Nature Photography & Physical Fitness

Well, after about 10 years, I've finally gotten off my butt and started an excercise program - have been going strong for almost 2 months now. I've still got a long way to go, but it's a start. I was pretty fit in high school, but let things go downhill from there.

It got me thinking and wondering about the correlation, if any, between photography and fitness. Obviously, some aspects, like what Marc does, demand that one be in pretty good shape, but for the average photo-joe, I'm wondering if anyone has noticed that their photograpy has changed at all in correlation with how fit they are. I really don't know, as I've taken quite a few images that please me in a decrepit state (although some while breathing very hard). Does fitness increase perception and mental acuity in relation to photography? I guess, because the end result is subjective, I would ask the individual, if fitness has had a direct impact on your personal photography, how you perceive the world or approach your craft and the end result? I haven't been out enough since I've started all this to have an answer for myself, but I'd love to hear thoughts of any aspect of this topic.

Fitness, or lack there off, has played a big part in some of my photography. Hauling a 600mm lens a couple miles through the woods can be quite exhausting, especially in the heat of June in South Florida. Slogging through marshes and swamps isn't easy either. I have found that if I arrive at a location physically exhuasted, my technique tends to fall apart. I have trouble getting sharp images out of a long lens. Hand holding isn't as solid. As I am in the middle of attempting to lose about 50 pounds before heading to Australia in late July, I am trying to remove this difficulty from my photography, and life in general.

I look at it this way. Its like knowing how to use your camera. If you go out and are shooting with a brand new camera you have to think about all the technicals on how to operate the thing. Likewise, as you are learning exposure that is your main focus. However, once you have mastered your camera and it simply becomes an extension of your hand and you simply see in f-stops, you can focus your full attention on creating an image. To me, fitness is the same way. If I am focusing on breathing, or not dieing, I can't focus on the image. My ultimate goal is to remove as many of these distractions as possible and getting in shape is definately helpful.

Hope that helps. That being said, I keep thinking that photography is going to get me in shape but sitting in a marsh for a morning just doesn't quite do it. HAve to do that seperately. Hope thats helpful!

Drew

Obviously some activities (hiking, backpacking, climbing etc.) require a certain level of physical fitness but more than that - being physically fit also has a tremendous impact on your state of mind, you level of alertness, your degree of physical comfort, your self esteem, etc. all of which can have a profound influence on creativity, energy, motivation etc.

When I was growing up we were always taught that a healthy body is conducive to a healthy mind. Perhaps it was those early years that set the tone but I always kept a healthy and active lifestyle and I believe it played an important part in getting me where I am.

That said I am also well aware of those who suffer from life-long debilitating illnesses (including in my own close family) and truly believe that one can rise above these limitations and still live a full and creative life if they set their mind to it. I have seen amazing feats of spirit triumph over disability, so ultimately - your success at most anything starts with your state of mind rather than the state of your body.

Guy

Guy,

Just wanted to make it clear that I was not in any way implying that anyone with a disability cannot overcome it, and that somehow a person with whatever limitation is inferior in any way. I personally
have some limitations, which impact me somwhat physically but also psychologically - a strong mind sometimes needs to compensate for other shortcomings. That said, not everyone can do back-country camping and hiking and mountain climbing, but most individuals can pursue fitness to some degree, depending on the extent of their disability, so I think my question is applicable even in those cases.

That is definitely an issue I am struggling with. 10 hours a day in front of a computer and 1.5 more in a car doesn't help much either. Trying to get print sales and gallery relations up and making prints and etc just eat up the weekends too. I've started shooting a lot of rural scenery which entails more driving and exploring by vehicle then by foot, which again doesn't help. The limited light of winter hasn't helped.

My Cave photography definitely suffers. last year at this time I was crawling 1000+ feet on my stomach, now I had to stop to catch my breath after climbing a flood wall. Even then I had problems with weight on my shoulders causing headaches. So much so, by the time I would reach our destination the last thing i wanted to do was crack open my cases and start shooting and thinking about lighting, flashes, slaves, and setting up shots. At that point I would force myself and just run on habit, until something would click, generally i would forget the pain for a while and get my shots, other times not.

