Tips for photographing in cold weather
Bundle up, grab your camera, keep warm and have fun shooting. Some of my favorite images are those shot during the winter. These are some helpful hints to keep your gear protected when shooting in the cold.
Tips for Taking Photos in Cold & Snowy Weather:
• The cold can drain batteries quickly, therefore make sure you have a fully charged battery. It may also be a good idea to take an extra battery (or two). If shooting outside for a long period of time, keep a spare battery in an inner pocket of the coat, or pocket of clothing under your coat, to keep it warm.
• Use a lens hood when it's snowing to keep snowflakes off the lens.
• To avoid grey snow use manual mode and overexpose 1/3 stop to begin with. Adjust up to a full stop if necessary. If you aren't comfortable yet with manual mode, use the Snow or Snow/Beach Scene Mode if your camera has Scene Modes.
• Utilize Shutter Priority and set a shutter speed of at least 1/500 of a second to freeze action. Another option for those who aren't comfortable with camera settings yet, is to set the camera to sports mode. This may be a great time however, to ease into using other camera settings.
• Set the White Balance so the snow in photos will look white. A good starting point is around 8000k and if it still looks to blue, go higher. There are times, for an artistic effect, you may want to introduce a color cast into your image.
• Purchase a rain cover to protect the camera and lens from moisture. This is important whether shooting in a snowstorm or just a light flurry. A DIY a rain cover option is to tie a plastic bag around the camera, cutting out a hole for the lens, and place a rubber band around the lens barrel to keep it in place.
• If it is necessary to change a battery or a media card, find a sheltered area in order to avoid snowflakes falling into the camera.
• It is not a good idea to change lenses outdoors unless it is absolutely necessary. Doing so increases the risk of moisture getting into the camera
• To minimize the chance of condensation forming on the lens, the viewfinder window, or within the camera body, when done shooting, place the camera in a camera bag prior to bringing it indoors. This happens when going from a cold temperature to a warm temperature. (This also happens when you go from an air-conditioned building outside into hot and humid temperatures in the summer).
• Dress appropriately for the weather. Whether going hiking for the perfectly undisturbed snow covered area or just go into the yard to take photos of the kids having fun wear appropriate cold weather gear is important. Wear a warm hat, gloves and boots. Many photographers like to use fingerless gloves when they do a lot of shooting, others wear thin gloves while actually using the camera but thicker, warmer gloves or mittens when walking or hiking. It is also advisable to dress in layers.
Share your winter images on my Facebook page, @imagesbytanyalillie
