Bring on the snow I say but with that being said and knowing just how much of a klutz I really am-Winter can be just as much of a headache for this photo dude who loves to get out and hike and shoot(that's photograph) things as I see them.
With the woes of winter on many of us & for the photographer who needs to get out & get the right shots in a world of everything winter (including the bone chilling temps,the blizzards & the protection of camera gear)I find it interesting that most folks who endure the season really don't venture out with the right protection for themselves or for their camera gear.
Today's blog will touch base on two things:
protecting your camera gear and getting out and using that gear in extreme
conditions.
When people ask me about photography, the first thing they want to know is "how did you get that shot?" without asking the real question-"what did it take to get that shot?"
Winter in Northwest Montana can be brutal with temps below zero & road conditions being dangerous at best so when you have to get from point A to point B & the only way to get there is by foot then your options are limited & the once easy road of packing camera gear into a remote location just got a lot harder.
Lets take the basics first-Protecting yourself from the elements.
1st off-you need do some homework & study the area your going to venture into-not just from a whats the weather going to be like? but what season is it?
What are the dangers ?
What are the pros carrying with them?
What are the locals saying about the area?
Do you have the right equipment(heavy coats,sweaters,boots,hand/feet warmers/ ect,ect.)
You can never have enough protection simply because you will be facing the elements(rain,snow,ice,wind,bone chilling temps,fog,wildlife) on a outting and no you may not have to deal with a bear on one outting but if it is winter you may be faced with brutal cold air and visibilities at zero or maybe a clear day but you forgot the chap stick or maybe a scarf or face mask to protect you from the cold.
It may seem like a lot but to ensure a great photo shoot you will need to make sure that you have what it takes to be comfortable while dealing with the elements.
Here is a simple list of things to consider when heading out on a winter photo shoot &this really is the basics at least for this photographer:
(of course plan wisely as these are suggestions & the list will change if it is a overnight event or a 2 hour shoot/hike).
.heavy jacket
.long johns or plenty of layers of insulation to keep your legs warm
snow pants or thick pants to reflect the cold
(keep in mind that if it rains your cloths if not water resistant will absorb
the water which will make your efforts even more of a challenge).
thermal shirts/water resistant clothing
face mask/goggles/sunglasses/scarf/hat/stocking cap/ear muffs/ect,ect
all of these are great as the elements can be cruel-nothing worse then getting to your destination & the heavens have dropped rain & snow on you & your gear &
your now soaking wet & freezing & still have to hike back-plan ahead!!
.foot warmers
.toe warmers
.hand warmers
all of these I highly recommend as they have saved my feet & hands from what could of been a bad case of frost bite.
.wool socks
.heavy outdoor socks
.waterproof hiking boots-yup...don't leave home without them as they are great in the spring,summer fall seasons as well.
I don't do a outdoor shoot without them.
Let me stress this one piece of equipment if your going to be hiking on snow &
Stabil-icers or boot enhancers-these are a rubber sole that has little springs or sheet metal screws drilled into the sole of the rubber piece that slips on to the bottom of your boot.I found out the hard way when carrying a $1500 lens-ice is very slippery & even the best hiking boots cannot stand up next to a solid sheet of ice-in this case...mr.camera lens meets the ice coutesty of me falling onto my back-yup it hurt.
Gloves & not just any old pair of gloves-cold weather tested -highly insulated
thick gloves that will keep yer hands warm and even warmer when using hand warmers-this is a must!!!
Sure-a thick beefy pair of gloves is the last thing a photographer wants to wear when out on a shoot but trust me-this will save you a finger or two if not a hand in low temps & with the aid of hand warmers you will be more comfortable knowing that you have some heat.(there are gloves out there that have peel away fingers so you can expose the fingers when shooting-check your local ski fitter or sporting store or online).
.Flashlight!!!(if not for emergencies then how about a lil painting with light?)
of course always have one handy and make sure it works.
.Snow shoes
.umbrella
.blanket(in case your snowed in or lost)
.gps unit(better to know where your at & whats around you)
if wandering into back country-get a permit!!!
.avalanche beacons-a must if your snowshoeing,snow mobiling or hiking out in the back country-Spot makes some great gear-check into it.
Food-take what you can carry & plan for how long your going to be out.
This includes plenty of water!!!!
I take bottled water,somethng for energy & something to naw on while hiking or planning the next shot.
Always prepare!!
these are the basics & it may seem like a lot but we are talking about staying safe/playing smart & not putting yurself into a situation that puts you or someone else into a hospital or even worse.
a great backpack is also essential to carry the important things.
Like I said earlier this sounds like a lot but when you break it all down-you will be wearing most of the gear listed hear and the extra stuff will be in a back pack.
Better safe then sorry
of course the list can go on & get more involved depending on the conditions/locations/elements & the what if's.
Our next blog-Snow Ghosts!!!
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