Clothing and accessories for photographers

The development of digital photography has brought phenomenal images within the reach of every walker in the country. This is never more evident than in the quality of photos sent in to the Your photos pages.

If you want to capture more than just snapshots of your adventures, the right kit can make all the difference. Plus, you’ll often need patience to wait for the right light or to capture those candid wildlife moments, so warm, waterproof layers are vital.

If you’re serious about photography, it pays to invest in a decent set of waterproofs. Paramo’s new Pajaro range (trousers £135, 01892 786444, paramo.co.uk) is designed with wildlife watchers and photographers in mind. Not only are the trousers watertight, they have expandable cargo pockets so you can easily access essentials and they don’t rustle, so you won’t disturb the wildlife.

As our guide to layers explains, while T-shirts are a cheap option, base layers last longer and keep you warmer. They work by drawing (wicking) moisture away from your skin, so that when you stop for a rest you won’t get a chill. Embers Merino base layers (£44, 01773 821796, embersmerino.com) are lightweight, breathable and naturally anti-bacterial.

If you’re confident the weather will hold, Rohan’s Assignment Jacket (£160, 0800 840 1411, rohan.co.uk) is a good option that, although pricey, will last for years. It feels like a rugged cotton canvas, but is actually made from polypropylene, meaning it’s incredibly light and keeps you cool when it’s hot, and toasty when it’s cold.

In hot weather, the Tog 24 Mexico women’s technical shirt (£35.95, 01924 409311, estore.tog24.com) works a treat, as it is made from a fabric that’s breathable, quick-drying and fast-wicking just like a base layer.

Often overlooked, but essential for your comfort,
a good pair of socks can make all the difference to a day spent on your feet. Craghoppers’ NosiLife range features a permanent insect repellent, a pair of Nosi Trek socks (£10, 0844 811 1022, craghoppers.com) will protect the ankle-biter’s favourite spots.

Finally, if you don’t fancy carrying a camera bag as well as a backpack, Dave the Rucksack (£140, 0845 653 2060, homeofmillican.com) could be the answer. Versatile and durable, it is made from weatherproof organic cotton.

Photography courses

Improve your photography skills with Lakeland Photographic Holidays (£640 a week, 01768 778459, lakelandphotohols.com) which teaches you how to capture the moody skies of the Lake District, while you can learn from Colin Prior, one of the UK’s leading landscape photographers, around the dolphin-and otter-spotted coast of the Knoydart Peninsula (£1,295 a week, 01316 256635, wildernessscotland.com).

Gadgets

A tripod is a photographer’s best friend – it will allow you to use slow shutter speeds and achieve great depth of field, capturing everything from the foreground to the horizon. But if you don’t want to lug all that equipment on your walks, a Gorillapod SLR (£44.95, 01628 674411, intro2020.co.uk) is a cracking alternative. These bendable tripods can be used as a traditional tripod or wrapped around trees and posts.

If you want to get more adventurous with your photos, Aquapac’s waterproof cases (compacts £25, SLR £80, 020 7738 4466, aquapac.net/ukstore) protect your equipment from rain and allow you to fully submerge your camera to depths of 15m (49ft).

The Steadepod (£24.99, 01628 674411, intro2020.co.uk) gives similar results to a tripod, but uses tension on a cable rather than a static support. Attach it to your camera, extend and attach the cord to your foot or belt, pull to place some tension and you’re ready to shoot steady photos.

Three camera bags

BUDGET
You can wear Crumpler’s holster-style Jimmy Bo (£25-£53, 01628 674411, bags4gear.co.uk) as a shoulder bag or a beltpack. It’s durable and weatherproof enough for the British climate, while a ‘third leg’ strap fixes the bag in position if you’re scrambling up hills or climbing over stiles. The Jimmy Bo comes in six sizes to hold your compact camera or SLR and four colours to suit your taste, plus it’s smart enough to wear about town as well as on the hills.

MID-RANGE

HIGH END