To go or not to go, that is the question! Before you decide to go on a photography trip, there are a few major factors you have to consider!

(Retrieved Nov. 16, from National GeographicLinks to an external site. )

Step 1: What?

First, what do you want your photography to capture? Answering this question will help you in the next few steps where you'll consider what kind of scenes you will take pictures of. This will also help you find where and when to go out for the trip. If you are just starting out, start with something simple like a tree or maybe a lake. Do not attempt to chase after a thunderstorm on your first trip! Visit the weather hazard information page and think about something that is less likely to result in harm. 

Step 2: Where?

After deciding what to capture, you should decide on where you will go to take the pictures you want! Generally, do research on what the weather is generally like in a location to see if it matches what you want in your photos. If you want to capture a sunny grass field with lots of wildlife, it may not be the best idea to make your way to Antarctica. Here is a general guideline!

General Location Guidelines

As a beginner photographer, you want to find locations whose weather is generally kind for you and your gear. It might not be the best to start your first photography trip in the middle of the Himalayas, as the cold conditions may be too much for both you and your gear. Getting a sense of what the weather is usually like can help you figure out whether or not you would be comfortable taking pictures there. For example, Vancouver is quite a humid and rainy city. Therefore, I would want to ensure that if I were to take a photo, it would be on a day that is relatively sunny and less humid.

Step 3: When?

After determining your location, you can do research to see when it would be good to go on the trip. This is because while general weather patterns give you a sense of what the weather is generally like for the area, the day to day weather may still be different. Preparing for this step requires looking at live weather forecasts that can help you make your decision.

Weather Conditions

As mentioned in the weather hazard information section, the weather can pose many risks to both you and your gear. That is why we must take extra precaution to check the weather beforehand. Whether it's using your favourite weather app, or ones recommended in my helpful links section, all are great for getting the general idea of how the weather will be.

After looking at the weather forecasts, some questions you want to be thinking about are:

• How will the forecasted weather conditions affect my photography trip?
• For example, if the UV index is high, then you should prepare accordingly by applying sunscreen, bringing an umbrella, dressing lightly, and so on.
• Am I comfortable with the presented weather conditions?
• If not, it may be best to delay the trip to another day with better weather.
• Does the forecasted weather match the conditions I want my photo to be shot in?
• If your picture requires a nice sunshine in the morning but it is pouring rain, it may be best to wait another day for the sun to come out!
• Is my gear well-equipped for the weather conditions I will be facing?
• For example: Do I have waterproof equipment if it will be raining?
• Do the presented weather conditions match what I want in my shot?
• If you want a bright sunny grassy field but the weather conditions present a thunderstorm, it may be worthwhile to wait until the storm settles and sunny weather comes back again.
• A side note - we should also check the air condition to see if it would be safe to go out and prepare accordingly. Wear masks and any additional necessary gear if you do plan on pursuing a photography trip.

Step 4: Plan Your Route, Before You Go-Go!

Now that you know what the weather is like, you want to plan your trip to the photography location. This includes planning for both the trip there and back. Be mindful of forecasts of times when you plan on leaving as well. One important thing to check out ahead of time is the road and site conditions. For driving directions, Google Maps can be your best friend. For driving conditions and site conditions, there are helpful links listed in the helpful links section!

Road and Photography Site Conditions

Even if the weather conditions seem to be safe, they can affect road conditions in unpredictable ways. In terms of driving conditions, DriveBC and other tools listed in the useful links section will be helpful. Plan for enough time for both going there and coming back, as later times at night can result in drastic temperature drops. You may not be equipped well enough for those temperatures and can subject yourself to frostbite and hypothermia. If you are planning on staying until later times, make sure to make the necessary preparations.

Step 5: Go-go or no-no!

After doing all the research and prepwork, it is now time to decide whether or not you want to go on that photography trip. If the weather, road, or site conditions seem bad, that is alright! There is always next time! Many photographers spend a lot of time waiting just to line up the right scene. Don't be discouraged by any foul weather and stay on track. If the weather is great, then journey your way to capture amazing moments in life!

(Picture by Ryosuke MiyoshiLinks to an external site., retrieved Nov. 17)