Search Results for: blog protecting your camera from mother nature

Taking Your Camera to the Beach… and Using It

Summer is here… a time when millions of families head to the sun, sand, and surf. And along with the sunscreen, water and towels most will tote along their cameras to capture the sun-filled memories of children splashing in waves or building monster sand castles. Only not every shutterbug readily whips out his or her camera in the heat of the moment for fear that the elements (water, sand, etc.) will damage their expensive digital devices. Meanwhile, others simply forget that their cameras are sitting in their beach bags waiting to be used. As you head out on your family … Continue reading →

Choosing an Underwater Camera

In my last blog I revealed that my new goal for 2008 is to experiment with underwater photography. Currently, I do not own an underwater camera so I have been doing research on what type of equipment I will need and how much it will cost me. It didn’t take me long to realize that underwater photography is far from a cheap hobby, though the results seem to make the time, effort and money worth it. If you too are interested in taking beautiful pictures under the sea (or in the deep end of the pool) you are going to … Continue reading →

Have Camera Will Travel Part 2

I know avid photographers who remember to pack their camera cleaner but forget to bring along clean underwear on vacation. In my previous blog I provided a list of some photography essentials you don’t want to leave home without. In this blog I thought it might be helpful to list some shooting reminders that are often overlooked by travelers taking aim in foreign lands. Tip #1—–When you are shooting subjects in foreign countries and you don’t speak the native language, the simple act of smiling, pointing to your camera and then pointing to the subject is enough to communicate that … Continue reading →

Have Camera Will Travel

Most photographers wouldn’t dream of embarking on a vacation without their cameras strapped securely to their necks (or at least tucked away in a sturdy camera carry-on). With the busy summer travel season just a few weeks away I thought this would be a good time to review some basic tips on how to make the most of photo ops while you are on the road. Tip #1—–Pack the Instruction Manual. Modern cameras and their accompanying add-ons often have complex program modes, so always a good idea to pack a copy of the instruction manual in your bag before leaving … Continue reading →

How to Protect Your Camera (From Yourself and Others)

I recently returned from a trip to Hawaii where my camera got in a serious workout snapping shots of everyone (including the dozen or so family member who flew in for our reunion) and everything (including my 3-year-old daughter trying to dangle her baby cousin from my dad’s recliner). My camera also took a beating during one of our trips to the beach and I had serious misgivings about how it would work for the remainder of our trip. Today I took it in to my local camera shop to get it assessed and have the technicians there give it … Continue reading →

More Ways You Can Protect Your Camera While on Vacation

In my previous blog I listed ways you could protect your camera while vacationing in a place with frigid temperatures. This blog is tailored to help those of you who are planning to take your camera to a tropical location. While the weather might be pleasant other elements could prove detrimental to your camera—-if you are not prepared. Before you head off on your island getaway consider purchasing a lens adapter and a skylight filter. Each provides added protection from the elements for both the lens barrel and the lens itself. Also, you’ll want to make sure your camera bag … Continue reading →

Protecting Your Camera While on Vacation

Spring break is in full swing here. Some of our friends flew to Colorado to get in some late season skiing (that was before we got 15 inches of fresh snow on Good Friday) while others headed to Florida to escape the winter blues. We just returned from Hawaii where my camera got a serious workout at the beach. Regardless of where you vacation this year it is important to remember some basic tips to ensure your camera doesn’t become a causality while you’re away from home. COLD CLIMATES If your family enjoys tearing though fresh powder in cold weather … Continue reading →

What to do if Your Camera Gets Wet

It’s a problem most photographers have deal with at one time or another. Whether it’s a minor splash while you are taking photos at the beach or a major soaking when you get caught off guard by a freak summer thunderstorm at some point your camera will come in contact with water. Sure, there are a number of ways you can protect your camera from being drenched, including using a waterproof camera case or covering it with a plastic bag. (You can cut a hole in the front of the bag where the lens protrudes, place the bag around the … Continue reading →

Why Camera Buffs Should Invest in Silica Gel

If you expose your camera to a variety of different elements then you probably have some silica gel in your home. Silica gel acts as a shield of dry air in an enclosed storage area such as a camera bag. It is a blue colored “desiccant” that adsorbs moisture and condensation. You can tell if it is working because it will change color from blue to white or pink. The color change indicates that the gel has absorbed the maximum amount of moisture. The beauty of silica gel is that even when it has absorbed the maximum amount of moisture … Continue reading →

Your Camera and the Elements

Parts of our state just received more than 15 inches of snow today. It’s a far cry from the 85-degree sunny, beautiful days we experienced while on vacation in Hawaii a couple of weeks ago. Luckily, my camera has endured the weather changes like a champ. (In fact, it has probably adjusted better than my body.) Hot, cold, snow, rain… whatever Mother Nature is doling out should never prevent you from capturing images with your camera (digital or otherwise). However, if you plan to venture out into the elements it is a good idea to take extra measures to protect … Continue reading →