On this episode I talk about the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and their Seven Principles. Also, I've got a great gear giveaway for listeners.

Leave No Trace

In my circles, there's been a lot of talk lately about photographing the places we love and how, sometimes, photographers can do way more damage to a beautiful spot than they might expect. I'm not one to keep my locations to myself, but I do want to take this opportunity to encourage listeners to be respectful of the land we have come to love so much. If we're not careful we may end up trampling it to death.

That's where the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics comes in. They have created their Seven Principles to help outdoor enthusiasts like us to take stock of our plans and the effects we have on those around us and the effects we have on the land too. Please note these Seven Principles are © 1999 by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org. They are...

Plan Ahead and Prepare

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Dispose of Waste Properly

Leave What You Find

Minimize Campfire Impacts

Respect Wildlife

Be Considerate of Other Visitors

There's so much more information on their website. Please click on over and learn more for yourself. Or, listen and I'll talk about it in more detail as well ;)

In my own words, I wish to add use a touch more. That is to also respect private property. I've missed out on countless images because an area is clearly marked "no trespassing." I'm not saying I'm a saint when it comes to this. Sometimes I've seen the sign on my way out! But still, if you know the land is private and it's clearly marked as such, please do respect the land owners' wishes and find somewhere else to create your next masterpiece.

Gear Giveaway

I'm thrilled to have this podcast back on it's own feed once again and to celebrate I'm having a gear giveaway. Click on this page for all the details, but in short, I'm very grateful to Mindshift Gear and ThinkTank Photo for sending some bags for me to review and also have in this giveaway. Also thanks to Greg Benz for giving away a copy of Lumenzia v5. And I guess I can thank myself for the gear rental coupon and the 30 minute Skype session. Be sure to listen or click on that description page/post for all the details.