Life is richer when I have a lens to peer through. I have a decent, old school, DSLR camera and a lens that I love. However, the dang thing is bulky and weighs a ton. In addition to encumbering me, the camera draws attention to me when I would much prefer to surreptitiously fade into the background.
I know good images don’t require fancy equipment; they require patience, a good eye, creative problem solving, and a steady hand. I’ve seen fabulous examples of iPhonography. But my own iPhone results have been disappointing.
Backpacking stimulated serious soul searching. Sans Nikon, my pack weighed 28 pounds. With Nikon, the pack weighed 32.5 pounds. If you’ve never packed your house into to the back country, that may not seem like a big difference, but trust me, those pounds feel like the weight of the world after hitchhiking on your back for a few hours. So, out came the camera and in went my phone along with a solar charger that weighed a few ounces.
I spent the first two-thirds of the trip completely baffled by the weird exposures the iPhone chose. On the way back to the car, I finally had a break through. I’m determined to master this little piece of modern miracle.
That scab on the hill in the distance would soon swallow us.The Big Jack’s Creek area of southern Idaho was designated as Wilderness in 2009. Many old jeep, ATV, and game trails crisscross the sagebrush, but there are no official hiking paths.
Instead the dry river bed served as an ankle eating path.
The canyon walls hugged us warmly, while I puzzled over my phone.
The canyon walls makes this 6’4′ hiker look like a midget.
Rain drumming my tent during the night made me appreciate having lugged my house on my back.
More views of this trip to come in a future post.
Rangewriter 
Linda, thanks for the hike. I was thinking of the movie “Wild” where she overpacked until someone showed her what she could toss. I hope it was fun. BTG
LikeLike
I do pride myself on having more sense than Cheryl Strayed! It was fun. I’m glad I did it.
LikeLike
I realized that I like to take “little walks” but appreciate that it takes “ovum’ to hike into the back-country.and by the looks of it you may have needed to pack water in, too. I like the leading lines, especially in the last photo as well as the sage and green bushes. Very interesting to see the rock right in the hill like that.
LikeLike
Thanks so much for sharing your observations. You notice things in my photos that I wasn’t even aware of! 😉 Yes, did have to pack water in. That spring green is really nice. Of course these photos were taken about 6 weeks ago. I suspect that nothing is irridescent green any longer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh what an adventurer you are ! Love the pics. Looks like you and the iphone are gonna be good chums.
LikeLike
Well, Sybil, my phone and I have our moments! :0
LikeLike
You’re more adventurous than me, Linda. While I love hiking I’m not much for camping, prefer a hot shower and comfy bed at the end of the day. Your trip looks amazing with all the rocks and canyons and sage. I know what you mean about trying to pack light. Glad you mastered your phone’s camera, the photos are great.
LikeLike
I may be more adventurous, but you, my friend, are a woman of enormous determination. I could never run as you do!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope you’re having a great vacation, Linda.
LikeLike
My nephew sent me his old iphone a couple of months ago and, although I don’t use it as a mobile, all my recent photos have been taken using it.
You’re really returning to the wilderness by the look of things. Must feel incredibly liberating after the first day or two. Or maybe it’s just the first day or two that feel liberating. Depends on the person, I suppose.
I think I’d like it, but I’m no longer sure. Don’t they do tents that blend into the landscape anymore?
Have a great time, Linda!
LikeLike
It seems that outdoor gear follows color trends just like fashion clothing. The last tent I bought was a nice off white/forest green color which I really liked. Now, orange seems to be “the color.” I don’t understand the reasoning. I, too, would prefer more muted colors.
I enjoy 2 – 3 days of back country life. But by day 4, I really long for a real toilet and a shower. It helps if there is a mountain lake to swim in, but this is not possible in the desert, alas.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think these pics are great!
LikeLike
Thanks. It helps to have the opinion of an artist. 😉
LikeLike
Great photos from your trip! Love to see more!
LikeLike
Thanks!
LikeLike
Was this the trip with the ultralighter? That was some beautiful, beautiful country. And I totally relate on trying to master the phone camera…I still haven’t figured out all the technical capabilities (I never think of it until I’m ready to take a shot and then I’m too impatient to stop and study it) although I do occasionally take a decent photo with the auto settings. Really hit and miss though which can be frustrating when confronted with a stunning landscape opportunity! Can’t wait to see the rest of your pics.
LikeLike
Yes it was with the ultra light guy. I am struggling to take photos on the fly with my iPhone and a little point & shoot. It would be better if I were alone and could take my time. But…this is the trade off for being with family! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: The camera phone and the dilettante photographer – Part I | The Odd and Unmentionable