Hopefully, now that the days are longer, I can get my mountain bike out, or do some hikes at the local nature center and get back into a little bit of shape before my next trip. Though I have also noticed that if I carry a camera, I don't make it too far. I may have to remember to leave it at home those days.

Guy and Drew pretty much summed up what I was thinking about this. I might add a precaution on the other side of things. When us humanoids starting walking upright we placed extra weight on our feet and kness that I don't think evolution has totally caught up with. I spare little expense for good walking shoes with good inserts and socks. Also, I try to be gentle on my knees. I recall reading somewhere that John Fielder has had 7 knee surgeries. All of that extra weight and climbing has probably taken a toll. There is a great aspect to being fit, but also being gentle to our muscles and joints.

When I'm John's age, having 7 knee surgeries wouldn't surprise me. At 140 lbs., I often carry a 60-pound pack for days at a time, some of it off trails and in Winter. I worked up to it over a long period of time and stay active, but still I wonder if it's not the best thing I could be doing to my body (there are far worse, I'm sure).
I think Guy summarized it very well and my thoughts on this echo his, particularly on my level of physical comfort working in the field. To be in great shape means going farther, faster in more comfort and control. This equals more patience for photography in grueling conditions and more enjoyment/recognition of your surroundings.

I've never been very physically active or fit. Even as a child, I did not enjoy sports or strenuous activity. One could still probably categorize me as a couch potato. But photography has changed that for me quite a bit. I really enjoy hiking now, although I don't have the stamina for strenuous hikes. I find I'm doing better though, the more I get out. I will push myself more now, knowing that that great photo might be right around the next bend! The more active I am the better I feel, mentally as well as physically. And that's important, obviously, for every aspect in life. I guess we should take advantage of whatever activity it is that we enjoy that will keep us active and interested in life. My dad lived to be 90, and although he did not participate in strenuous daily exercise, he walked nearly every day, and most importantly, stayed interested in life in general. He always had a hobby, an interest, something to read, etc., and I firmly believe that contributed to his long and happy life!

I think being fit has physical and mental/intellectual benefits. Obviously being fit gives you more options as to locations you can get to safely, comfortably and in a timely manner. On the intellectual side, if you're enjoying the beauty of the hill you're climbing instead of cursing it, you probably have more opportunities for exploring photographic possiblities. I'm in reasonably good shape - a lot of that has to do with a significant change in eating habits in the last year - but when I'm really tuckered, there's little excitement in pulling out the camera. It's seems like more of chore than a means of relaxation or source of inspiration. I don't know that the quality of my photography has suffered, but the limits that came with being in less than optimum shape were enough to motivate me to do something about it.

I imagine that you can have a healthy mind without a healthy body, and vice-versa; but the extent to which both can be kept in top shape likely holds many benefits for photography - physically and creatively.

Many non-wildlife photographer types may find this hard to understand, but wildlife photography is my fitness program. Every free moment I can rob from something else, I'm out in the woods and fields hiking up hills, crossing streams, you all know what I mean. Last year I'm sure I averaged a minimum of 10-15 hours a week stalking critters, etc. and it sure made a difference in my fitness, but it's been a long winter. I took my oldest grandson out last weekend. It really wasn't a day suited for really any kind of picture taking, but I was just so ready to get out and do something. We went to the dunes at Lake Michigan and tromped around for much of the afternoon. I could sure tell that I had been in the armchair too much for too long. Those dunes sure seemed like they grew over the winter, but still it felt good to be tired and windburned at the end of the day. What a season I'm looking forward to. . . . Gotta get rid of these winter legs though.

I'm a believer in the healthy body = healthy mind mantra as well.

Marc said: I worked up to it over a long period of time and stay active, but still I wonder if it's not the best thing I could be doing to my body (there are far worse, I'm sure).

