Photography

A collection of outdoor photography related tips and resources.

Reliving a hike or backpacking trip is always more memorable when you have photos to go with the stories. These resources can help you improve your outdoor photography skills no matter what your camera budget might be.

Our annual Northwest Exposure Photo Contest is now underway until October 6! Get tips on capturing a winning shot and get ready to enter your photos when the time comes.

Featured Articles:

Hiker Headlines: Speak up against Roadless Rule repeal, Naches Peak Loop, Ingalls Creek and more fire closures;

Sep 11, 2025

Speak up for the Roadless Rule, which protects 45 million acres of our national forests, as the federal government plans to repeal it. Submit your photos to WTA’s annual Northwest Exposure Photo Contest by Oct. 6! And updates on fires and some other closures affecting trails.

Northwest Exposure 2025: Random acts of kindness

Sep 11, 2025

We want to see it all! From your random good deeds to the litter pick-up parties, we want to celebrate with you and with our community the amazing unseen (until NOW) good work from trail users all over the state.

Your photos matter more than ever for trails

Aug 20, 2025

Throughout the year, images submitted to the Northwest Exposure Photo Contest photos help support WTA's work. During these challenging times for public lands, your images matter more than ever.

2024 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest winners

Take in the beauty of Washington's trails through the lens of talented photographers across the state.

The Power of Photography

Northwest Exposure Photo Contest judges share their honorable mentions for the 2023 photo contest and explain what makes these images so compelling.

The magic of Trails Next Door: Why WTA wants to see your photos from local trails

Sep 06, 2024

Trails Next Door is a bonus category for WTA’s 2024 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest. One WTA staffer shares her perspective on the power of urban trails — and why they’re worth your photographic attention.

The joy and responsibility of hiking with wildlife

As the state’s population grows, along with the demand for trails, hikers have a major role to play in caring for these places and enjoying them responsibly | by Melani Baker

Northwest Exposure: more than a photo contest

Photos aren't just happy memories — they're a way of helping trails across the state. By Erika Haugen-Goodman

The big picture on wide-angle photography

Tips and tricks on how to wield a wide-angle lens to capture your hiking adventures. By Doug Diekema

My life through lenses: A Northwest Exposure judge on her journey as a photographer

Aug 09, 2024

Victoria Obermeyer, WTA's multimedia content coordinator reflects on her career and passion for photography.

Share a story: Forest bathing at Heather Meadows

Jul 29, 2024

Enjoy a snapshot from the WTA trip reporter and Instagram community, brought to you by volunteer, trip reporter and photographer Derek Posey.

Trip report corner: Decades of hikes and stories

May 29, 2024

Peer into years of hiking experience with longtime WTA trip reporters Bob and Barb.

Join WTA for live music set to photos of Washington's trails

Apr 05, 2024

Love mountains? Love music? Join us for a hiking-themed concert with photos from around the state set to live music. By Brynna Counts-Morgan

Trip Report Corner : Eagle eyes on the trail

Mar 26, 2024

Trip reports aren't just a way to learn from the hiking community — they're reminders of the stunning beauty found across Washington.

2023 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest Winners

Explore the joy and beauty of Washington's trails, as captured by photographers across the state.

Snapshot: Family Time and a Pensive Porcupine

Oct 24, 2023

National wildlife refuges are great for wildlife photography. Photographer Gabi Randall and her grandmother might not have found the wildlife they were looking for, but they did get an unexpectedly fun encounter instead.

What's that Mushroom? Appreciating the Wide World of Fungi at Your Feet

There's fungus among us on Washington trails. Check out some basic identification tips to learn more about mushrooms near you. By Joseph Gonzalez

Getting Closer to Nature with Your Photography

In a world of dramatic peaks and vast forests, it can be challenging to examine the little things. Level-up your macro photography with these tips and tricks. By Doug Diekema

Hiker Headlines: Photo Contest Opens, Highway 20 Closure Expands, New Fire Restrictions, Art in Parks

Aug 17, 2023

WTA's 2023 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest is open! The recent Blue Lake Fire in the North Cascades has caused more trail and road closures, and there are new fire restrictions in place across the state. Take a King County Parks survey on plans for art and culture in our parks. And join other volunteers in a coastal cleanup effort on Sept 16.

Grab Your Cameras: WTA's Photo Contest is Now Open

Aug 17, 2023

Lace up your boots and grab your camera to enter WTA's Northwest Exposure Photo Contest.

Photography: Spot Wildlife Without The Drive

Jul 26, 2023

You don't have to go far to find unique and interesting wildlife on trails near you. See what you can find in your neighborhood park.

From the Backcountry to Birdwatching: The Evolution of One Photographer’s Definition of Outdoor Adventuring

The outdoors has always been important to Matt Leaman, but his relationship with it has changed over the years. A single hike sparked an interest that led to new passions and a much deeper connection to the wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. It even led to a new career. | By Tiffany Chou

Snapshot: Hikers Helping Hikers

Apr 14, 2023

"Where" and "when" are memorable parts of any hike, but "who" and how they made you feel sticks with you forever. Doug Diekema reflects on capturing a touching moment with family while on trail. By Doug Diekema.

Winter Photographer: How to Adjust What You Pack

Photography equipment can be fragile and expensive. Planning for a shoot during the winter months takes careful preparation. By Zyanya Alvarez

Hiker Headlines: Thank You, Members; Camping Changes at Olympic National Park; Photo Contest Winners

Jan 05, 2023

Happy New Year! Thanks so much to our members for an incredible 2022. Washington State Parks has a new logo. The campground reservation process in Olympic National Park is changing. And, you can now check out all of our Northwest Exposure Photo Contest winners.

2022 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest Winners

Jan 03, 2023

See all the winning photographs from the 2022 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest ranging from majestic views to furry bears.

Honorable Mention: 5 Northwest Exposure Favorites from WTA’s Photo Judges

Oct 03, 2022

We asked our photo contest judges to pick honorable mentions from last year’s contest — and explain what they love about the images.

WTA's Photo Contest is Now Open

Aug 17, 2022

It's that time of year again! Enter your favorite hiking photos for a chance to win prizes and help tell the story of trails.

Don’t Miss the Shot: Tips for Capturing Spontaneous Outdoor Photos

If you — and your camera — are ready, you can capture the spontaneous magic of hiking

How to Capture the Beauty of Eastern Washington in Photos

Photo tips for from Archana Bhat, Northwest Exposure judge.