It's Beginning to look a lot like...Time to get Holiday Shots!

Good Morning and Welcome to another Terrific Tuesday!

Yes, it is getting close to that time of the year, the chill is in the air, powdery stuff coming down in some northern states (Sorry, I live in Texas!), and with that comes the time to start taking images that we have to wait several seasons to take.

So, it is nice and cold, get out there anyway and take some images!  With the weather changing almost daily, we will have opportunities to take images of snow, different types of landscapes, ice sculptures, loved one in the snow, snow fights, etc...  This is the time of the year to go bananas and get outside to see the challenges that the season might present to us.  Don't forget the Christmas lights, decorations, as some people like to indulge in the planning, preparation and setting up of decorating lights, but remember if you take images of personal properties, ask for permission.  Once you get the permission, go ahead and take the images and share them with the owner, there you go, a Christmas gift that they will enjoy!  This week is also Thanksgiving, a time for reflection for some, football for others, but always picture opportunities for photographers, have at it and have some fun!

Before you go out, there are some things that you need to remember:

1.  Check your camera, read the manual and check the temperature limits!  Some cameras are sensitive and will not work efficiently on certain lower temperatures.
2.  Protect your equipment from the cold and the moisture.
3.  Protect yourself from the cold and moisture.
4.  Check weather forecast, check your vehicle, always be safe!
5.  Have fun, fun, fun!

So go ahead and start taking images out there in the cold weather, show us the beautiful areas that surround and inspire your wonderful winter wonderland images.

Take the images while you can, every season is going to be different.  As a photographer we are challenged and inspired to practice, and doing it in the snow provide different challenges.

Have fun and until next time, this is your Tuesday Ambassador wishing you a great Thanksgiving and a fantastic holiday season!

Cold Weather is Coming; Protect your Camera!

 

Good morning and welcome to another Terrific Tuesday!

Last week the temperature in Texas dropped to the 40’s several nights throughout the week, which I think is great because it gives us a break from the hot weather.  On this particular day I was taking pictures at a part just for fun and after packing my camera bag, I went back home but I forgot to take the bag inside the house after arriving there.  The next morning I went out to get the bag and take some inside images of my family but when I opened the bag and took out the camera, all the lenses were fogged and one of them had condensation drops on the lens!

Did I panicked?  Oh yes, I surely did!

Which brings me down to today’s topic of protecting your camera from cold weather.   

http://www.photographymad.com/pages/view/how-to-protect-your-digital-camera-in-cold-weather

We all like to take images out in the cold weather, the snow, ice and the landscape is different and it gives us the opportunity for great images.  However, we need to remember that most of our DSLR cameras are geared to work in moderate temperatures and drastic changes in weather conditions and temperatures can affect them and even damage them permanently.  So, if you like the cold weather and like to be out there taking images, here are some tips and reminders about the cold weather and your camera equipment.

1.    Take spare batteries, they also get affected by changes in temperature.

2.    Protect your camera from condensation, let it adjust to temperature changes by leaving it in an environment that is somewhat in between from your house and where you are planning to go.  Put your camera in a zip lock bag and keep some silica gel bags in your camera bag to absorb moisture.

3.    Provide some padding for all the equipment.

4.    Stay warm and be sure to dress appropriately to the weather conditions.

Check out this article that talks a little more about protecting your camera and equipment:

 http://www.photographymad.com/pages/view/how-to-protect-your-digital-camera-in-cold-weather

 There are other suggestions and several sites that will give you some information about protecting yourself and your equipment, here is another one for your reading pleasure:

http://www.adorama.com/alc/0008151/article/Winter-photography-tips

Well, that is all I have for now, just remember to be careful out there, not only protect your equipment but also protect yourself and your vehicle, you want to come back to download those images!

Until later, this is your Tuesday Ambassador!