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06/28/2007 05:47:36 PM · #1 |
Hello
I will be going on vacation soon and I was wondering what I need to do to safely shoot near salt water and wind? Obviously I would have a filter on the lense but anything else I should know?
Also what about shooting in fog, would it be bad for my camera or is there a way?
Thanks |
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06/28/2007 05:49:43 PM · #2 |
Some people would say I'm not the person to ask, but I never shoot with a standard filter (although I use a polarizer a lot for water) just for protection. Sand can be an issue if it's windy. Sometimes using a large gallon ziplock with the lens poking through can help protect the body.
The reality is your camera is tougher than you think...
...but then I have a history with equipment...
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06/28/2007 05:56:36 PM · #3 |
Have shot in fog and even light rain with no issue. Use your lens hood and be ready to wipe the lense off a lot. |
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06/28/2007 06:01:00 PM · #4 |
it's not a saftey issue, more of a tip but...
shoot at sunset! it's the most beautiful light you will see on planet earth for taking pictures. don't just take picutes of the sunset, take pictures of your family, of the scenery, and anything else that reflects the light of sunet. |
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06/28/2007 06:02:07 PM · #5 |
You should be fine, I've shot at the beach dozens of times without any problems, even in 20-30 mph winds.
However I would suggest cleaning the camera/lens good when you get home, you wouldn't want any of the sand/salt getting in your camera.
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06/29/2007 04:44:30 AM · #6 |
I do not think there would be any problem
Just use your common sense
that's all |
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06/29/2007 06:52:54 AM · #7 |
I personally wouldn't take the risk.
I shoot in heavy rain constantly, but sand and salt water are something else entirely, and can permeate almost anything. |
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06/29/2007 07:02:53 AM · #8 |
When shooting at the beach make sure you bring a huge sign that says "HEY STAY OUT OF MY WAY" or "BACK OFF, I'M TAKING PICTURES". Then wear a life vest just incase, along with a flashing tracking device...
No I'm just kidding, you will be fine. Wedding photographers do it all the time. Just make sure that you clean your camera after you leave the beach. Also I wouldn't make it a point to just set it down in the sand but if you do set it down just try putting it on something.
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06/29/2007 07:07:53 AM · #9 |
Originally posted by gi_joe05: it's not a saftey issue, more of a tip but...
shoot at sunset! it's the most beautiful light you will see on planet earth for taking pictures. don't just take picutes of the sunset, take pictures of your family, of the scenery, and anything else that reflects the light of sunet. |
in other words while you're watching the sunset, turn around and enjoy the usually unseen. It's a great tip, the lighting at sunrise and sunset can be awesome.
As far as wiping off your lens, I would recommend blowing it off first in case there is fine sand or salt on it, wiping it first might scratch it. Sure only on a minute scale at first but if you keep doing it it could get very bad. |
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06/29/2007 07:19:38 AM · #10 |
If you have a camera bag and it's windy you will want to clean the sand out of the bag afterwards. |
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06/29/2007 05:18:26 PM · #11 |
I would just recommend wiping the camera and lens down with a slightly damp cloth when you get home - That's only if you think some sea spray etc has gotten onto your gear - Like someone said earlier your camera is tougher than you think - The one thing i always do though is make sure to never change my lens if sand is blowing around. Thats the camera killer!
Camera was fine after this - Just wiped it down!
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06/29/2007 05:21:44 PM · #12 |
Also, use caution when changing lenses at the beach.... so as not to get windy/salty/sandy/moisture into your camera :p
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06/29/2007 05:29:45 PM · #13 |
I shoot at the beach almost every weekend. Common sense will take care of the camera - don't get it wet, etc. When I change lenses I drape a white cloth over the bag and camera and make a little 'clean room' to change lenses in.... or I get into my car. I don't used UV filters, I think they're a waste of money. Lenses these days are well protected from the factory against things like salt spray or condensation.
Enjoy your vacation and don't worry too much about the equipment. Use it, take LOTS of pics and have fun.
Oh, keep that horizon straight! lol :)
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06/29/2007 07:10:38 PM · #14 |
Thanks for all your help, very useful |
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06/29/2007 09:10:42 PM · #15 |
[quote=idnic I don't used UV filters, I think they're a waste of money. Lenses these days are well protected from the factory against things like salt spray or condensation. [/quote]
I have to disagree - They are not just for UV protection but for damage as well - I have had many a prime lens saved due to me walking into a pole or something and scratching a $50 filter on the front of my camera. Just a reminder for their other use!
Jeff
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06/30/2007 01:29:22 AM · #16 |
Originally posted by jblaylockrayner: [quote=idnic I don't used UV filters, I think they're a waste of money. Lenses these days are well protected from the factory against things like salt spray or condensation. |
I have to disagree - They are not just for UV protection but for damage as well - I have had many a prime lens saved due to me walking into a pole or something and scratching a $50 filter on the front of my camera. Just a reminder for their other use!
Jeff [/quote]
That's what your hood is for...
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06/30/2007 02:21:18 AM · #17 |
Things point vertically also.... |
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07/02/2007 12:21:33 PM · #18 |
I love to photograph at the beach in all weather and all times of day. Here's what I've learned:
1. //www.saltwatertides.com/ for low/high tides and sun/moon times. (of course, your vacation may not be on one of these coasts).
2. During high tide, I had my camera bag caught by a wave and out to sea (which I quickly rescued). Put everything in ziplock baggies!
3. Spray on suncreen (Dri-Blok by Banana boat...dries quickly and you won't get it all over your hands or your equipment).
4. Bring small hand towels to lay things out on.
5. Soft makeup brush to get rid of sand which is easier to brush off than wipe off with a towel.
6. Birds/critters/small children love to get into bags. Keep everything zipped up when not in use.
7. Hmmm...I see some discussion about filters. I always shoot with a circular polarizer, but that's just me. For sunrises/sunsets, the exposure is always the hardest part for me...but I don't know how to shoot into infinity and beyond...I'm still learning to "fall with style."
Have fun and do post your photos when you get back!!
-M
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07/20/2007 02:16:50 AM · #19 |
I've had more problems with rain and water bottles than with sand and water on the beach. And I shoot a lot on the beach.
sort of off topic tip from Tim - remember to put the lid on tight when you chuck your water bottle in your camera bag... or better still don't put it in the camera bag at all!!!
Yes, you get sand all over the place but really its a lot less fo a problem than you might think unless you are changing lenses all the time. Good tip earlier in the thread is to blow not wipe the sand off so that you don't scratch the glass. Although I guess a damp cloth might be alright as well
for my style of photos I always have a polarizer or ND filter (or both) to get longish exposure times while the light is stil interesting. Otherwise by the time you get to 30sec/f8 the stars are out and everything has turned blue. And a good tripod helps
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07/20/2007 02:35:42 AM · #20 |
Originally posted by idnic: I shoot at the beach almost every weekend. Common sense will take care of the camera - don't get it wet, etc. When I change lenses I drape a white cloth over the bag and camera and make a little 'clean room' to change lenses in.... or I get into my car. I don't used UV filters, I think they're a waste of money. Lenses these days are well protected from the factory against things like salt spray or condensation.
Enjoy your vacation and don't worry too much about the equipment. Use it, take LOTS of pics and have fun.
Oh, keep that horizon straight! lol :) |
i use a UV filter on just my main lens thati walk around with because it gets the mostabuse, but when im in my makeshift studio i take it off. For how hard i worked for it, id rather be safe than sorry
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