This week we had the pleasure of interviewing our friend Steff. Steff is an avid hiker and skilled photographer who captures incredible shots in the Adirondacks. Steff gives some valuable insight about getting started with photography and some of her favorite spots in the Adirondacks to shoot.

Big thanks to Steff for allowing Perfect Hike to tell a little bit of her story! Enjoy!

Background:

Where are you from? Did you grow up in or near the Adirondacks? How long have you been here?

I’m from Amsterdam, NY and I’ve lived here most of my life. Technically, I’m only 16 miles or so from the southern tip of the Adirondacks.

When did you begin hiking? How long have you been hiking?

My family’s vacations usually revolved around camping so we did the associated hiking with that. I can’t say that I was a happy hiker though. My father and brother would always be way up ahead and I would do the typical “catch up” when they stopped to rest. Then they would promptly leave me in the dust again. I decided hiking wasn’t for me. I got back into it years ago by taking some REI Adventure trips out west.

Where can our readers find you online? Instagram, YouTube, website, etc.

I have a website at steffophotography.com and can be found on Instagram @steffophotography. I’m not terribly witty with my naming conventions.

Interview Questions:

What was the most recent hike you did in the Adirondacks? How often do you hike in the Adirondacks?

I just did Severance Mt. in Schroon Lake. I’m not very familiar with that section of the Adirondacks but hope to explore the Pharaoh Lake area more at some point. I’ve also been walking some of the Northville – Lake Placid Trail in Wells.

When did you get into photography? How long have you been doing it?

Way back when the Kodak 126 camera was state of the art so I’ll let everyone else do the math. It was also something my father did so I guess I just followed in his footsteps.

What camera(s) do you use? Which is your favorite?

I recently upgraded to a Canon 5D Mark IV from a Canon 6D that I had beaten the heck out of. I think I almost prefer the 6D better because it was a bit smaller. I use my phone a lot too, a Pixel 2. Sometimes I just like to walk a trail with my phone when I’m not in the mood for the bulk of a DSLR.

What’s the best advice you could give to an amateur photographer looking to improve?

Well, let me just say that I’m still an amateur photographer looking to improve. LOL. I follow a couple of professional photographers who I find are really good teachers and can break things down in a way that I can understand – Scott Kelby and Scott Bourne. My personal advice is don’t be afraid to experiment; digital photography gives us the freedom to try things at no cost.

And this is where I’ll preach a little bit about ethical photography. I belong to an organization called Nature First, an alliance of responsible nature photographers. It’s basically a “Leave No Trace” for outdoor photographers – prioritizing the well being of nature over photography. You can find more information at naturefirstphotography.org.

Are you an official 46er? Or an aspiring 46er? If you’re an aspiring 46er, give us an update on where you’re currently at in the challenge. If you’ve already completed the challenge, tell us about it, when did you finish? How long did it take you? Add anything you’d like to tell us your 46er journey!

I am not a 46er and I am not even an aspiring 46er! I’m not the strongest hiker/climber in the world and I know I’d be miserable on many of those hikes. I’ve done a few 46ers and there are a few more I’d like to do such as Algonquin, Phelps, Rocky Peak Ridge, and the Wolf Jaws, but for the most part, I’m a low peak/trail hiker.

Out of the 46 High Peaks, which is your favorite and why?

I’d have to say Algonquin, even though I haven’t done it yet. It’s just so imposing in every scene around Lake Placid.

Which peak do you like to photograph the most?

Again, I’ll go with Algonquin. You can catch a peek of it driving up Rt. 73 as you enter the Cascade Lakes area and I think everyone just sighs, “Yup, I’m back in the Adirondacks.” Driving down Loj Road it just draws you in. Watching the alpenglow form on Algonquin, Wright, and Marcy as the sun sets is one of my favorite views.

What’s your favorite hike that is NOT one of the 46 High Peaks and why?

In the High Peaks area, I’d say Mt. Van Hovenberg. It’s a really enjoyable hike that gives you a fantastic view of the high peaks, and the new trail is terrific. Closer to home, Sleeping Beauty in Lake George. It’s a comfortable hike with a great view of the lake and the High Peaks off in the distance. Non-Adirondacky, I’d have to say the South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon. Simply stunning from top to bottom.

What is your favorite snack to pack for a hike?

Monster Trail Mix from Target.

What do you ALWAYS bring with you on a hike?

My dog. She absolutely loves being in the woods. She’s a huge incentive to hit the trail.

What shoes do you wear to hike? Please give brand and style (Trail runners, boots, etc.). We hear this question a lot so we’re always interested in hearing another hikers’ preference!

Currently, my boot of choice is the Asolo Neutron. If I’m walking a trail that I know isn’t ankle challenging such as a carriage road, Salomon Speedcross. And that’s not to say there aren’t 4-5 other pairs of hiking shoes in my collection.

What’s your best advice for someone just starting out hiking?

Ask around and find an easy or moderate trail depending on your abilities. Pay attention to trail markers, bring water and snacks. Know where you’re going; don’t count on your phone to get you there or to get you out. Most of all, explore the forest around you, there’s a lot more to the Adirondacks than summits.

What’s your favorite hiking story? It can be exciting, scary, funny, etc. (This is our favorite question!)

I think my most exciting hikes were the times I bottom hiked the Grand Canyon, staying at Phantom Ranch overnight. Walking down 6-7 miles is surprisingly taxing on your legs, but the incredible scenery every step of the way makes up for it. Starting out the next day in the pitch black at 5:00 AM is kind of creepy, but as the sun rises and the canyon lights up, you know you’re doing something special. Then there’s the next day when you literally can’t bend your legs to go up or down steps…perhaps that’s just my issue.

Outside of hiking, what’s your favorite place to visit in the area? It can be a restaurant, brewery, outdoor store, etc.

If I happen to be staying in Lake Placid and I’m not getting an early start, I love The Breakfast Club for a ridiculously calorie-laden breakfast. In the evening, the Lake Placid Pub & Brewery. And on the drive back home, who can resist a stop at The Mountaineer In Keene Valley?

What do you hope to change in the park’s future? It can be anything, restoration, overcrowding, parking, etc.

So we’ve done a great job with big, shiny things – the Adirondack Welcome Center on the Northway and the new Frontier Town Campground. I hope we (as in the State of New York) can start to pay attention to the behind the scene items the park needs to survive. Increased funding for more Forest Rangers to handle the influx of visitors, informational signs at trailheads (such as the Cascade Mt. cairn sign), better/permanent bathroom facilities and more trail work where necessary. These aren’t things you’ll see in an I Love NY commercial but they’re just as important.

If you could choose one word to describe the Adirondacks, what would you pick and why?

Hmmmm, this is a hard one. Dictionary.com says that “all-encompassing” is one word so I’ll go with that. There’s literally something for everyone across the Adirondacks’ six million acres.