Solutions for Photographing in Cold Weather

As wintertime approaches and temperatures begin to drop, certain precautions and preparations should be taken in to improve your photographing experience during this most beautiful time of the year. Wintertime provides a unique opportunity to photograph your surroundings, either nearby or whilst traveling, in a manner unlike any other time of the year.
The quality of light and activities taking place during this season are undeniably special, as are the weather-related conditions that bring an extra challenge to your everyday shooting. Unlike photographing during milder times of the year, the weather in the winter can have a dramatic effect on the performance and ability of the equipment you use. Stemming from the decrease in temperature to the increase in moisture (snow), the elements are at their proverbial peak during this time of year and can all wreak havoc with your normal methods of shooting. Ensuring preparedness can benefit your outdoor photo session and mean the difference between truly capturing the pulchritude of the season, versus suffering a frigid technological breakdown.

How the Cold Affects Your Camera

Just as any other battery-reliant electronic device suffers in the cold, cameras, and especially their batteries, perform at less than full capacity in low temperatures. Batteries suffer in the cold because the chemical reaction that occurs to provide power is slowed down in colder temperatures. This affects the overall output, because they will lose capacity more quickly due to the fact they are not able to facilitate the production of energy, once their process has been slowed down too much. The best way to work within this constraint is to carry backup batteries in an inside coat pocket while shooting in the cold. By having fresh, warm batteries available you will be able to quickly switch batteries as they lose power at a faster rate, due to the low temperature. Once a depleted battery is brought back to room temperature, it should function regularly again.

"The quality of light and activities taking place during this season are undeniably special, as are the weather-related conditions that bring an extra challenge to your everyday shooting."