Winter is definitely here to stay for a while longer, and if you’re in the northeast like me, that means short days and cold temperatures. But it certainly doesn’t have to mean the end of photography for the season! Of course there’s the obvious alternative of shooting indoors, which we’ll discuss a bit later – but for starters, let’s stick to the outdoors.
Winter photography is one of those things that seems to frighten people for reasons that usually cannot be articulated well. There’s some vague concern for person and gear that is, in reality, unfounded. Actually, electionics prefer cooler temperatures, in terms of operating performance. Using your camera outside won’t harm it, so long as you keep in mind a few simple tricks.
First, the cold will drain batteries quicker. Keep spares with you and keep them in pockets, close to the body, so they stay warm. Most times, a “dead” battery, when warmed, will still have power left in it and can be reused to an extent.
Second, things kept out in the cold get, well, cold. Seems like a no-brainer, until you bring your cold-soaked SLR inside again, and watch condensation form all over it. Condensation, of course, is bad for electronics, as it has the potential to short them out. If you take a camera bag out with you, put the camera away and zip it up before coming inside – then leave it zipped shut for several hours before removing the camera. Or better yet, get some 1-gallon Ziplock freezer bags; when you’re don shooting, zipper your camera into one outside, and leave it zipped for several hours. In either case, the air trapped in the bag along with your camera will slowly warm to room temperature, and any condensation that forms will be on the outside of the bag, protecting your gear (ANY gear will condense if brought from cold to warm, so be sure to protect your lenses, memory cards, flashes, etc.).
Third, don’t let the camera do all the thinking for you. I try to stress this point no matter what season or type of shooting I’m talking about – cameras are programmed to average everything and most of the time, you don’t really want an average! In the case of snow in sunshine, the camera will meter and give you a “properly exposed” photo where the snow is bland and dark, because it wants to make everything 18% gray. For a photo where the snow actually looks like snow, overexpose by at least 1 full stop.
Forth, some common-sense reminders; sunny days with fluffy blankets of snow o’er the land are lovely, but there’s a harsher beauty to be had on days when the snow is still falling. As we mentioned in number two, cameras do not like water and only the high-end models are weather-proof. Snow collecting on the top of bodies and lenses has a nasty habit of melting and trickling inside, where it isn’t wanted. Just as bad is flying snow that manages to land on a sensor/mirror during a lens change. Protect your gear! At the very least, turn your back to the wind and change lenses quickly right against your chest, where there is some protection. If that still isn’t enough, try doing it inside your winter coat (body facing down, always, to keep stuff from falling in on the sensor).
And finally, make sure that you keep yourself warm! Shooting while shivering isn’t conducive to good images and certainly isn’t any fun. Gloves can be tricky, as they make it hard to handle the camera controls; find a pair that works for you. The pocket & hand warmers found at most sporting goods stores are an excellent way to help fight the chill. And a good pair of boots is well worth the investment, both to keep your feet warm and to provide traction.
Winter shooting offers scenes that can only be found a few months of the year – be sure to make the most of it!
