Today were going to take a look at what exactly it is that each photographer needs to keep not only them safe but there camera gear safe as well.
As I’m sure you can guess by now this is not the spf 80 kind of protection were talking about here. Im talking about something much more substantial and quite frankly isn’t usually on the mind of most people that take to the sidelines each weekend.
Inevitability though it happens; your sitting there enjoying the football game, blasting off burst shots at 10 frames a second and something hits you… Literally!
Nope it’s not a football or a sparsely dressed cheerleader;
it’s a raindrop.
CRAP …..
We have all had that feeling …. You know the one where you start to tingle and think about putting the camera away or pounding out a few more shots. Technically it’s called the “fight or flight response” and according to The National Brain conference it’s…
“The sub cortical arousal system (Thalamus, hippocampus, brainstem and hypothalamus) which mobilizes the body for action. Increasing heart rate, respirator rate and muscle tone”
Medical jargon aside, it’s the point where most people do one of two things:
Put there camera away
OR
Keep Shooting
Now I know what you’re thinking “That’s CRAZY” …. But it’s really not. Think about it, you have diffused, even light and no shadows ….. Hmmm, sounds like prime shooting to me!!
Remember above how we touched on the whole concept of “protection” well here is where that comes in... Before you go off and use your camera mid-storm there are a few things you need to know:
#1 your camera IS NOT WATER-PROOF. Sorry to burst your bubble there but it’s true. Even camera’s like mine with “weather resistant” guards on each of the lens(s) does not ensure that your equipment will not damaged in the event of a sudden downpour.
#2 While highly amusing to other photographers and spectators a like Im sorry to tell you that Duct Tape and grocery bags are for the most part ineffective in keeping rain off your camera and lens they are hardly the proper solution …..
#2 While highly amusing to other photographers and spectators a like Im sorry to tell you that Duct Tape and grocery bags are for the most part ineffective in keeping rain off your camera and lens they are hardly the proper solution …..
#3 If you see/hear lightning STOP shooting and go somewhere safe! I feel foolish saying that but to be honest some people have no idea of the danger that they are putting themselves in. Use your best judgment here folks…
So what do you do ? ? ?
Well to be honest it’s relatively simple. There are several GREAT products out there that are specifically designed to protect your camera and other equipment in the event of unfavorable weather.
Here are a few helpful links and photos that can get you back on to the right track:
Here are a few helpful links and photos that can get you back on to the right track:
Aquatech makes some GREAT rain covers that can be found HERE Here are a few photos of there products to give you a rough idea of what they look like:
Also there is:
ThinkTankPhoto
They have a great product called Hydrophobia™ 300 - 600 This cover is designed for your big primes 300 mm -600 mm
Generally speaking prices range from about $99.00 all the way up to about $300.00 depending on your needs.
I can tell you though with a large degree of confidence that when the time comes and the rain drops are starting to fall I have complete confidence that my equipment will be kept safe and sound in one of the above mentioned products.
Go ahead, give the links a click… you won’t be disappointed.
