How to Take Epic Photos on the Trail (Without a DSLR)

Because Who Has Room for a Brick-Sized Camera on a Ridge?

Let’s face it—lugging around a DSLR on a hike feels like trying to summit Everest with a toaster strapped to your back. If you’ve ever tried to whip out your “fancy camera” mid-ascent only to realize it’s buried under three layers of trail mix and regret, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: you don’t need one to capture epic shots on the trail.

📱 Use What You’ve Got—Your Smartphone Modern phones are absolute beasts when it comes to camera quality. iPhone or Android, you’ve got everything you need—ultra-wide lenses, night mode, and enough megapixels to make your future grandkids jealous. Just keep your lens clean. You’re not shooting through a kale chip.

🎨 Think Like an Artist (But Don’t Be Annoying About It) Composition is key. Follow the rule of thirds, include leading lines (like a winding trail or glacier-fed creek), and place a human in the frame for scale. Nothing screams “epic” like a tiny silhouette against a mountain ridge. Bonus points if they’re wearing red—it pops like crazy.

🌤️ Work With the Light Golden hour is your best friend. That soft morning or evening glow turns basic photos into screen-saver gold. Midday sun? Harsh. Unflattering. Better used for eating trail snacks in the shade. If the light's terrible, just embrace it and go for contrasty black and whites.

🎒 Use a Mini Tripod or Rock (Yes, Really). No one’s expecting a film crew. A small Gorillapod or strategically-placed rock makes a perfect stand for timed shots. Use your camera’s timer or voice commands—just make sure you don’t tumble off a cliff trying to strike a pose. You want likes, not lifeflight.

🌍 Location, Location, Location Your backdrop matters. Whether you’re on Alberta’s stunning Tent Ridge or lost in a Patagonia daydream, pick a spot that tells the story. Hazy mountains, alpine meadows, glacial lakes—they all add drama. For inspo and guided trips to photo-worthy places, check out Tait’s Trails—because epic photos start with epic views.

📷 Shoot in Burst Mode, AlwaysCapturing action? Use burst mode. Whether it’s jumping on a summit, hair blowing in the wind, or a marmot cameo, burst lets you pick the frame. It's the difference between “meh” and “magazine cover.”

🤳 Editing is Half the Magic You don’t need Photoshop—apps like Lightroom Mobile or Snapseed will do just fine. Don’t overdo it, but do punch up shadows, bring down highlights, and add a little contrast. Make it pop, not plastic.

💡 Don’t Forget to Put the Camera Down Hot take: some of the best memories don’t come with a hashtag. Snap your pics, get your shot, then tuck the phone away. Absorb the trail, the air, the sound of your boots hitting the ground. Then take a few more photos. Because balance.

Need more help capturing the perfect trail moment? This mobile photography guide from Shotkit breaks it down even further.

And if you're looking to level up your hiking game—photos included—join us at Tait’s Trails. We know where to go and how to make it look good. Sarcastic commentary included.

Now go forth, find the light, and remember: it’s not the camera—it’s the hiker behind it.