Spring break is in full swing here. Some of our friends flew to Colorado to get in some late season skiing (that was before we got 15 inches of fresh snow on Good Friday) while others headed to Florida to escape the winter blues. We just returned from Hawaii where my camera got a serious workout at the beach. Regardless of where you vacation this year it is important to remember some basic tips to ensure your camera doesn’t become a causality while you’re away from home.
COLD CLIMATES
If your family enjoys tearing though fresh powder in cold weather and you pride yourself in capturing the fun on film keep in mind that your lens can fog up and condensation can form on all parts of the camera while you are on the slopes.
When spending an extended amount of time in the cold it’s a good idea to keep your camera as warm as possible–inside a coat pocket or in between your sweater and shirt. Also keep at least one set of spare batteries in your pocket since falling temperatures tend to suck the life out of batteries. Some outdoor photographers don’t insert batteries in their camera until they are ready to take pictures.
Another way to conserve power is to turn off battery-consuming features such as the LCD and continual auto focus until needed.
When the temperature is at or below freezing, try not to breathe directly on your camera as the water droplets from your breath causes condensation that can freeze and potentially damage your equipment.
Finally, when bringing your camera indoors after a day of shooting in the elements it’s critical to give it time to acclimate to room temperature. Place your camera in an unheated room for about 30 minutes before bringing it into a heated portion of the building. It’s also a good idea to place your camera in a camera bag to help minimize condensation.
In my next blog I will provide tips on how to protect your camera in warmer climates.
Related Articles:
What to do if Your Camera Gets Wet
Why Camera Buffs Should Invest in Silica Gel
Protecting Your Camera From Mother Nature
Tips to Consider Before Taking Your Camera to the Beach
More Tips to Keep Your Camera Safe at the Beach
More Tips for Winter Photo Shoots
Preparing for a Winter Photo Shoot