I've been a lot like you most of my adult life, Marc, and I too have carried a lot of packs and a lot of weight. And I think you know about my recent disc injury, and I'm forced to believe that my activities - although 'healthy' - have contributed to overall spinal wear and tear. Genetics play a big part in how you will fare over time, but now that I'm in a position to give advice about the dangers , I'll warn you about carrying packs that are almost half your body weight. Careful, young man!

I did the 60lbs pack thing until a knee injury put me out of commission for almost a full year. I try to keep it in the 40-50lbs range now and always use poles when carrying a heavy pack. I also realize I don't bounce back from injuries as quickly as I used to. As Michael told me a couple of weeks ago - it sucks to get old (we're both in our late 30s)

Guy

I try to keep it in the 40-45 range during summer, add 10 pounds for Spring/Autumn and up to 20 pounds for technical stuff and/or snow camping in the winter. Also, I average +2 pounds/day per extra day out there. My record was a 75-pounder (at the start) on a 14-day solo traverse of the Windriver range, climbing many of it's high points. My knees were not the same for quite a while afterward. My camera gear is always at a minimum (for a photographer that is) but still a hefty 12-pound addition to my supplies, tripod included.

I think everyone will respond differently to such grueling activity over the long term. Heck, Rowell was still doing expeditions as exausting as any I've ever done until his untimely death in his early 60's! Others get spinal disc injuries - I'm really sorry to hear about that Micheal, I've been following your progress recently and wish you all the best. I'll take my chances and do my best to keep my body strain during excersise to a minimum.

Alice raises an excellent point too. To be motivated to stay in shape, finding an activity like hiking and photography can be a huge asset! I know I probably wouldn't be in the greatest shape, nor motivated to excersise regularly if I didn't love doing it because of all the places it takes me and the adventures along the way. A passion for Nature and Wildlife photography can be a gift to anyone not motivated to go to the gym three times a week.

I am approaching 60. This year in fact ! As far as fitness goes I find I can do most of the things I did when I was younger...only slower . We (wife and I) hiked the Opabin Plateau region of Yoho National Park last September. I think we were overtaken by every other hiker who started behind us. We hiked for most of the day. The trail is considered a half day hike. It was enjoyable because we stopped often to take photos, or just to pause and enjoy where we were. I still like to scramble up to the higher views to see what is there and I have this urge to see what lies around the next bend. When we got back to the campsite we were "pleasantly fatiqued" but not exhausted. In fact an hour later I felt like going again. Pausing to photograph was often a rest break. With a Large Format the rest breaks are lenghtier than with other formats.

Thanks for a very interesting subject, Greg.

Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada

Personally, I feel photography has improved my fitness greatly. I've always spent a lot of time outdoors, but with photography it is even more so. When you get up early to chase a sunrise that morning exercise right there makes me feel good for the rest of the day. If you factor in carrying 40lbs of gear I just consider that good training for a backpacking trip. The downside to all that is the prolonged weight on your back can, and in a lot of cases will, cause damage to your spine ( Sorry to hear Michael ). In my case it's more the knees. The knees haven't been right since my backpacking trip in Tenn. I'm still in my early thirties so in the future the knees may become a problem, but I'm going to enjoy them now.

Any reason one has to get out and do a little walking can only help a person physically; just with photography we have even more reasons to get out and exercise, plus it's just as good for us mentally.

Folks,

You all make me envious. I really need to get in better shape.
If you look at the work of Galen Rowell, you will see that many of is images ( some on climbing trips, but I don't mean these) were taken due to his ability to hike & sometimes run to the "right spot". That's what sometimes separates the men from the boys.

It's isn't always the camera, the lens, the right filter etc... it's getting there and being in good condition makes he difference. When I lived on the west coast ( and I can't get back soon enough) I was in much better shape due to the need to move about the terrain.

Yes there definitely is a correlation.... and a very interesting topic!

JG

I thought some more about this. Often, a successful shot is directly related to the physical effort it took to get it. For example, in our Mountain Parks (Jasper, Banff, Yoho, etc.) the scenery is the hiker's reward. The best views, and thus images, are found only after trudging up a series of switchbacks and sometimes hours of hiking. Getting to those views during the best times for photography can be a challenge that can only be met by exertion.

