In this wonderful image made just after dawn at Bryce Canyon National Park the temperature fell below zero F on our way there!

I’ve never made a good image while I was stomping my feet on the ground or clapping my hands together trying to keep circulation in frigid conditions. You might be able to understand the logic of walking away from a setup to try and keep warm, even seeking shelter while waiting for light, but it did not take me long to figure I needed another way. Too many times have I wanted to anywhere else rather than enjoying the thrill of a beautiful setting!

Being relatively comfortable in adverse conditions is what fine art landscape is about for me. Heat, cold, wind, rain or snow ….. no matter. I needed to find a way not to shake, sweat and in general keep the elements where they should be. That is in my viewfinder rather than behind it. It starts with me and works its way to my equipment and then to technique.

Hands are what I consider first. If I get to a point where my hands begin to sting it’s too late. If I have to remove a glove in the field to do what is needed, it’s the wrong type of glove. If my hands are cold before I get into the field they will only get worse. Believe me I’ve learned all of this seeming basic logic the hard way and unfortunately for both myself and my images, in most cases not the first time!

Solutions …………….

I use finger-less gloves. The finger covers make a poor insulated mitten when pulled close but they are far and away a better solution than pulling a glove off with your teeth! Bare fingers on freezing equipment are the last thing I want so I use technical liners under the gloves. Under the liners go chemical hand warmer packs. My liners have pockets for them. Most importantly I’ve found, is to do all this while still comfortable. The time for this is before I leave for the shoot no matter if in my tent or cozy room. Starting well means shooting well!

More on the subject coming next