Photography
Reliving a hike or backpacking trip is always more memorable when you have photos to go with the stories. These resources can help you improve your outdoor photography skills no matter what your camera budget might be.
Our annual Northwest Exposure Photo Contest is now underway until October 6! Get tips on capturing a winning shot and get ready to enter your photos when the time comes.
Featured Articles:
The magic of Trails Next Door: Why WTA wants to see your photos from local trails
Sep 06, 2024
Trails Next Door is a bonus category for WTA’s 2024 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest. One WTA staffer shares her perspective on the power of urban trails — and why they’re worth your photographic attention.
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The joy and responsibility of hiking with wildlife
As the state’s population grows, along with the demand for trails, hikers have a major role to play in caring for these places and enjoying them responsibly | by Melani Baker
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Northwest Exposure: more than a photo contest
Photos aren't just happy memories — they're a way of helping trails across the state. By Erika Haugen-Goodman
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The big picture on wide-angle photography
Tips and tricks on how to wield a wide-angle lens to capture your hiking adventures. By Doug Diekema
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My life through lenses: A Northwest Exposure judge on her journey as a photographer
Aug 09, 2024
Victoria Obermeyer, WTA's multimedia content coordinator reflects on her career and passion for photography.
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Share a story: Forest bathing at Heather Meadows
Jul 29, 2024
Enjoy a snapshot from the WTA trip reporter and Instagram community, brought to you by volunteer, trip reporter and photographer Derek Posey.
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Trip report corner: Decades of hikes and stories
May 29, 2024
Peer into years of hiking experience with longtime WTA trip reporters Bob and Barb.
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Join WTA for live music set to photos of Washington's trails
Apr 05, 2024
Love mountains? Love music? Join us for a hiking-themed concert with photos from around the state set to live music. By Brynna Counts-Morgan
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Trip Report Corner : Eagle eyes on the trail
Mar 26, 2024
Trip reports aren't just a way to learn from the hiking community — they're reminders of the stunning beauty found across Washington.
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2023 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest Winners
Explore the joy and beauty of Washington's trails, as captured by photographers across the state.
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Snapshot: Family Time and a Pensive Porcupine
Oct 24, 2023
National wildlife refuges are great for wildlife photography. Photographer Gabi Randall and her grandmother might not have found the wildlife they were looking for, but they did get an unexpectedly fun encounter instead.
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What's that Mushroom? Appreciating the Wide World of Fungi at Your Feet
There's fungus among us on Washington trails. Check out some basic identification tips to learn more about mushrooms near you. By Joseph Gonzalez
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Getting Closer to Nature with Your Photography
In a world of dramatic peaks and vast forests, it can be challenging to examine the little things. Level-up your macro photography with these tips and tricks. By Doug Diekema
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Hiker Headlines: Photo Contest Opens, Highway 20 Closure Expands, New Fire Restrictions, Art in Parks
Aug 17, 2023
WTA's 2023 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest is open! The recent Blue Lake Fire in the North Cascades has caused more trail and road closures, and there are new fire restrictions in place across the state. Take a King County Parks survey on plans for art and culture in our parks. And join other volunteers in a coastal cleanup effort on Sept 16.
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Grab Your Cameras: WTA's Photo Contest is Now Open
Aug 17, 2023
Lace up your boots and grab your camera to enter WTA's Northwest Exposure Photo Contest.
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Photography: Spot Wildlife Without The Drive
Jul 26, 2023
You don't have to go far to find unique and interesting wildlife on trails near you. See what you can find in your neighborhood park.
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From the Backcountry to Birdwatching: The Evolution of One Photographer’s Definition of Outdoor Adventuring
The outdoors has always been important to Matt Leaman, but his relationship with it has changed over the years. A single hike sparked an interest that led to new passions and a much deeper connection to the wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. It even led to a new career. | By Tiffany Chou
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Snapshot: Hikers Helping Hikers
Apr 14, 2023
"Where" and "when" are memorable parts of any hike, but "who" and how they made you feel sticks with you forever. Doug Diekema reflects on capturing a touching moment with family while on trail. By Doug Diekema.
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Winter Photographer: How to Adjust What You Pack
Photography equipment can be fragile and expensive. Planning for a shoot during the winter months takes careful preparation. By Zyanya Alvarez
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Hiker Headlines: Thank You, Members; Camping Changes at Olympic National Park; Photo Contest Winners
Jan 05, 2023
Happy New Year! Thanks so much to our members for an incredible 2022. Washington State Parks has a new logo. The campground reservation process in Olympic National Park is changing. And, you can now check out all of our Northwest Exposure Photo Contest winners.
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2022 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest Winners
Jan 03, 2023
See all the winning photographs from the 2022 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest ranging from majestic views to furry bears.
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Honorable Mention: 5 Northwest Exposure Favorites from WTA’s Photo Judges
Oct 03, 2022
We asked our photo contest judges to pick honorable mentions from last year’s contest — and explain what they love about the images.
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WTA's Photo Contest is Now Open
Aug 17, 2022
It's that time of year again! Enter your favorite hiking photos for a chance to win prizes and help tell the story of trails.
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Don’t Miss the Shot: Tips for Capturing Spontaneous Outdoor Photos
If you — and your camera — are ready, you can capture the spontaneous magic of hiking
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How to Capture the Beauty of Eastern Washington in Photos
Photo tips for from Archana Bhat, Northwest Exposure judge.
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Photography and the Future of Trails
Photography has played an important role in protecting the wild landscapes and trails so beloved by those who live in and visit Washington state.
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How to Turn Your Hiking Photos into Something Tangible
If you’re like many hikers, you probably take a few photos on your phone or digital camera and then let them sit on a memory card or hard drive. But there are other ways to create lasting memories that are fun to share and take home with you
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Tips for Deepening Your Connection to Nature Through Photography
Slow down and see the world in a new way.
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How to Photograph Beautiful Skies
These tips will help you ensure crisp colors on your skyline and prevent “blowing out” your photos.
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Change Your Perspective -- Photos Just for the Fun of It
Mar 02, 2021
Can you capture the giddy, silly feeling of hiking in a photograph? From catching a waterfall in the palm of your hand to flying over the Cascades, these photographers put the fun in our photo contest.
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