LOCALadk Magazine

The view outside my office window confirms that 2014's spectacular fall foliage season is a distant memory. But this doesn't mean that the outdoor photography season must come to an end. In a few weeks winter will embrace the Adirondack Park, bringing with it average low temperatures in the single digits. While winter and its frigid temperatures present photographers with many unique challenges, if properly prepared, it can also be one of the most exhilarating seasons for photographers. The opportunities are limitless: snow covered landscapes, macro and close-up images of ice patterns and formations on windows, streams and rocks. Also, action images of dog sled races, pond hockey tournaments, skiing...well you get the point. In this issue I'll share with you some tips on staying warm and safe, as well as specific equipment requirements that will make winter photography truly rewarding and enjoyable. Keeping oneself comfortable is of paramount importance as nothing will thwart your ability to capture quality images quicker than being miserably cold. One of the most important keys to staying warm in winter, and one that is often overlooked, is staying hydrated. The amount of moisture your body loses just from breathing in the cold can be substantial. Dehydration affects your body's ability to regulate its core temperature. The first areas to feel its chilling effects will be your hands and feet. Secondly, keeping your body sufficiently fueled throughout the day is also very important. Snacks containing a good balance of fats, carbohydrates, and protein are best. My favorite is a peanut butter, banana, and honey sandwich on multigrain bread. Similar to winter hiking requirements, dressing in layers with clothing designed to wick moisture away from your skin is critical. Having the ability to add or remove layers will allow you to regulate your core body temperature and avoid overheating. If you work up a sweat and stop to photograph, this moisture will quickly cool and sap your body of warmth. I always wear a Gore-Tex jacket with full-length pit zips (these are zippers on both sides of the jacket that run from somewhere around the rib cage to the armpit and down to the elbow) and Gore-Tex pants with full-length zippers. These openings help regulate my body's temperature, thereby keeping sweat to a minimum. This outer layer protects me from the elements and also gives me the flexibility to kneel or lay in the snow while setting up a shot, without worrying about getting wet. I also wear a pair of warm waterproof gloves that attach to my wrists. This allows me to quickly take them off or put them on, keeping moisture buildup to a minimum. Be mindful that, whether you are photographing landscapes, wildlife, or action sports, youre likely to spend many hours standing around in the elements. For this reason my pack always contains the following articles of clothing: a hooded down jacket (rated to -30 degrees), a wind stopper hat, a balaclava, an extra thermal shirt, heavy wool socks and, lighter gloves that will keep my hands relatively warm while allowing me to safely handle my camera equipment. I also stash hand warmers in my pack, for those days when gloves just are not enough. Full winter gear is a must when hiking in the Adirondacks. This typically includes snowshoes or skis, and crampons. If you plan on going into the mountains, I would recommend snowshoes with an aggressive crampon. If skiing, cross country skis with metal edges or Ready for a day of winter photography: [A] Insulation layer, gloves, headlamp, hat [B] Sturdy tripod & towel [C] Shower caps/ reusable camera covers [D] Loupe, lens cloth, hand warmers, ground cloth [E] Gore-Tex / Waterproof beathable outer layer [F] Crampons or micro spikes are a must [G] Bacpack for camera gear and the days supplies, including snowshoes Preparing To Photograph In Winter Text and Photos By John DiGiacomo of Placid Times Photography LOCALadk A F E B C D 42 Winter 2014

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