Winter photography is a little more challenging than summer shooting, not just in terms of picture-taking technique.
Beautiful photograph of children sledging
Both you and your camera will need protection from the elements as water and electronics really don’t mix.
It’s likely that your camera will be able to shrug off the odd raindrop easily enough, but prolonged exposure to rain or snow can cause water to seep into the switchgear, shorting circuitry and leading to corrosion. Which is not good, obviously.
Protect your gear
To avoid this, keep your camera as dry as possible and, if it does get wet, wipe the casing with a dry cloth as soon as possible. Don’t put a wet camera back in your bag, because warm, humid conditions will only make things worse.
There are a few weatherproof cameras on the market, but in most cases, a little care and protection is all that is needed.
Buying a good case should be a top priority when you buy your camera. Watch out for batteries too. As temperatures fall, so does the performance of cells, and a camera left on a tripod in sub-zero temperatures will soon give up the ghost.
Try keeping your camera in a coat pocket or round your neck, beneath your coat. Batteries don’t last that long in cold weather, so it’s more important than ever to take spares with you. Keep them somewhere warm, either in a trouser pocket or inside your coat.
Essential kit
There is no point heading out on photographic expeditions laden down like an artic explorer but there are some essential pieces of kit that you won’t want to forget.
A tripod is essential for night photos but can also be useful in the daytime. It’s certainly worth using a tripod in high winds or in temperatures cold enough to numb your hands because you could be subject to shake.
You might want to choose a camera bag with space for alot of accessories such as spare memory cards, a spot of food and drink, maps and a mobile phone.
Landscape photography can involve a fair amount of waiting around, so take a flask of hot tea or coffee or, if you’re not driving, a drop of whisky wouldn’t go amiss!
Learn more about taking photographs in challenging conditions on the Diploma in Photography course.
