South Lake Tahoe with Slickpic's Kevin La Rue

There’s something about Lake Tahoe that makes photographers reach for their widest lenses and their most creative ideas. Maybe it’s the way the mountains meet the water in perfect harmony, or maybe it’s the crisp, high-altitude light that begs to be captured. For Kevin La Rue, it’s all of that—and the chance to put the Platypod Delta and Platypod Traveler to work in one of the most photogenic spots in the American West.

Kevin knows that the magic of travel photography comes from finding fresh angles and being ready for anything. That’s exactly where his Platypod gear shines. The Delta, with its rock-solid base and wide footprint, let him set up in spots where a regular tripod simply wouldn’t fit—right on Tahoe’s rocky shoreline, inches from the water’s edge. The Traveler, ultra-compact yet sturdy, gave him the freedom to explore without feeling weighed down, ready to lock into place whenever the light turned magical.

From silky long exposures of the lake’s mirror-like surface to dynamic low-angle shots that make the boulders in the foreground pop, Kevin’s Tahoe images are proof that smart, lightweight gear can open up creative possibilities you just can’t get with traditional setups.

If you want to see more of Kevin’s work and get inspired for your own travels, check him out on Instagram.

Gear Used:

Pro Tip: When shooting near water, bring a microfiber cloth to keep spray off your lens—and a stable base like the Delta to keep your camera rock steady, even on uneven ground.