In the Field: Jude Allen Shoots Olympic National Park with Sony Lenses

National Parks are sprinkled across the United States and serve as havens for not only wildlife but photographers, too. Jude Allen, a California-based travel and landscape photographer, recently took a trip to Washington State’s Olympic National Park for a week of photography. 

Read on as he tells us about his experience shooting in this park and offers tips and tricks for others looking to visit.

Throughout my career, I've had the pleasure of capturing breathtaking landscapes in numerous destinations worldwide. 

Recently, I embarked on a journey with some close friends, where I sought to explore a new terrain — one that I had seen only through the lens of others. After much contemplation, we decided on visiting the magnificent Olympic National Park in Washington, renowned for its enchanting forests and awe-inspiring vistas.

For this particular trip, I anticipated capturing a broad range of subjects, including expansive landscapes and distant details. With that in mind, I opted to bring along my trusty Sony A1, which affords me the flexibility to crop my images while still retaining the benefits of its 50-megapixel resolution. 

In my camera bag, I packed an array of lenses to ensure I was well-prepared for the diverse scenes that the park had to offer. These included the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM, 24-70mm f/2.8, 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS, and 85mm f/1.8. With a range of focal lengths at my disposal, I could adapt to the changing conditions and capture the essence of each location I encountered.

The highlight of my journey was hiking through the Hoh Rainforest, which felt like stepping into a fairy tale. The lush, moss-covered trees and storybook scenery provided numerous opportunities for capturing both stunning landscapes and intricate details. The Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 lens was especially useful for capturing the expansive rainforest while the 85mm f/1.8 allowed me to focus on smaller details.

Another memorable moment was photographing the sunset at Rialto Beach. The combination of the dramatic coastline, crashing waves, and vibrant sunset created a breathtaking backdrop for my photography. I used the Sony 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens to capture the distant rock formations and the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 for the foreground details.

At the start of our trip, stormy weather forced us to camp inland for a few days. Despite the setback, we made the best of it and camped at Frenchman Coulee. The rugged terrain and geological formations offered new opportunities to capture the beauty of nature. This experience reminded us of the importance of adaptability in the face of adversity. Our time there was nothing short of epic and left us feeling inspired by the journey we had begun.

Here are some simple tips for photographing Olympic National Park:

• Plan ahead by researching the best locations and times to visit the park.

• Bring the right gear, including a variety of lenses, a sturdy tripod, and a polarizing filter.

• Be prepared for unpredictable weather and dress appropriately.

• Look for unique angles and compositions to showcase the park's natural beauty.

• Experiment with different lighting and settings to capture the mood of the scene.

Always have a few different options or backup plans as weather and events that arise can change a lot.

Remember to also enjoy the scenery and take a break from shooting. I feel more peaceful, inspired, and creative when I live in the moment. Thanks for the support and I hope to see you out there.

Thanks, Jude, for this showcase of Olympic National Park. Read more guides at the MPB Content Hub.