How to Protect Your Camera Gear
photo by Gogosvm via iStock
I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about photographers entering non-traditional photography niches during the pandemic. For instance, I’ve been getting questions about travel photographers starting landscape photography or portrait photographers starting wildlife photography.
And I understand why. I personally feel like I’ve been having some problems being as creative as I normally am since I typically photograph people and, for obvious reasons, can’t do so right now.
But, as people start going outdoors to photograph they’re going to encounter a whole slew of problems they never encountered before. So, I decided to do a beginner landscape photography tips series so you can learn how to photograph outdoors safely.
One of the biggest problems I see people forgetting to mention in other landscape photography tips articles is how to protect your camera gear. I feel like most photographers at least understand how to keep themselves safe in remote places, but a lot of them haven’t the slightest idea how to keep their equipment safe.
So, I’m going to go over 4 beginner landscape photography tips that all include ways to protect your gear.
Use a Padded Bag
This tip is pretty basic. I’ve seen it covered in other beginner photography tips articles before. But, it’s important.
A padded bag prevents your camera and lenses from rubbing against each other while you’re hiking, climbing or traveling. This not only prevents your equipment from getting damaged, but it also saves you time because you’ll be worrying less about your gear and more about where you’re going to get your next shot.
I use the Sightseer Backpack System for most of my backcountry adventures. I love this bag because it allows me immediate access to my camera at all times because it comes with an integrated slider to carry my camera on the outside of my bag.
I also love it because it is ultra-weather proofed. It’s made out of waxed canvas and American bison leather on the outside, and Aztec flannel fleece on the inside. The zipper is also waterproofed, which is a detail a lot of photography bags unfortunately leave out.
It also comes in three colors: black, navy, and olive. I own the olive version because it helps me to blend into the forest when I’m chasing wildlife.
I did feel a little odd including the Sightseer Backpack System into an article all about beginner landscape photography tips because of its price, which is $795. But, I also believe that the best beginner landscape photography tips are the ones that are going to set you up for life. Since every Holdfast product comes with a lifetime guarantee, the Sightseer Backpack System definitely does this.
Keep It Organized
photo by ugurhan via iStock
Most beginner landscape photography tips have to deal with organization. You need to be able to carry all of your photography gear, all of your emergency supplies, and basic necessities like food and water. All of this gear needs to be light and organized in order to make your life easier.
One way to keep your gear organized is to compartmentalize your gear with inner bags. This way you can pretty much build blocks of your gear: one for your camera and lenses, one for your daily necessities, and one for emergencies.
The type of inner bag system you’re going to choose will entirely depend on which bag you opt for, so I’m not including any specific system here for fear that it won’t work for your gear.
Still, it’s worth exploring as a great beginner landscape photography tip.
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Use a Secure Camera Strap
I don’t feel like I should have to discuss this in a beginner landscape photography tips article, but I cannot tell you how many times I’ve had people use a camera strap that was of a poor quality and they ended up dropping their camera because of it.
This can actually be dangerous depending upon where you’re shooting as well. For example, I recently read about a photographer who dropped their camera over the edge of the Grand Canyon.
So, what does a secure camera strap look like? I think that the best camera straps are straps that can be used in a variety of ways so you can choose how to wear it depending upon your scenario.
The Peak Design Slide Strap can be used as a sling, neck or shoulder strap for just this reason.
If you look at the way you connect this strap, it pretty much looks like a seatbelt. The latches used are definitely not coming undone. Still, they are quick-connecting. So you can use just one hand to change your configuration when you need to.
It’s also a thick enough strap for you to be able to carry around your full frame DSLR with large lenses all day. I know this article is filled with beginner landscape photography tips that can help you keep your gear safe, but comfort should also play a large role in the gear you purchase for yourself.
And, once again, the Peak Design Slide Strap also comes with a lifetime guarantee, meaning most of the beginner landscape photography tips in this article should help you grow as a photographer. You can purchase a Peak Design Slide Strap on Adorama for $65.
Assume It’s Going to Rain
photo by Josef Mohyla via iStock
One of my mentors loved giving me beginner landscape photography tips and one of his favorites was to assume it is going to rain every time you leave your house.
He grew up in the Pacific Northwest, so this was probably mostly true in his part of the country. While it is definitely drier in my native Southern California, this tip has saved me more than once.
One way I keep my camera protected when it’s raining is by using my Camera Canopy. Camera Canopy is essentially a much better, easier alternative to using a plastic bag over yourself and your gear.
Each Camera Canopy is made of two layers of plastic that screw onto your camera’s hot shoe. It acts as a shield for rain, sleet, and snow.
You can purchase a Camera Canopy for your DSLR, or purchase a Mini Camera Canopy for your mirrorless camera. The Camera Canopy is $88 and the Mini Camera Canopy is $60.
I hope you’ve found some of these easy landscape photography tips helpful. Let us know if you implement any of them into your shooting routine.