Photography gear care guide for winter shoots
People usually see the glamorous part of photography, but never the parts where photographers care, clean, and repair their gear. During winter when conditions are harsh for many materials and surfaces, cameras, lenses, and other photography gear pieces might need a little more care than usual. New York City-based photography Evan Dombroski shares a few tips on keeping gear pristine throughout the cold season.
Make sure to pack photography gear such as cameras, lenses, and mounts in a sealable bag. A weatherproof bag with a seal can keep gear pieces safe from freezing. In addition, it prevents moisture to penetrate the bag and the items inside it. Be sure to seal out the freezing air before placing the camera body, lenses, and mounts inside.
Invest in excellent accessories such as an all-weather camera bag and a sturdy tripod. These are necessary protection and add-ons to a vulnerable piece of hardware such as an expensive camera. Toss in an air blower to blow out any snow from the camera and the lenses after a shoot. Leaving gear pieces untouched after a chilly shoot is a recipe for disaster. Avoid wiping the snow off using cloth or fingers as this could melt the ice and allow water to seep into the gear piece.
Evan Dombroski reminds his readers to wear winter-ready clothes during shoots in the snow. It’s important for photographers to keep themselves from freezing during winter shoots as their noses and brows can catch the metal frame of the camera which can cause frostbite.
