After spending approximately twenty-five years hiking in numerous national, state, and local parks we discovered a universal truth. As a Tater, never ask directions from people in the park. Why? Because they will assume you enjoy walking long distances down trails covered with rocks, tree stumps, slippery roots, and sprinkled with "gifts" from dogs in the middle of the trail. Unlike many nature photographers, most rangers and avid hikers enjoy walking long distances and do not always carry heavy camera equipment when doing so. They are there for a different reason and when giving directions, do not take into consideration the equipment you are carrying (see the ShutterSpudz Hernia Equation).
We humbly offer Tater techniques, directions, descriptions and maps to assist the nature photographer who wants to capture the subjects and landscapes offered in Shenandoah National Park with the least amount of effort. While there are numerous books and maps of the park, even some we highly recommend, they were designed with hikers (not photographers carrying heavy equipment) in mind.
