Cold? Keep shootin'

Speaking of the cold...is it ever too cold for making images outside?

No way, although I can recall at least a couple times when the shutter on my first digital camera wouldn't work in near zero conditions.

That aside, here are four tips to dealing with the cold...the very cold...and snow.

In no order of importance.

*Take along some extra batteries. The cold will drain any battery quickly, so its best to have a spare. Or two.

*Beware of condensation when bringing your gear in from outside. Wrap your camera and lens while  you are still outside so they can warm up gradually once you bring them inside. That should help them warm up gradually and cut down on condensation.  A camera bag should do nicely, but if you are totting a small point and shoot, I'd  put it in a case and wrap it and the case in a towel before bring it inside.

*Dress in layers, lots of 'em. And buy gloves that have a removable finger area that you can remove when dialing in setting and clicking the shutter and then put back to warm up again. Having spent my share of time carrying tripods through snow, boots, long underwear and wool socks are a must. As is a long coat and hood.

*As for shooting, remember to dial in some extra exposure for the snow. Most meters will render snow a couple stops towards neutral gray. Although it might seem counter intuitive, add more light by increasing the exposure 1.5 to 2 stops.

A cold Wisconsin morning

In honor of our frigid Midwest winter, I decided to post this image, which originally was shot for our book, "Wisconsin Barns." Although it didn't make the cut, the photo taken near White Potato Lake, Wis., does a good job of evoking a sense for how cold it can get in these parts.