On special Fridays we are going to have some wisdom from the community with our guest bloggers.  Today we are super lucky to have Tara Anderson, a kickass Mom from Boulder (I need to start watching my language), who is writing on tips for taking photography outdoors with your kids. The second part of this post with more excellent tips will be available Monday morning.

PART ONE – by Tara Anderson

It has never been easier to take your child with you on outdoor adventures. We bring our 8 month old son out on the trail, hiking to campsites for short backpacking trips and hitting the local trails around Boulder. While out, we strive to strike that balance between documenting our exploits and being present in the moment. We love sharing nature with our son and between the high-tech gear and ultra-lightweight materials, making the trail a family outing is much less hassle than times past.

Before you go, here are a few things I’ve learned in my time hiking around with the 8 month-old…

• Keep it simple. Not just in your nature photography but also in your approach to hiking with a child. You don’t need a ton of equipment (for taking pictures or for the baby) and you should definitely leave it to the great outdoors to provide the awe. No need to overcomplicate anything. If you’re stressed out while hiking with your baby, you’re missing the point of the activity.
• Know where you’re going. You might have been able to amble around aimlessly when you didn’t have kids but not any more. Have a map with you. Figure out your hike before you start. Decide on a goal but have an alternate emergency bailout plan. Tell someone where you’re going. You might think a 4 mile hike is not big thing but your baby might not agree.
• Pack like a pro. Use those side pockets. Bring only the necessary items for both the baby and for you. Do you really need to bring both the video camera and the DSLR? Does the baby absolutely need two changes of clothing? Pick the right gear for the outing (a sling vs. a backpack) and consider what you’re going to be doing. Also, when choosing equipment, remember that…
• Weight is a consideration. If you’re going out for a short hike, you might be okay bringing a bigger camera. Don’t forget to take into account the terrain you’ll be hiking. Are you going to be alright hiking with a big camera in your hand? And if you’re doing something longer, like a backpacking trip, you want to seriously think about if those extra pounds are worth it. Especially if you have to carry water with you. Smaller cameras beat out dehydration any day.

More tips of taking outdoor photos with your child …to be continued…