As public land lovers, creatives, and storytellers, we know the soul-stirring power of wild places. But in recent years—due to federal shutdowns, staffing shortages, and funding gaps—many national parks and public lands have experienced layoffs or temporary closures. Fewer rangers on duty can mean fewer open facilities, less enforcement, and unfortunately, more damage to the fragile landscapes we love and work in.
When systems falter, it’s up to us to rise as stewards. Whether you’re tagging along with clients into the backcountry for an intimate elopement or visiting for personal adventure, our role isn’t just creative—it’s ethical. Here’s how to navigate public land layoffs with respect and responsibility, while educating your couples and leading by example.
📍 Be Prepared When Infrastructure Isn’t
1. Bathrooms May Be Closed
During layoffs or seasonal transitions, bathroom facilities are often locked, un-supplied, or completely closed. Never assume they’ll be available—even if a pit toilet was open last week.
So what should you do?
Carry extra toilet paper in the event that the bathroom is open, but not stocked.
Pack out your waste when necessary. Always carry a wag bag or personal waste disposal system when heading into areas without facilities. If you’re in a place where burying is acceptable, make sure you:
- Dig a cathole 6–8 inches deep (and at least 200 feet away from water, trails, and campsites)
- Use biodegradable toilet paper or pack it out
- Never leave wipes, even if they claim to be compostable
- Avoid peeing on fragile plants or cryptobiotic soil; aim for rocks or gravel if possible
And yes—educate your couples on this ahead of time. It might feel awkward at first, but they’ll thank you later (and the land definitely will).
2. Trails may not be accessible.
There is a higher chance this year less trails will be open due to a lack of funding – for example, all of the trails on the North side of Mt Rainier will be closed until further notice due to the bridge needing to be rebuilt. In other cases, parks may not have the man power to open trails if the road is blocked due to landslides or other impacts.
So what should you do?
As a park visitor, simply go to another location! As a photographer, you may have to do some homework to find different ways to access trails or you may need to plan for backup locations. Plan ahead to scout your elopement locations to see if they are affected in any way.
🧭 Educate Your Clients on Leave No Trace Before the Big Day
LNT isn’t a checklist—it’s a mindset. As photographers, we are often leading the way—literally and figuratively. Our clients look to us not just for epic locations, but for how to engage with those places ethically.
Make it standard in your workflow to brief clients on the 7 Leave No Trace Principles:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
Know the area, pack appropriately, and have a plan for emergencies, weather, and closed facilities. Share gear lists, navigation resources, and trail maps in advance. - Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Stay on established trails and rock surfaces. No shot is worth trampling wildflowers or stepping on cryptobiotic soil crusts. Don’t create new paths. - Dispose of Waste Properly
This includes food scraps, tissues, and yes—human waste. Make it easy by packing extra bags for clients and modeling what responsible looks like. - Leave What You Find
Remind couples not to pick wildflowers, stack rocks, or move natural objects. The desert doesn’t need a “just married” rock formation to celebrate their day. - Minimize Campfire Impacts
Many locations prohibit fires, especially in drought conditions. Know the rules and alternatives like lanterns or candles in approved areas (or skip the flames entirely). - Respect Wildlife
Keep your distance. Don’t feed animals or attempt to “get the shot” at the expense of safety or their natural behavior. - Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Elopements are sacred—but so is someone else’s solo sunrise hike. Encourage low-volume ceremonies, private vows in quieter corners, and being flexible when others pass through a space.
Pro Tip: Create a simple LNT guide PDF or email that clients receive during the planning process. Normalize the conversation early.
You can learn more about Leave No Trace Principals here: https://lnt.org/
⛺ Set the Example, Always
Public lands are more vulnerable than ever. When rangers are stretched thin, our behavior matters even more. Leave every place better than you found it. Pack out trash that isn’t yours. Call out geotagging etiquette. And if you see something harmful—like off-trail damage or drone use in prohibited zones—say something when it’s safe to do so, or report it later.
Park Rangers will be busy this year. Before reaching out to a park ranger, consider whether it’s truly necessary given how busy they are.
As a photographer it is your responsibility to know the local rules and federal laws that pertain to photography on public lands.
Consider your plans – will they be problematic to rangers or the public land?? Try to avoid going to busy/popular locations at peak times.
How being a PLC member can help the parks…
When you join Public Land Creatives, you’re not just investing in your business—you’re investing in the future of our wild places.
Here’s how your membership makes a difference:
- Amplifies Ethical Education: As a PLC member, you gain access to tools, templates, and guides you can use to educate your clients on Leave No Trace, permitting, and conservation—making responsible behavior the norm, not the exception.
- Strengthens Advocacy Power: Membership dues help PLC work with land managers, park staff, and conservation groups to advocate for clearer guidelines, funding, and photographer-inclusive policies that actually protect the land.
- Fosters a Culture of Accountability: Being part of a like-minded community means holding ourselves (and each other) to higher standards. When we share what ethical photography looks like, we shift industry norms toward sustainability.
Being a PLC member isn’t just about access—it’s about impact. Together, we create a ripple effect that reaches far beyond our own work and into the preservation of the places we love most.
Want to take your stewardship a step further?
🔗 Join Public Land Creatives and connect with like-minded photographers, vendors, and educators committed to protecting the spaces we work in.
All photos in this blog were captured by Adventure and Vow.
