In my previous blog I listed ways you could protect your camera while vacationing in a place with frigid temperatures. This blog is tailored to help those of you who are planning to take your camera to a tropical location. While the weather might be pleasant other elements could prove detrimental to your camera—-if you are not prepared.
Before you head off on your island getaway consider purchasing a lens adapter and a skylight filter. Each provides added protection from the elements for both the lens barrel and the lens itself. Also, you’ll want to make sure your camera bag is well stocked with items such as a soft, absorbent cloth or lens tissue. I would recommend placing them in a sealed Ziploc bag so they don’t absorb moisture. Another item you should not leave home without is silica gel. By placing packets of silica gel in your camera bag (and all of its pockets) you will be able to reduce moisture and condensation.
Each night while you are on vacation take a few moments to clean your camera—-especially if it has been exposed to salt air. First, wipe the body of your camera with a slightly damp cloth that has been doused with fresh water. Gently wipe the surface of the lens and the LCD. Next, if you used a lens adapter and filter, detach and clean them too. If you were shooting in abnormally hot and humid conditions it is a good idea to remove the batteries and memory card from your camera and keep the compartment doors open to let everything air out for about a half hour.
Finally, the one tip you should keep in mind regardless of where you are vacationing is to keep it fun. I used to take my camera to the beach on a regular basis but found that I spent way too much time worrying about it getting damaged by the sand, sun and surf. Now when I am visiting a tropical location I take special trips to the beach just for taking pictures and keep the trips with my family separate. That way I can actually have fun with them instead of being concerned about my expensive camera sustaining damage. I still take photos of my family at the beach only I do so with my old camera. Taking two trips allows me to have defined periods specifically for taking pictures where I can keep track of my gear and observe scenes that I wouldn’t ordinarily see if I was chasing after children. The trips that include my family are reserved for fun and those moments can be captured with a cheaper point and shoot.
Related Articles:
Protecting Your Camera While on Vacation
What to do if Your Camera Gets Wet
Why Camera Buffs Should Invest in Silica Gel
Protecting Your Camera From Mother Nature
Tips to Consider Before Taking Your Camera to the Beach
More Tips to Keep Your Camera Safe at the Beach
More Tips for Winter Photo Shoots
Preparing for a Winter Photo Shoot