The cold winter months are a time of solitude and peace.

And an endless source of photographic inspiration.

But before you head outdoors, there are a few things you need to know about caring for your camera during the cold, bitter winter months.

Winter Camera Care Tips

Extend the life of your camera and protect your hefty investment by implementing these winter camera care tips:

Keep your camera dry when shooting outdoors. When shooting on wet or snowy days, use a camera sleeve or plastic bag covering with a built-in lens opening that shields your camera from the elements. Carry a soft, absorbent, lint-free cloth at all times and immediately use it to dry any water that might get on your camera or lens.

Keep your camera under your coat when not in use to prevent the shutter lubricant from freezing.

Carry extra batteries and keep them warm at all times. Nothing will drain your camera battery quite like the cold winter air. It’s a good idea to keep spare batteries on hand. Store them in a warm pocket close to your body. Extend the life of your batteries by swapping them out before they’ve completely drained.

Never place your camera bag, lenses or camera on an icy surface. The cold air could freeze any moisture that may have accumulated in your camera and cause permanent damage.

Invest in an insulated bag. Thickly padded insulated bags are worth the investment as they’re designed to protect your camera and gear from the harsh effects of extreme temperatures.

Take care when opening plastic compartment doors. Plastic becomes brittle and easily breaks in extreme cold temperatures.

Last but not least…

Take preventative measures to avoid condensation when bringing your camera and lenses in from the cold outdoors. When bringing your camera in from the cold outdoors, you run the risk of condensation forming on the inner mechanisms and electrical components. To avoid condensation, you have a few options:

1.  Place your camera in an air tight plastic bag before going indoors. Condensation will form on the outside of the plastic bag instead of forming on the inner and outer parts of your camera. Allow your camera to sit in the plastic bag for several hours as it gradually warms to room temperature.

2.  Keep your camera in a camera bag or leave on a cold window sill in an unheated room.Use silica gel dessicant packs or bags of rice to wick moisture from the air and allow a few hours for your camera to gradually warm to room temperature.

Protecting your camera from the harsh winter elements is so very simple to do. Just take a little time out to take preventative measures, throw on a coat and get out there and shoot.