5 Tips to Winter-Proof Your Photography

Snow covers Flag Pole Hill Park in a layer of white during Christmas in Dallas, Texas, on December 25, 2012.  (Stan Olszewski/The Dallas Morning News)

It's cold, it's raining, and in some places it's snowing.  Winter is in full swing but that doesn't mean you have to put the cameras away and hide indoors.  Rain and snow can add an extra element to your photos, helping make them more interesting, compelling, or beautiful.  Not to mention, braving the sub-par weather and coming home with great images is fun!

Follow these 5 tips to Winter-proof your photography and you'll be having fun and creating better rainy day images in no time.  See the list after the break.

1.  Winterize your wardrobe – Head, shoulders, knees, and toes!  Well, not quite, but just as you need the proper equipment to photograph football, you need to wear the proper attire to handle the winter.  The only way to making great images in the winter is by staying warm, dry, and comfortable.  Here are some of my favorite winter clothes while shooting in the winter:
– First Ascent Downlight Jacket for warmth,
– First Ascent hard or soft shell for rain and wind protection,
– Freehands gloves,
– Merino wool socks and hiking boots.

Lauren Parnell, 9, left, and Ella Sweeney, 6, climb to the top of the hill for another sled run at Flag Pole Hill Park in Dallas, Texas, on December 25, 2012.  (Stan Olszewski/The Dallas Morning News)

2.  Carry spare batteries – While your DSLR batteries may last 800 frames during normal shooting scenarios, cold weather significantly cuts down battery life.  Carry a few spares and switch them out when necessary.

Quick Tip: Keep your spare batteries in you jacket pocket or with hand warmers.  If you're out in the cold for a long period of time, you can rotate batteries and experience little-to-no issues in shooting time.

3.  Protect your gear – Snow is not much of a problem but rain is.  Whether you are planning on going out into the rain or just getting caught in a storm, carry a rain cover for your camera and lenses.

If you are planning on spending a lot of time in the rain, spend a few bucks and get a Think Tank Photo  Rain Cover.  They offer a few models, so pick the one that best fits your needs.

Just want an extra layer of protection in case you get caught in a storm?  These inexpensive rain covers by Op/Tech work well.  The low price tag means you don't have to waste your time messing with trash bags and duct tape.

Lancaster's Jaelyn Carr (21) celebrates in the rain after beating Wichita Falls Rider in double overtime, 26-19, in the Class 4A playoff final at the Justin Northwest High School NISD Stadium in Justin, Texas, on December 14, 2012.  (Stan Olszewski/The Dallas Morning News)

4.  Carry a towel – A compact and lightweight camping towel (shammy) works great for covering your gear from light rain and snow.  You can later use it to dry off your wet gear and your face if the weather changes for the worse.

5.  Shoot from shelter – Don't feel comfortable standing in the rain or being struck by lightning?  Seek shelter and shoot from the window or under an awning.

Even though today's pro-sumer and professional cameras and lenses have various amounts of weather sealing (check your owners manual), it's always a great idea to protect your gear first.  Don't rely on the built-in felt or rubber seals to save your electronics.

Lancaster celebrates in the rain after beating Wichita Falls Rider in double overtime, 26-19, in the Class 4A playoff final at the Justin Northwest High School NISD Stadium in Justin, Texas, on December 14, 2012.  (Stan Olszewski/The Dallas Morning News)

Do you have any tips on winter-proofing your photography?  Please share your tips and recommended products in the comments below!