Ice photography equipment

[DanielJay]

This past year I took my camera out on Lake Michigan to shoot some shelf ice. It was just a quick spur of the moment trip found that I got some really good shots and my co-workers really loved them. (Photography is just a hobby not a job.) However, this year I would like to out do last years shots and get a little more serious about ice photography. My question to any of you that go out and shoot shelf ice is what equipment do you carry or wear? Do you carry ice axes or wear crampons? How do you protect your camera from the cold weather or do you?

Here are a couple shots form last year:
http://flickr.com/photos/24252368@N08/2297431530/
http://flickr.com/photos/24252368@N08/2297431352/

 

[Big Mike]

Welcome to the forum.

Besides protecting the camera from physical damage from falling etc or water...my concern would be condensation when you go from cold (dry) air to warm (moist) air, like into a building or warm vehicle. The camera should be sealed up in the camera bag at least...and put into plastic if it's really cold.

As for ice climbing gear...I've never gone to that extent to shoot ice, so I can't help you out there.

 

[ryan7783]

join dgrin.com and talk to this man http://www.dgrin.com/member.php?u=19179

he lives in the arctic among the eskimos and will probably be able to answer any of your questions

 

[Garbz]

Keep the camera batteries warm. They will be the first thing to go in REALLY cold weather. Also expect the next thing is the LCD to die. Other than that you shouldn't have too much of an issue.

 

[DanielJay]

Thanks for that tip. Since my last trip on the ice I have now picked up a Lowepro Sling bag. (I think the 300 model) That should help keep the camera not to cold.

ryan7783, I will have to chat with him. I am interested in going above and beyond for winter ice on Lake Michigan.