Filming in Harsh Environments: How to Prepare for Adventure Media
There’s nothing quite like capturing a story where few cameras have ever gone—whether it’s the frozen expanse of the Arctic, the parched silence of a desert canyon, or the humid chaos of a tropical jungle. These environments are as demanding as they are breathtaking. Over the years, I’ve learned—sometimes the hard way—that solid preparation is what separates a successful shoot from a complete meltdown. If you’re heading into the wild to film, here’s what experience has taught me about surviving and thriving in extreme environments. 1. Know the Territory: Research First, Shoot Later Before packing a single piece of gear, I dig into research. What’s the local climate like? Will I be dealing with snow, sand, wind, or humidity—or all of them in a single day? When does the sun rise and set? Are there wildlife hazards or terrain dangers? Understanding the rhythm of a place is essential. Know how quickly conditions shift, when weather tends to turn, and what local customs, laws, or per...