I recently traveled to The Windy City to visit my good friend! It was snowing that weekend in Chicago, so as a true Louisianan, I was over the moon with excitement about the snowfall.
It was a quick trip in and out of the city but I was able to shoot two sessions while there (in the fresh snow) which I cannot WAIT to share! 🙂
I absolutely love to travel and opportunities like this give me the chance to push myself photographically and see new things.
I wish you guys could have seen me….I had on snow boots, tights, and pants, three layers on top plus a pea coat, scarf, and two hats for my head! I was NOT going to be cold.
My cameras were wrapped in plastic bags and held in an over sized bag that thankfully my friend was there to help me carry!
TIPS FOR SHOOTING IN THE SNOW:
*Wrap Your Cameras in Plastic (the below photos were taken after the snowfall had stopped): Having my cameras wrapped in plastic prevented all wetness from seeping into the gear. It was a huge relief when I realized exactly how wet it would be out there.
*Glove Types: It was SUPER cold. Like more cold than I anticipated. I had two sets of fingerless gloves on and a pair of regular gloves. I was thankful for the fingerless set because I still had protection when I had to take off the regular pair but all three were the perfect combo.
*Bring an Umbrella: I was shooting film, so the umbrella was necessary when swapping rolls. I suppose if you’re shooting digital an umbrella may/may not be necessary.
*Towels are helpful: We also brought along a dry towel for the gear. (And we used the heck out of it.) Keeping the lenses dry were a must and it also helped with the fogging of the lenses.
*Waterproof Bag: Although the snow occasionally would fall into the bag when swapping cameras, having it waterproofed from the outside was very nice! Especially because the bag was heavy and we’d set it down we weren’t having to worry about the interiors soaking up the water.
*Snow Boots: I had nooooo idea how thankful I’d be that I purchased snow boots. The snow shows no mercy and my hands and feet are almost ALWAYS cold. Knowing that I was able to stand wherever I needed to get the shot and not have to worry about my feet getting wet and cold was probably the most satisfying feeling.
*Stay tuned into your clients: Although you may be bundled up and warm, if your client is showing signs of being cold or uncomfortable…pay close attention. No one is going to ask to end the shoot. So once you feel good about what you’ve taken, end the session.
It was much more difficult shooting in the snow than I could have imagined (especially with the wetness of the snow) but it was a fun challenge none the less.
Stay posted for the shoots! And I hope you’re enjoying this holiday season!
Catherine
