Cold Weather Photography

Cold Weather Photography or Winter Photography is always a little tricky for a number of reasons, so if you are planning an outdoor photo shoot during the colder months, a little planning ahead will help you get the best shots and take care of your camera at the same time.

One of my dreams is to take a Winter Photography trip to Yellowstone National Park, but the extreme cold in that part of the country is a little daunting for this southern girl, but how I protect my camera. I figure I can protect me, but after my first experience with a dead battery, I really needed some good solid information on Cold Weather Photography.

Just like your car battery, your camera battery will become less efficient in the cold weather. Photography tips in cold weather: Invest in an extra battery or batteries and carry them in your pocket for switching out when your battery slows down. I remember the first time I was taking photos at an outdoor photo shoot in February, my camera was so slow, and finally died on me and I thought it was broken. No, just a very cold battery and my inexperience.

Keeping your camera tucked inside your coat or pocket will help keep it warm and then you can bring it outside when it's time to take photos.

Photography tips in cold weather: Get some of those little chemical heating packs like hunters or skiers use for your pockets to keep your hands warm and they can help keep your camera warm also. Handling your camera with warmer hands helps and the heat generated from the pocket warmers will also keep your camera warmer.

Wearing gloves or mittens when out in the cold is necessary, however, it also makes working the little buttons on your camera more difficult. I have some great gloves that have little rubber dots on them and they are great for manipulating the buttons on my camera.

Photography tips in cold weather: Trying to take photos on a tripod? When you go to purchase your tripod, remember to get one with a quick release mechanism so you can set your tripod up first, then when it comes time to take that photo, slip your camera from it's cozy spot to the tripod to get your photos.

The big problem is bringing your camera in from the cold and the condensation that can collect on the inside and outside of your camera. I have struggled with this problem particularly with my more expensive camera and never leave my larger cameras or lenses in the car when it's cold outside. But this article put my concerns at ease and now I know just how to handle the camera to avoid the condensation problem.

I have heard mixed ideas on this, so I always try to keep my camera and lenses warm. But in my research for my Yellowstone winter trip, I did find this great article at Ritz Camera from the New York Institute of Photography that I will point you to, so you can read the technical details for your self.

More from the Pros on Cold Weather Photography Tips

I hope these little Cold Weather Photography tips will help you get some great outdoor shots and help to protect your camera equipment as well.

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