Cold locations

Photography in cold locations

I love winter landscapes when there is snow, frost or ice to add to the drama of the scene. I seek out cold locations to take photos, and yet I suffer greatly in the cold, especially when my hands go numb and I can no longer handle my camera correctly. Yet I still do it…Arctic, Antarctic, or Iceland…they draw me in with their white beautiful scenes and icy cold conditions.

Using a weather sealed camera and lenses I do not need to worry about the performance of my gear in such conditions, it is me that has the most problems. The correct technical clothing is vital - winter hiking trousers that are water resistant, thermal base layers, down jackets, the correct footwear (I use Sorel Caribou snow boots in such conditions)…but it the hands that provide the greatest challenge. Heated gloves, down mittens…I have tried them all. What works best for me are the Vallerret Tinden photography gloves worn with glove liners and using disposable hand warmers, which are amazing things, providing nearly 7 hours of warmth. My hands still suffer, despite using the best protection I can find - that is when it is time to head indoors for that warming cup of coffee!