Capturing outdoor winter inspiration can be tricky. I have learned to pack a hand warmer and a large self-sealing bag before heading out into brutal temps.
Years ago in Minnesota my camera stopped working. I was shooting in 10 degree temps for just a few minutes when my camera stopped working. The frigid temps were very hard on the battery reducing my shooting speed.
“Six more weeks” (Ellendale,Minnesota) 8″ x 10″ / 20cm x 25cm Acrylic on Canvas by Sandra Mucha
Luckily my Nikon D90 SLR was fine. I managed to photographed a variety of scenes featured now in my playful snowscape paintings.
So, my three biggest tips to winterize your camera are as followed:
1. Be sure to pack a small hand warmer to wrap around the section of the camera that contains the battery. This will help, but I still try to limit my photo shoot based on what I can physically handle as well.
2. Avoid condensation occurring on the camera, and let it accumulate on the outer side of a self sealing bag instead. Place camera inside bag before returning indoors, but not after entering. Moisture will start to accumulate on the camera if place in the bag after entering a warm building.
3. Check your owner’s manual to see the recommended ideal temps for your camera. As a last resort, shoot scenes indoors if you lack the above winterizing gear.
I was lucky and now know how to protect my camera properly the next time.
Happy Holidays!!
-Sandra
Art Exploring Tip # 17: Winterize your Camera.