Being fit means having energy. The energy to rise early for those early morning shots. And have enough left for the evening shots.

I often refer to images I comment on as "work". This is in recognition for the effort it took to get the shot. No matter where it was taken.

Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada

Marc said, "I think everyone will respond differently to such grueling activity over the long term."

I don't mean to harp on this, but not only do I have some creeking knees myself, but work I in a manufacturing environment where repetative motion injuries are common. I'm saying these things because I'm hoping for you (or should I say us) guys to enjoy our outdoor activities for a long time. Marc is probably right, everyone will probably respond differently. Unfortunately, we don't know which of us will respond how until it happens. Do you think you're the Galen Rowell type or the 7 surgery Fielder type? I'm in my early 50's and can't do the radical things I once did, but am still able to do some backpacking and a lot of day-hiking. These are the things I look forward to and that add a whole lot of value to my life. I am really glad I can still do these things without a pain, surgery, or medication. When I was younger it was hard to conceive of getting this old and easy to ignore good practices.

If I may add one thing... (good thread by the way...), I find often that the optimum height of my tripod for that "great shot" has an inverse relationship with my comfort level. Sometimes the contortions I have to put myself through can be challenging, and funny to look at too I'm sure!

If I can't maintain a fitness program (which is usually the case), a stretching routine works wonders.

I think my photography would probably be more inspired in certain situations if I was in Rowell-esque shape, and would be able to get some shots I'm not getting now. I'm in good condition otherwise though. I'm scared of heights and so I think the biggest limiter is more about mental than physical.

I think stretching would be a good idea too, I've had back problems since high school. Several months ago I had severe back spasms and couldn't do anything for 4 days. Too young for that stuff...

moderation is a key to exercise,, change your program regularly and give your joints a rest,, ,, the gentlemen above mentioned rowell-esgue shape,, thats a lifetime of fitness that only a smalal percentage of people ever attaian, so just do your walks, situps and pushups in moddration and with regularity, watch the diet and yo will be fine,,,,,,

I too find that photography has improved my fitness, but fitness has not improved my photography. As a young man I always carried around camera gear and was extremely fit. I indulged in all those fitness building things like long distance cycling, mountaineering and climbing and skiing for a living. Now in my late 50s arthritis has destroyed a lot of my joints. When I'm able to walk any distance at all I carry my camera gear in a baby jogger. When walking can't be done I use an electric scooter to carry me and my gear. So as you can see my fitness level has definitely gone down the tubes as my disability has progressed: BUT my photography is better now than it has ever been. Perhaps the fact that I've had to learn patience and will stay put for hours waiting for a particular bird to get to trust me (yes I'm an avian enthusiast) has made a difference. I suppose maturity and attention to detail has also helped. All that being said, go for all the fitness both physical and mental you can manage. The high level of physical fitness I had in my youth has certainly helped me ward off a lot of the problems my current condition has been trying to create. My driving curiosity and enthusiasm have helped me keep going and improving my photography.

I'm a bit of a madman, my fitness comes from my mountain bike but not in riding off road though, I dirtjump and ride at skate parks and anyone who has ever done dirtjumping knows it has a huge impact on fitness and upper body strength. Since starting I have lost anout 20kg, to the point now that even my wedding clothes of 10years ago are to big. It's not for the faint hearted though as it takes a bit of nerve to go flying off huge jumps, and at a very young 37 my body has never felt better for a number of years.

So what's that done for my photography??

I can actually carry my gear miles now and I don't get tired or my upperbody feels any pain, My own mind and body wakes up refreshed and ready to go, I can have total freeness in everything I do.

Of course this workout is also a part of a healthy eating plan, something I also didn't have. I don't eat anything that says fast food and eat fresh veg and fruit.

The whole thing has made my normal life and my photography life much much more enjoyable.

Oh, word of warning, dirtjumping is dangerous and can cause serious injury...just in case anyone had ideas