Sometimes, your vision for portraits is grand, and the only way to achieve that vision is to go on a five-mile hike to get to that stunning location (this happens a lot in the Black Hills). You’ll want to be prepared. Whether that’s with something as simple as bringing enough water, making sure you have a touch-up kit, or knowing what you should have in case of emergencies. That’s where this list comes in. After reading this, you’ll be prepared for an adventure portrait session in the Black Hills!
The basic essentials for adventure portrait sessions
Enough water for each person
Water is the #1 thing you need to remember for a hike. A good rule of thumb is 1 liter (32 oz) of water for every 2 hours of hiking, per person. If the hike is projected to be 3 hours, you’ll need to bring at least 1.5 liters of water.
There was a time my boyfriend (now husband) forgot to grab his water bottle when we went on a hike. When did we notice? After hiking uphill for half a mile. We stared down at the truck from the top of the hill we’d just climbed as I drank my water. We ended up having to share one water bottle for a moderate 5-mile hike, which is something I don’t recommend for both comfort and safety reasons.
Want a lightweight option? Hydration backpacks are a hiker’s best friend.
NOTE: I won’t take my clients on any hike over 1 mile without water, so plan accordingly. I usually have spare water bottles in my car for instances like this, but every once in a while, I run out.
Comfortable shoes for walking
Besides clean water, comfortable shoes might be the most important part of this adventure portrait packing list. If your feet hurt, you won’t be walking far (or it won’t be pleasant to say the least). It’s important to get shoes that are well fitting, have enough cushion and support, along with wearing the right socks to prevent blisters and sore spots on your feet.
Everyone is different, so if you’re not familiar with the world of hiking shoes/boots, I recommend going into a store like Scheels to see what they recommend. You don’t have to purchase them in person. A lot of the time, you can find great deals on Amazon for the same shoe you found in a store.
Lastly, if you know you’re prone to blisters in certain areas, moleskin or blister pads can be a lifesaver for your feet. I used moleskin in Navy bootcamp when we had to break in our steel toe boots, and I had a lot fewer issues than those who went without (my boots were the wrong size and cut into my feet).
A snack for energy
When I say snack, it can be something as simple as a granola bar or an apple. My favorites are Pure Organics Fruit Bars because they taste great, are super compact, and are affordable. Chomps are great if you need more protein. If you’re planning an adventure portrait session with children, make sure you bring plenty of snacks, as they can quickly turn a bad attitude (usually from being tired) into a good one.
In the Black Hills, our bear population is small if not nonexistent (there’s maybe one spotting a year if that), so you don’t have to worry about bringing a bear-safe container for your food. If we’re going to the Rocky Mountains, then yes, you’ll want to consider bringing a bear-safe container. Luckily, they’re fairly cheap nowadays!
A backpack to carry it all
While we won’t be trekking that far (in most cases) for an adventure portrait session, it’s still important to have a comfortable backpack with enough support. I prefer mine to have a strap to secure at the waist and/or chest to keep it snug on your person. This helps with back pain over time.
I use this backpack when I go on hikes. It doesn’t have to be fancy. If you need something bigger (especially for family sessions), this 40L backpack is a good option.
Sunscreen
I’m the type of person who can get away with applying sunscreen at the beginning of the hike and not have to reapply. Not everyone is that way, so I suggest bringing sunscreen so you don’t end up red in your pictures.
Bug spray
While the bugs in the Black Hills are usually manageable, sometimes they get a little unruly. Some trails are better than others when it comes to tick population, but it’s hard to tell which is which until you go through it yourself.
A map of some sort
I use AllTrails to navigate most of my hikes. It’s as easy as using your GPS, and as long as your phone is charged and working, you have a simple navigation system at your fingertips.
If you’re into physical maps, National Geographic has a great collection of maps, including this Black Hills Day Hikes map.
A charging bank
If you decide to use your phone as your map, you’ll need to make sure it stays charged. When I use apps that rely on constant connection, my battery drains in a couple of hours. That’s why I make sure I always have a fully charged power bank with a spare cord on me, especially when I’m helping guide couples on an adventure portrait session.
Items to touch up before your adventure portrait session begins
A hairbrush or comb
Hair plays a big role in how your photos turn out, so make sure you bring the necessary tools to touch up once we’re on location. For me, that’s a bristle hairbrush to remove tangles. For you, it might be a comb or simply running your fingers through your hair. Plan accordingly.
Dry Shampoo
If you usually get sweaty with activity, dry shampoo can be a life saver. The best time to use it is actually before you actually need it, so I suggest applying it before we start our hike and then once we stop to take portraits if it’s needed.
Makeup
Bringing touchup makeup is super important if we’re going on a long hike (that is, if you’re planning on wearing makeup for your session). Not all makeup is created equal. Some will melt off if you start sweating. Others will stick around all day and almost be a nuisance to remove at the end of the day. Make sure you know how yours will react and pack accordingly.
The most common ones to bring:
- Lipstick or lip products
- Mascara
- Concealer
Blotting paper
Blotting paper is perfect to clear up shine from a hike. Most are makeup friendly and will do the trick in seconds.
What to have in case of emergencies.
A simple first aid kit
It’s always smart to bring a simple first aid kit while hiking. Accidents happen, and the world is full of bacteria waiting to infect that little scratch you think is no big deal. At the very least, bring some Band-Aids and some sort of antiseptic (sprays or wipes are popular).
Thermal blanket
Thermal blankets are one of those emergency items that are good to have in your hiking backpack at all times. They’re compact, lightweight, and can make all the difference in the event of a true emergency.
A rain poncho
Weather in the Black Hills can be unpredictable. Our meteorologists try their best, but ultimately, the radar can turn on a dime. That’s when it’s smart to bring a rain poncho—just in case. There’s nothing worst than having rain pour down on you and then being stuck in soaking wet clothes.
Bear spray
While I mentioned bears are rarely if ever seen in the Black Hills, it’s still good to be prepared. There are still other threats—such as mountain lions and unfortunately, other people—who might intend harm. That’s why it’s better to be prepared for anything, especially with a deterrent like bear spray.
Are all these items necessary for your session? Not necessarily, but they are useful. Take what you want from this guide and leave the rest. When you’re ready to go on an adventure portrait session, I’ll be here to lead the way! If you’re ready, reach out here and let’s start planning.
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