Have you felt the heat this summer? Photographing in the sun can be a challenge. However, it can be done a lot easier with the right preparation. Here are five of my hot weather photography essentials.
As we head into the dense summer season and the temperatures soar, I find myself, like many photographers, shooting in a place with a warmer climate than usual. The hot weather poses unique challenges: humidity, dust and glare-filled photos, to name a few. These challenges won’t stop you from going out to photograph and can be tackled with proper preparation. However, do not prepare and you may find yourself in a hot, sweaty, uncomfortable state. Here are five camera essentials that I would recommend when shooting in hot climates so you can beat the heat and enjoy summer weather with your camera.
1. Day bag
I’m sure most of us have been in a situation where we’ve packed our bags for a shoot, trying to decide what to bring. I often fall into the trap of carrying all my precautions. While this is manageable in colder climates, having back pain a day later, when the temperature rises, this is a huge error. When shooting outdoors, it’s a bit worse than a heavy bag in hot conditions. You may tire more quickly and sweat uncomfortably quickly in humid environments. I recommend bringing a bag the second day of your travel. I would recommend that it’s smaller and lighter than your main bag while still being comfortable enough for an all-day shoot. I’ve started using the lightweight Regatta backpack. I was given it by a family member who no longer requested it, and it has done excellently so far on my current trip in Indonesia. This particular bag is not designed for cameras. However, since I only put a small amount of the kit inside at once, this doesn’t bother me. It is waterproof and has waist and chest straps, which improves comfort significantly. Let’s say you’re looking for a bag like this. In that case, I’d recommend looking in your local outdoor store or looking into a smaller camera-specific bag if you appreciate the extra protection.
2. Capture the ultimate design
The Capture the ultimate design is my favorite product from Peak Design. If you’re not familiar with it, Capture consists of two main parts, the clip and the base plate. The clamp is a small two-part aluminum clamp with a locking mechanism. The clip can be attached to either bag strap on your camera bag without adding too much weight. The base plate is a small mounting plate that, once connected to your camera via a 3/4 inch screw, can be used to attach your camera to the clip. Peak Design claims the Capture can hold more than 90 kg (200 lbs), more than enough for your daily carry. I recommend this clip or similar in hot climates as it will reduce the stress and friction on your neck when carrying your device by the strap. The camera clip will allow you to hold the camera in your hand without having to hold it at all times. I find that it also helps me take more pictures, as my camera is more accessible for those moments when I want to snap a photo instead of grabbing it from my bag. I find it an invaluable addition to my kit.
3. Rocket Blower and lens cloth
I’ve combined several entries for this because I believe they go hand in hand, especially when it comes to hotter, dustier climates. I almost always carry a good lens cloth in my bag to clean the lens from weird random fingerprints or light rain on the front element of the lens. However, in hot weather, I find it extremely helpful to have a lens cloth to wipe away dust or pollen that may have landed on your device. Plus, using a rocket blower ensures that every tiny speck of dust stays away from your expensive equipment. Using a rocket blower every time you switch lenses is also a good practice to ensure your sensor is free of dust. Two reasonably inexpensive items can often be found in packs and can be crucial on your next adventure.
4. Backup battery
Packing backup batteries may seem obvious to some people. However, we can easily forget to bring some. When shooting in hot climates, you may find that you use more battery than usual. As temperatures rise, your camera may have to work a little harder to operate in warm climates, increasing battery consumption. It’s never good to see the low battery indicator blinking on your camera knowing you don’t have a replacement, especially if you’re shooting! Avoid this by carrying a spare battery for your camera or drone so you can keep it up during the heat.
5. Filter
Filters are another pair of items that we can’t forget in hot weather for a number of reasons. When shooting, the right combination of filters will help you get the best photos in warmer conditions. The first day, UV filter. UV filters are a divisive option in the photography community due to the argument that they can degrade image quality. Even so, I would recommend choosing one specifically for dirtier conditions. It can help relieve the stress caused by excessive dust accumulating on the front component, which may be more common in warmer climates. These are relatively cheap and can save you in an accident. Monday, circular polarizer. They are filters commonly used in automotive photography but are filters that can provide excellent results for all types of photography in sunny conditions. These filters allow you to cut out some unwanted reflections that can be distracting in your image. They will also make your photos look more saturated and alive, which can be useful when shooting in conditions with a lot of glare. Both filters are widely available from a number of different brands.
Summary
Hot and sunny conditions can be a challenge for photography, but with these five items, you’ll have no problem starting that challenge. Get out and enjoy the sun! Don’t forget to take care of yourself, apply sunscreen, wear a hat and stay hydrated.
