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Thu, Sep 26, 24
How to Take Care of Your Camera in Cold Weather
From snow-covered trees and landscapes, to winter sports and snowmen with carrot noses, winter provides an endless number of photography opportunities. Despite the sub-zero temperatures that come with photographing snow scenes, winter is one of photographers’ favorite times to capture stunning photos. However, cold winter weather offers unique challenges to photographers other than just cold fingers! If you don’t prepare ahead of time for the cold and icy conditions, you can actually damage your camera. Here are the tips you need to know to help protect your camera from the snow and the cold this winter.
Carry Spare Batteries
The part of your camera that will be most affected by the cold will be the battery. To avoid being caught out in the cold without power, take at least one spare battery along in your camera bag. When you change the batteries out in the field, place the used battery in the same pocket so it can start warming up. Once some time passes, this battery will be ready to use again. Another option to consider is using an additional battery grip. To make your batteries last a little longer when shooting in blistering cold conditions, turn off any features you don’t need on your camera. Features like the LCD screen, flash and auto focus will drain unnecessary power from your battery. Remember to turn your camera off when you’re not shooting.
Use a Padded Bag
The bitter cold will make the glass and plastic, basically your entire camera, more brittle. A padded camera bag or backpack like the Deco Gear Photo Camera Sling Backpack from Beachcamera.com will help you avoid catastrophe! A padded camera bag will cushion the fall if you slip on the ice and drop your gear. Keep your camera and lenses tucked safely in the camera bag until you are ready to shoot your winter scenes. Don’t forget to use your neck or wrist strap at all times for extra security.
Keep the Snow Away
Newer DSLRs, and the gear that accompanies them, will function well in wintry conditions. However, you want to do your best to keep your camera gear as dry as possible when shooting outdoors in the elements. Keep your lens hood attached to your camera as much as possible. When you’re not actively shooting, point your camera away from blowing snow so the snow won’t accumulate on the lens. If snow still manages to get on the lens, use your lens brush to remove it.
Make no mistake, photographing in the cold can be challenging. With a few precautions like these, you will be able to take breathtaking images without damaging your camera.
Carry Spare Batteries
The part of your camera that will be most affected by the cold will be the battery. To avoid being caught out in the cold without power, take at least one spare battery along in your camera bag. When you change the batteries out in the field, place the used battery in the same pocket so it can start warming up. Once some time passes, this battery will be ready to use again. Another option to consider is using an additional battery grip. To make your batteries last a little longer when shooting in blistering cold conditions, turn off any features you don’t need on your camera. Features like the LCD screen, flash and auto focus will drain unnecessary power from your battery. Remember to turn your camera off when you’re not shooting.
Use a Padded Bag
The bitter cold will make the glass and plastic, basically your entire camera, more brittle. A padded camera bag or backpack like the Deco Gear Photo Camera Sling Backpack from Beachcamera.com will help you avoid catastrophe! A padded camera bag will cushion the fall if you slip on the ice and drop your gear. Keep your camera and lenses tucked safely in the camera bag until you are ready to shoot your winter scenes. Don’t forget to use your neck or wrist strap at all times for extra security.
Keep the Snow Away
Newer DSLRs, and the gear that accompanies them, will function well in wintry conditions. However, you want to do your best to keep your camera gear as dry as possible when shooting outdoors in the elements. Keep your lens hood attached to your camera as much as possible. When you’re not actively shooting, point your camera away from blowing snow so the snow won’t accumulate on the lens. If snow still manages to get on the lens, use your lens brush to remove it.
Make no mistake, photographing in the cold can be challenging. With a few precautions like these, you will be able to take breathtaking images without damaging your camera.
