Be sure to protect your camera from spray when you are shooting watery scenes.
If you are kayaking, white water rafting, sailing, or involved in any activity on or near the water, even if you are just fording a stream or stepping out in a downpour, it is important that your equipment is protected from moisture.
Quality waterproof cases are available for carrying and storing your gear, and smaller water resistant bags can be purchased for carrying equipment you need while shooting. If you get caught with your unprotected camera bag in damp conditions or a tropical storm, a large plastic garbage bag will keep it dry. Smaller re-sealable plastic bags are great for storing your digital memory cards or your film, which of course should also be kept in the container it came in when you bought it.
Keep your camera inside your jacket or under a sweater to protect it during a downpour. Be sure to have a clean rag, paper towels or facial tissues handy to wipe water droplets off of it. Never store your camera in a bag or enclosed area if it has any moisture on it, unless it is only for a very short while. Mold and mildew can ruin good equipment. If your camera bag should get wet, be sure to completely air it out. It must be totally dry before you place any equipment in it.
Use a plastic bag to waterproof your camera. Cut a hole for your lens to poke through.
A plastic bag with a hole cut out for the lens can also be used to wrap around your camera when it is raining or there is a danger of spray from a water activity. Make sure you have a supply of lens cleaning tissue to take water off the lens.
A trusty umbrella is a good item to have when you are out in wet weather, but difficult to hold when you’re shooting. Having an assistant hold it over you is ideal.
If your camera is very likely or unquestionably going to get soaked (as in extreme white water rafting, surfing or diving), don’t take a chance. Leave it ashore where it will stay dry, and use a waterproof camera. Don't have a waterproof camera? You may be able to rent one from a good photo shop, and you can always purchase an inexpensive, disposable underwater camera in a pinch. Under the right conditions, they produce surprisingly good pictures.
When the surf is active and the wind is kicking up, your camera must be moisture-proof.
If you are going pleasure sailing on a sunny day, you can generally use your normal camera rather than a waterproof camera on board. But, be sure to take precautions. There is the constant danger of spray, and weather conditions can change quickly on the open water. Be sure to have a waterproof container for your camera close by, even if it just a plastic bag. Equipment you bring with you but aren't using at the moment should be protected in a waterproof bag, too.
A wide-angle lens is essential for photography in a small space.
WHAT IF YOUR CAMERA FALLS INTO THE WATER?
Even with the most careful handling, a camera may accidentally fall into a lake or the ocean, or an underwater photography camera housing may leak and flood. What do you do with a camera or flash unit that has been immersed in water?
Sea water, with its salinity, is the most-damaging. There are no guarantees that your camera can be salvaged from either salt or fresh water, but you can improve the odds by taking the following steps: - Remove the batteries and the film or digital memory card;
- Completely drain all water from the camera;
- Totally immerse the camera in fresh water to flush any salt water from it;
- While in the fresh water bath, flip the camera over, move it gently back and forth, and work all moving parts to ensure the complete removal of salt water;
- Take the camera from the fresh water and rinse it completely in a 50/50 fresh water/alcohol bath.
- Dry the camera inside and out, first using a soft, lint-free cloth, and then using a gentle flow of air from a compressed air can, being sure to work all moving parts and to tip the camera over so there is no remaining water.
- Be sure the camera is thoroughly dried.
- Place a packet of silica gel inside the camera.
- Take the camera to a repair shop as soon as you can. If you place it in a bag, then put a couple of silica gel packets inside with the camera to absorb any additional moisture that may be present.
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