My first digital camera was a gift from my husband, and two days later we had an ice storm that knocked out the power for five days.

With no internet, television or radio I had plenty of time to learn about my new camera.

I knew I had to get out early for things like snowflakes and icicles because the morning light was better for photographing. I was interested in frozen dew, frosty leaves, spider webs, icy blades of grass and frost-covered berries so I had to get out early before the sun warmed things up.

I knew being outside wouldn’t hurt my camera but there are things I learned when moving from a warm place to a cold place and vice versa. Batteries struggle with the cold, cameras don’t work as fast and lenses fog up.

I can rely on my battery lasting for a hundred shots in warmer months, but in colder months, the number of shots can drop considerably. So I tuck extra batteries inside a coat pocket to keep them warm.

Dressing for an adventure

I know this article is about winter photography, but this is Pennsylvania winter weather. One day I am freezing and the next I am walking around in a T-shirt.

Layering against the cold, a hat or hood, gloves and good shoes or boots are a must. My husband bought me a pair of gloves that keep my fingers warm until I need to adjust settings. The tips of the gloves flip back so I can get to the camera’s dials and then I tuck my fingers back inside once I am finished.

Another investment had nothing to with photography and everything to do with safety. I bought a pair of ice grippers that slip over my hiking boots for about $20. These grippers help me take it easy on my body and my camera’s body, as well. After all, I am not getting any younger.

Keeping the camera warm

Pulling up the hood of my jacket is second nature when heading outside but I didn’t know my lens’ hood was going to improve my winter photography.

Honestly, I used it because I thought it made my lens and camera look cooler. Lens hoods help cut down on the sun’s rays and keep them from hitting the lens. In a snowy landscape the chances are greater for lens flares because of the sun reflecting off the snow.

Also, a hood can keep your camera deal, from fogging up because the lens hood becomes a barrier between the front of the lens and the cold.

When heading back inside, the camera and lens fog up due to condensation.

Before leaving the cold, I used to place the camera in a zip-lock bag and close it. I would take it inside, and leave it for a while. The condensation stayed on the outside of the bag. I used this trick until I bought my snow/rain cover. Now I slip my camera into the cover and bring it inside. I leave my camera alone until it acclimatizes with the warmer temperatures.

I am always mindful of my equipment when it comes to water getting into my camera’s “brains.”

Water is the enemy when it comes to photographic equipment, so having a good quality snow/rain cover for a camera is essential. There are covers as low as $6, but quality covers cost between $45-$100.

I bought one a few years ago and I am glad I did. Keeping water and snow out of my camera will prevent costly repairs in the long run.

Filters and fun photos

When photographing snow, a polarizing filter really makes a difference in images. A polarizing filter screws onto the front of a lens and cuts down on glare from such things as water and glass.

It can also turn that washed-out or drab sky darker for dramatic images. Because snow is reflecting the sun’s rays, the filter can help cut down on that and bring things into sharper detail.

When shooting in sunny winter conditions, I usually adjust my exposure compensation.

Different camera models have a “+” and a “-”symbol somewhere on the camera body. Turning that dial to the “+” +0.03 or +0.07 will adjust the compensation.

My camera doesn’t register that I am shooting snow so I need to adjust exposure. Otherwise, the snow will end up looking gray instead of white.

Be sure to wave or say hi to that “other” photographer who is shooting on a winter’s day. It just might be me.