January’s weather in West Michigan has reputation for being quite dreary – dark, cloudy and cold. It’s not the kind of weather that inspires me to pick up a camera to capture the moment. In fact, it’s the kind of weather that encourages me to plant myself indoors and sip on piping hot coffee.

Yet by the second week of January I had already sipped a winter’s worth of coffee. It was time that I move from my comfortable lounge chair and face the outdoors no matter what the weather.

I grabbed a simple point-and-shoot camera, donned my scarf and heavy coat, opened the door and carefully waded into the snow and 15 degree blowing wind. But I was on the lookout for photographic possibilities.

When the sun fails to shine you have to use whatever light is available to make your pictures shine. Look to the left, look to the right, look for the untouched, look for the obvious. There’s plenty of possibilities no matter what direction if you let your imagination wander.

These pictures were all taken with less than stellar lighting.

Yes, it’s true that the winter may hide the sun. But you can beat the blahs by showing up outdoors – if only for a few minutes at a time. And don’t leave your camera behind – there’s gold(en opportunities) in that snow!

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Written by Arnie Lee

The cold weather of winter is now upon us here in the upper midwest, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be plenty of opportunities for wonderful photographs. What it does mean, however, is that you’ll need to take extra care of your camera when you’re out in the cold. This is true for both digital SLRs and point-and-shoots.

Snow scenes require special care for your camera

You can help your camera stay warm as possible by keeping it under your coat. This will not only help it keep warm but will also protect it from the elements. The same is true for an external flash unit if you’re using one.

Another precaution against the cold is to bring spare batteries with you when you go outside. The batteries in your camera are likely to lose power faster at lower temperatures even if you’re not using the camera. Therefore, carry at least one extra set of batteries in your coat pocket where your body heat will keep them warm. Then, if your camera or flash batteries begin to fail, you can insert warm fresh batteries.

Condensation may be a problem you’ll have when you come inside from the winter cold. You’ve probably seen condensation on a glass of icy lemonade on a hot summer day. Your camera, especially the lens, is affected the same way when you bring it inside from the cold. The moisture from the warm air inside condenses on the cold surfaces of not only the lens, which can become completely covered, but also on the camera.

You can prevent condensation by wrapping the camera in a plastic bag or newspaper until it slowly reaches room temperature. The moisture will settle on the outside of the newspaper or bag and not on the camera. An even better idea is to place the bag on the camera while you’re still outside before you bring the camera inside.

Don’t use the camera if you notice that condensation has occurred. Instead, remove batteries and memory card and leave the compartments open until everything dries out. Don’t use the camera or take it back out in the cold until the condensation has disappeared.

So by dressing appropriately and properly caring for your camera, you’ll be taking great photographs in the cold of winter.

Dress appropriately and enjoy the fun of winter photography

Written by Scott Slaughter

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