Shooting in desert

[EllaElla]

Gonna be shooting in the desert in a few days. Any of do's and dont's? I'm afraid to get sand or dust in the camera or damage a lens, etc. Thanks!

 

[IByte]

Filters bring a few brushes for brushing off sand and lots of water.

 

[KmH]

Wind blows dirt and dust around. Change lenses by getting out of the wind and always, even when it's not windy, hold the camera so it is pointing towards the ground when you change lenses. It's hard for dust and sand to fall up.

Make sure you have plenty of extra water in your vehicle and let someone know where you will be shooting, and when to expect your return.

The light mid-day is usually to harsh for making quality photographs, so you might plan on doing your shooting from about 5 AM to 8 AM, and from about 6 PM to 9 PM.

 

[BXPhoto]

Gonna be shooting in the desert in a few days. Any of do's and dont's? I'm afraid to get sand or dust in the camera or damage a lens, etc. Thanks!

Try not to change lenses outdoors in the wind. I'd be less worried about damaging any gear and more concerned with harsh lighting conditions. Cameras/lenses today are made to last. If you are gonna be hiking around to find a spot make sure it's in proper gear bags to protect it all. Also watch out for Rangers on BLM land, lately there has been a huge push against non permit commercial photography on our national parks.

 

[table1349]

Don't put your hands where you can't see. Those are the places that rattlers and scorpions like to be.
Don't hang around a water hole. You can carry water in and out. The animals rely on that water hole for survival.
If you take it in, take it out.
If you didn't take it in, then don't take it out.
Dress in loose layers and cover all exposed skin. Wear a hat. You can turn a long sleeve shirt into a short sleeve shirt. You can't do it the other way around.
If you aren't peeing at least every two hours, you aren't drinking enough.
Don't go alone, take a friend.
Tell others where you are going and when to expect you back.
Take a compass and a map.
Pay attention to your surroundings always. This isn't the desert, but I doubt that this would have happened if the photographer had been paying a bit more attention.
LensRentals.com - The Damage Waiver Bearly Covered This One

Yeah I know, this isn't about taking care of your gear. Others have pretty much covered that. But if you going to an unfamiliar and potentially hostile environment it is good to be cautious. Taking care of your gear doesn't mean much if you run into a serious situation.

Have fun.

 

[EllaElla]

Thanks for the tips. Unfortunately I won't be able to shoot in the morning or evening. Maybe late afternoon at best. Going with a group of a few people. I will post some photos when I get the opportunity (if any of them are worth posting). Thanks again.

 

[spacefuzz]

Also bring a pocket knife so you can cut off your own arm if you get trapped alone in a slot canyon. Take notes on your thoughts so you can turn it into a movie afterwords and make $$$$$$$$.

 

[Photobotos]

If you must shoot in the none golden hours then bring a tripod and bracket your shots for HDR processing.

 

[2WheelPhoto]

I took a motorcycle ride through the desert last year. All the above suggestions are great and let me add BRING A POLARIZOR filter out there

You wan the blue skies and rustic oranges to appear as just that =)

 

[baturn]

> wallacming. Really???

 

[unpopular]

which desert?


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• Pay attention to the details. it's easy to get carried away with the wide vistas.
• If you feel thirsty, drink. Do not get into the habit that you may when at home of putting it off. You'll dehydrate at a much faster rate. From when you first notice you're thirsty, you may only have a few minutes before you start getting disoriented.
• Wear boots, higher the better. I wear thick leather police uniform boots. There are lots of pokey things, and if you get bit by a snake, you'll be much more likely protected. Rattle snakes usually go for your mid calf, though they can strike anywhere.
• I feel safer from snake bites in somewhat loose-fitting jeans. I have no idea if this is valid or not.
• Be aware that baby rattle snakes do not have rattles, if you are not familiar with snakes, it's prob best to avoid them. Baby rattlesnakes tend to be shyer, but just as deadly.

 

[EllaElla]

I took a motorcycle ride through the desert last year. All the above suggestions are great and let me add BRING A POLARIZOR filter out there

You wan the blue skies and rustic oranges to appear as just that =)

What type of polarizor would you recommend??

which desert?

Not sure. I am visiting Dubai...So whatever desert is near by. We're going to try that sandboarding, or whatever it's called. It's like a snowboard, but in the sand.


---

• Pay attention to the details. it's easy to get carried away with the wide vistas.
• If you feel thirsty, drink. Do not get into the habit that you may when at home of putting it off. You'll dehydrate at a much faster rate. From when you first notice you're thirsty, you may only have a few minutes before you start getting disoriented.
• Wear boots, higher the better. I wear thick leather police uniform boots. There are lots of pokey things, and if you get bit by a snake, you'll be much more likely protected. Rattle snakes usually go for your mid calf, though they can strike anywhere.
• I feel safer from snake bites in somewhat loose-fitting jeans. I have no idea if this is valid or not.
• Be aware that baby rattle snakes do not have rattles, if you are not familiar with snakes, it's prob best to avoid them. Baby rattlesnakes tend to be shyer, but just as deadly.

 

[EllaElla]

I took a motorcycle ride through the desert last year. All the above suggestions are great and let me add BRING A POLARIZOR filter out there

You wan the blue skies and rustic oranges to appear as just that =)

What type of polarizor would you recommend??

which desert?


---

• Pay attention to the details. it's easy to get carried away with the wide vistas.
• If you feel thirsty, drink. Do not get into the habit that you may when at home of putting it off. You'll dehydrate at a much faster rate. From when you first notice you're thirsty, you may only have a few minutes before you start getting disoriented.
• Wear boots, higher the better. I wear thick leather police uniform boots. There are lots of pokey things, and if you get bit by a snake, you'll be much more likely protected. Rattle snakes usually go for your mid calf, though they can strike anywhere.
• I feel safer from snake bites in somewhat loose-fitting jeans. I have no idea if this is valid or not.
• Be aware that baby rattle snakes do not have rattles, if you are not familiar with snakes, it's prob best to avoid them. Baby rattlesnakes tend to be shyer, but just as deadly.

Not sure. I am visiting Dubai...So whatever desert is near by. We're going to try that sandboarding, or whatever it's called. It's like a snowboard, but in the sand.

 

[Dubaiian]

I actually I've in Dubai. I suggest UV filters on the lenses to keep out dust, Bring ND filters as this is one of the brightest sun spots in the world. Don't worry about animals in the desert, it's so hot they all left. No I am not joking, this is summertime now and mid afternoon temperatures can easily hit 50 (120+ in Farenheight) or more in direct sunlight.

Bring lots on sunscreen as its pricey here. If you go with one of the tour companies they usually pick you up around 3pm, do some dune driving and drop you at a desert camp around 6or 7 which is a much better time for photos. Sunrise today was 5.20am and sunset is around 715. Temp now (1130am) is just about 41 c

Let me know if you need any more information,

 

[EllaElla]

Thanks Dubaiian! I messaged you a few weeks ago looking for a camera shop. I'm gonna pick up a 50mm prime, if available. I have a friend in Dubai. He is taking us to the dunes. Can't wait! I know it's hot. Not too far away now and it's 112 farenheight this morning. I'm looking forward to trying some evening cityscape shots too!