Contributor Spotlight: Arika Bauer
When you live next door to one of the most visited national parks in the United States, it’s easy to find inspiration as a photographer. As a mom of three and Utah native, Arika Bauer has found no shortage of gorgeous locations to photograph in her own backyard—so much so that she started her own adventure photography business a year and a half ago. In this Contributor Spotlight, Arika shares about the kind of camera she uses and her tips for other parents who want to take beautiful family travel photos.
TELL US A BIT MORE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. WHAT ARE YOUR NAMES AND HOW OLD ARE YOUR KIDS?
I live in southern Utah with my husband and three kids: Lucy, eight; Willow, five; and Phoenix, two. We live in the small town of Hurricane, where I grew up, and about a year and a half ago, I started an adventure photography business. I photograph families and travelers visiting Zion National Park and southern Utah.
THAT SOUNDS LIKE A FUN JOB. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED WITH PHOTOGRAPHY?
I got started with photography like a lot of first-time mothers who buy a camera to document their new baby. I slowly learned how to use my camera over time and discovered how much I love photography.
HOW DO YOU CAPTURE YOUR FAMILY'S TRAVEL EXPERIENCES? WHAT KIND OF CAMERA DO YOU USE?
I recently upgraded from a Canon 6D to a Sony A7iii, and I am in love with my new Sony. It is so much easier to travel and hike with, because it’s so much smaller and lighter than my Canon. I like to shoot wide to get the landscape in the frame, so my 28mm 2.0 is my go-to lens. I try to switch it up a little and use my 50mm 1.8 sometimes, too.
The more you photograph, the better you will get. Be kind to yourself and keep trying new things—new angles, new subjects and new light. But most importantly, just have fun with it.
WHAT'S YOUR ADVICE FOR OTHER PARENTS DOCUMENTING THEIR FAMILY'S ADVENTURES?
- It’s really important to know your camera and how it works. Take some online classes so that you know what you are doing before you head out on vacation.
- Have a shot list in mind. It really helps if I have an idea of the types of photos that I want to get. Google the location and look at Instagram to see how other people have photographed the location to gain inspiration.
- Pay attention to the light, and if you can, always have your camera out an hour before the sun goes down. Then, just shoot until you don’t have any more light!
- Have your camera on you at all times. This is easier to do if you own a smaller camera.
LET'S GET A LITTLE TECHNICAL. HOW DO YOU STORE IMAGES WHEN YOU TRAVEL? DO YOU USE ANY EDITING SOFTWARE?
I just take a bunch of SD cards with me and download when I get home. For editing, I use Adobe Lightroom.
SOUNDS EASY. WHERE CAN WE SEE MORE OF YOUR GORGEOUS PHOTOS?
ANY OTHER LESSONS LEARNED FROM BEING A TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER?
The more you photograph, the better you will get. Be kind to yourself and keep trying new things—new angles, new subjects and new light. But most importantly, just have fun with it.
