The Black Dog’s PhotoBlog

Cattails in Winter Snow

The Benefits
We can’t have a decision on long-term projects without also including some fun, now can we? After all if there are no benefits, why bother?

One of the most obvious benefits is that you’ve taken on that challenge and accomplished what you’ve set your mind to finish. Also, the motivation that comes from knowing there is a purpose behind what you’re shooting.

Who wouldn’t like seeing their work being displayed at an Art Gallery or in book form? This would also give you that great since of accomplishment besides possibly making some cold hard cash.

It’s good to have something to do when other work is slow. Really helps to keep that photographer in you moving and maybe even trying some new things.

Good luck! I’d love to hear about your long-term photography projects.

Here’s links to the rest of this discussion in case you missed it.
Part 1 – Not for Everyone
Part 2 - A Theme
Part 3 - Your Goals and Message
Part 4 - Funding & Budgeting

Damn it’s cold out there today with a -26° air temperature and -35° for the wind chill as I type. Our high temperature is predicted at a -5° for today. I guess for Minnesota it’s normal this time of year. To me, it’s still damn cold.

From a photographer’s stand it can help produce some outstanding nature photographs. Like those of Icebergs. Something about that crystal clear air.

A few of my tips for shooting in these types of temps.
1. Make sure you’re dressed appropriately. Cover any and all skin that you can. I always keep a scarf over my mouth and nose or ware a ski mask. I’ve found that breathing on my camera produces condensation on the viewfinder. Then I can’t see what I’m trying to make a photograph of – that’s no good.
2. Warm your camera slowly after shooting in the cold so as not to get condensation on the lens and interior parts. What I do is put my camera in my camera bag while I’m still outside. I will then set my camera bag in our unheated garage for about an hour before bringing it inside. Once inside, I let it sit for a few hours (1-3) in the bag before taking it out. Once out of the bag I will let my camera sit for another ½ hour or so before turning it on and uploading any shots to my computer. I’ve also heard but haven’t tried that wrapping your digital camera in a plastic bag while outside and then bringing inside works the same way.
3. Bring extra batteries and keep spare batteries warm in an inside pocket. The batteries don’t last as long in this kind of cold. So I usually bring a few extras.

Feel free to add your helpful tips & tricks for photographing in cold weather.

Yes, this is from one of those famous “drive by shootings”. On Sunday, hubby and I were driving around when I spied this remains of a tree. I had my camera with and asked my husband to go back so I could make a photo. It’s funny and yet ironic how the holes drilled into it by a woodpecker form the face of a ghost. I had to shoot it, I couldn’t resist.