identify new stars and constellations. Lying in our sleeping bags, we watched the stars slowly move across the sky, talking and pondering the vastness of space. Those late nights sparked my love for the night sky that has stayed with me for over a decade. Since then, stargazing has become a way for me to connect with nature, friends, and the immense beauty of the universe.

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