Recently I went on a three-day, two-night hike to Rila Monastery in Bulgaria. I was trying to travel light with just one bag, but it was too long to be without my camera. So I was faced with a dilemma – do I repack my camera bag and leave out a couple of lenses and a tripod, or do I leave behind a bunch of clothes?

As an avid photographer, I need all my gear with me, you know, just in case. So of course I chose the latter. In the end, I only packed an extra pair of boxers, socks and a t-shirt. For me, leaving behind a couple of lenses was never an option.

I knew I would freeze at night. No matter how many times I go hiking, I always manage to convince myself that if it’s hot during the day it has to be hot at night, and I never pack accordingly. Of course it was freezing. Even wearing everything I brought with me (I tried to use my spare socks as gloves), I barely got a moment’s rest.Between waking and dreaming, I would get up for a walk, thinking that if I moved around I’d eventually warm up.

I was in the middle of the mountains, not a single light could be seen for a hundred miles around, and I knew the stars would be spectacular. Wrapped in a thick blanket, I walked outside. As I looked up to the sky, I realized I only had a few minutes to capture the shot. Quickly, I rushed back inside to grab my camera. Instead of seeing any stars, I saw one of the brightest full moons I’ve ever seen light up a blanket of cloud.

I may not have been able to get any sleep that night, but I shivered contentedly as I looked up at the moon after capturing the shot. For moments like that, despite the cold and lack of sleep, you appreciate the fact that you had your camera with you, because if you don’t, I guarantee you’ll wish you did.