Whether I’m hiking solo through alpine trails or filming wildlife in remote spots, my camera setup has evolved into a flexible and powerful kit. I didn’t build it overnight — it’s the result of years of experimenting, upgrading, forgetting SD cards (oops), and slowly figuring out what works best for both photography and video.

Before the pandemic, most of my travel content was shot with a GoPro — just quick clips with friends or solo trips. I wasn’t thinking about sharpness or settings, just memories. Over time, as I got more into photography and video, my gear grew with me.

Here’s the full breakdown of what I use today, and how I got here.

My Camera Journey: From Canon Beginner to Sony Enthusiast

I started with a Canon Rebel T5 and the basic kit lens. It was my introduction to photography, and it taught me the basics while exploring local trails and family trips.

During the pandemic, a friend recommended switching to Sony, especially since I wanted better video quality. In 2020, I bought the Sony Alpha a7C, and it felt like leveling up. I paired it with a Tamron 24–70mm — affordable and versatile.

Then came a moment of spontaneity: I forgot my SD card on a trip to Portland, Oregon with my sister. We found a local camera shop, and I walked out with my first G Master — the Sony 14mm f/1.8. It was love at first wide shot: perfect for astro, tight cityscapes, and dramatic nature scenes.

Over time, my lens lineup grew:

• Sony 70-200mm f/4 G (gen 1) for distant detail
• Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master for creamy portraits and cinematic videos (I sold my Tamron to fund this)
• Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II as my daily driver
• And finally… the beast: Sony 200-600mm f/5.6–6.3 G OSS, when I fell in love with wildlife photography

Now I shoot with two bodies:

• Sony Alpha a7C – compact and reliable
• Sony Alpha R V – high-resolution, wildlife-ready

My Drones: From OG Mavic to Mini Pro

I used to fly the DJI Mavic Pro (1st gen), but I eventually gifted it to a friend back in Mexico. These days I travel with the DJI Mini 3 Pro — compact, super portable, and perfect for capturing aerial views without the bulk or stress. It’s especially great for hiking and quick deployments when I want to shoot mountain ranges or waterfalls from above.

Action Cams & Specialty Video Gear

Before the pandemic, most of my travel memories were captured on GoPros. Whether I was solo or with friends, I’d always have one in my backpack to film fun moments — nothing pro, just raw clips of hikes, swims, campfires, and road trips. I wasn’t thinking about cinematic quality — I just wanted to capture good memories.

Over the years I’ve used:

• Hero 3+ Silver – cool camera for the time, but it needed a case to go underwater which was a bummer
• Hero 4 – my first waterproof camera
• Hero Fusion (1st gen) – cool concept, but honestly not great results
• Hero 10 Black – this one finally stuck. It’s sharp, fast, and still my go-to for casual shooting or bad-weather conditions

As I got more into video, I also added:

• DJI Osmo Pocket 3 – smooth stabilized footage in a pocket-size device
• Insta360 X3 – for creative 360° content, transitions, and immersive shots
• DJI Ronin RS2 – I bought this gimbal a while back but haven’t used it much… planning to finally give it some love for cinematic hikes and b-roll soon

Even now, I still love capturing casual clips with my GoPro — not everything has to be perfect to be meaningful.

Accessories I Swear By (Especially for Hikers & Travelers)

Peak Design is my go-to brand for camera accessories. I use:

• Multiple Capture Clips — game-changer for hiking! I clip my camera to my backpack strap and it’s ready to shoot in seconds
• Their phone mount system in my car (also magnetic for their tripod!)
• Their 1st gen Travel Tripod, which is sleek, lightweight, and connects with their ecosystem

These small upgrades make a big difference when I’m out on the trail or shooting solo. No more digging through a backpack or fumbling with straps.

Final Thoughts: Building a Setup That Grows With You

My current setup reflects how my interests have evolved — from casual travel videos with a GoPro to portraits, cinematic hikes, and now wildlife photography. I didn’t rush it. Every piece I’ve added has a story, a purpose, or at least a funny memory behind it (thanks, Portland camera guy).

If you’re building your own kit, my advice is:
Start with what you have.
Upgrade when you feel limited.
And don’t be afraid to splurge when something truly inspires you to go shoot.

Let me know if you want a breakdown post for any specific gear — or what I’d pack on a hike!

The post From Kit Lens to Wildlife Dreams: My Camera & Creator Gear Setup appeared first on Vibing Outdoors.

There’s something quietly powerful about being alone in the forest before most of the world wakes up.
Last Saturday, I visited Franklin Falls Trail, one of Washington’s more popular gems, though you wouldn’t guess that if you arrived as early as I did.

At 7 a.m., the Denny Creek campground was just beginning to stir. The air was cool, not cold — clouds filtered the light gently, like a softbox for the forest. No harsh shadows, no blazing sun. Just the hush of the trees, the whisper of the river to my left, and the crunch of gravel under my boots.

Hiking Solo: For the Soul and the Camera

I hike solo often. It gives me space to think, to breathe deeper, and to really see — the tiny webs glistening on low branches, the rabbits darting like shadows, the spiders hanging like tiny ornaments along the path. With no one to rush me, I can pause whenever the light hits just right. Franklin Falls is perfect for this.

The trail is well-maintained, flat, and welcoming — more of a meditative walk than a challenge. It winds through tall evergreens, always within earshot of the river, and ends in the dramatic reveal of the falls themselves, which cascade down a rock face into a shallow pool.

In mid-summer, the water isn’t at its most powerful, but it’s still a beautiful sight. The rocks at the base are less misty, easier to photograph, and safer to approach. I lingered a while, watching campers filter in from the nearby sites, their dogs pulling excitedly toward the sound of the falls.

Returning in Every Season

This wasn’t my first time on the trail — and it won’t be the last. I’ve walked this path in winter, when snow turns it into a frozen wonderland, the waterfall glazed in ice, the trail slick and hushed. You need microspikes then, and sometimes even just getting to the parking lot requires a 4×4 or good winter tires. In the heart of winter, the road may be closed entirely, turning a 2-mile round trip into a much longer snow hike.

Still, it’s worth it.
Every season offers something new:
Fall brings golden light and crisp air.
Winter transforms it into a silent dreamscape.
Spring awakens the forest floor with green.
Summer is warm and friendly, less crowded if you go early — like I did.

Tips If You Go

• Trailhead: Franklin Falls Trail, near Denny Creek Campground
• Distance: ~2 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: Minimal — suitable for beginners
• Best time to go: Early morning to avoid crowds
• Check trail conditions: Visit AllTrails →
• Parking: Northwest Forest Pass required
• Winter gear: Microspikes, warm layers, check road closures

How To Get There

The post A Solitary Stroll to Franklin Falls — July 2025 appeared first on Vibing Outdoors.