Tips for cold weather photography

Dear Reader

Please note that this particular post does not contain original material, source: Cold Weather Shooting

In weather like we're having in the UK currently, with frequently sub zero temperatures, I find myself trying to revise (hence the lack of recent posts) whilst combating a serene urge to go and to take pictures.

please note however that the cold weather itself presents unique challenges to the photographer, the following is a list of tips found on the national geographic website (link above).  National Geographic is a website littered with tips for the enthusiast photographer which can make a good scene into a great one.

Cold weather photography tips:

• Batteries- Batteries drain significantly faster in cold weather, ensure that whenever possible you carry an extra.  In order to prolong the longevity of any batteries a genuinely good tip is to keep it warm by keeping it closer to your body, this applies to any conditions and not just for cold weather
• Change lenses as infrequently as possible- I'm not a huge fan of "superzoom" lenses on any of my camera bodies. but introducing moisture to the inside of your camera body is inevitable when changing lenses outdoors in cold conditions (especially if its snowing) and is never good news. ensure either that your prime lens is versatile enough for the type of photography you would like to do, or that you can zoom with your feet, or equip yourself with a range with a high zoom ratio to ensure that you don't miss a moment but also don't put your camera at risk.
• Warming up- Warming your expensive camera equipment up too quickly can result in damage by condensation.  bring a plastic bag with you which you are able to seal and ensure that you stow your camera in the coldest possible place on first going back inside so that your camera can thaw gradually.
• use rain covers (if available) when under heavy snow
• fingerless gloves- aside from being a suave fashion accessory fingerless gloves ensure that the main part of your hand remains sufficiently warm whilst you can still access your camera controls as necessary.
• microfibre wipe- previously when shooting in snowy conditions I have found the front element of my lens becomes greasy very quickly which is very destructive for image quality, and can be the ruin of any long exposure type night photography.  bring lens wipes with you to keep the front element clean

That's all for today folks.  English weather isn't too adverse that you can't take excellent pictures provided you take appropriate precautions.