A recent camper trailer photography assignment at Falls Lake, NC, was a great break from regular office/studio work. My images regularly appear in magazines, on websites and are used by a variety of companies, but this subject is supersized compared to most I’m assigned.
My six-night stay was awesome, if you’re wondering, and I heartily recommend Holly Point Campground. It was peaceful, quite and clean. Fishing was tough, but I hardly noticed with the scenery.
All-New Campers
People have rediscovered the pleasures of the outdoors, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of new campers is, arguably, the virus’ only benefit. An all-new generation of people who appreciate our natural resources is a good thing, even if a long-term passion settles into only a few of them.
It’s no secret part of the attraction is the ability to social distance without much effort. Trailers and RVs are selling like hotcakes right now and prices reflect that demand—unfortunately.
If you’re a new owner, or renting, don’t miss the chance to capture the experience with an image or two dozen. As I often told my magazine staff, you may never be back at that place again. Even if you are, things will change and so will those accompanying you. Record the moment.
Take a camera or use your phone, often. You can thank me later. There are however, slightly different challenges to camper trailer photography. Capturing a nice trailer image is not as easy as it is at those tourist traps with places designed for the task—you know, with a prominent company logo or statue of a cartoon mouse.
Trailer Photography
Campers and RVs are big and long. Broadside shots don’t do them justice. Take the photos with the trailer at a slight angle to compress the view.
Shadows follow trailers around. Turn on your flash, which you should have on at all times outdoors, anyway. That’ll help eliminate those black spots in the image.
You can also beat the problem by waiting until just after the sun sets or before sunrise. Put the family or campfire in the foreground. Take at least one with the flash on. Odds are good you’ll like that look and, if you don’t, you can always delete it.
Turn on the lights. The camping trailer photograph above has the living room lights on deliberately. It’s supposed to feel warm and inviting inside.
Of course, I’ve been wrong before, so let me know your opinion by leaving a comment. Complaints are welcome, too.
In the meantime, thank you for visiting my modest blog and I sure hope you have a glorious and safe rest of your day.