HELLO ALL!

My name is Rusty and I live on the edge of Lake Erie--the southern part. Today the lake is frozen as far as the eye can see, but that's no reason to leave the camera at home! Sometimes the best pictures come from inclement weather--be it rain, snow, high wind, or other obstacles to a "fun in the sun" day that you would rather be experiencing than weather your meteorologist warned you about on the six o' clock news.

This picture was taken when the outside temp was 19 degrees F, a condition when sensitive camera equipment sometimes fails to work as it should. Batteries lose power, zoom lenses become hard to operate due to lubricants getting sluggish in the cold, and most important, there is always a danger of frostbite due to exposed fingers, noses and ears.

When I gather up the courage to go out in weather like this (which is not very often!), I try to plan the shot before I open the car door. I usually shoot with a tripod (because I'm old), and think it's a good idea to have the legs extended, camera and lens on the gimball or ball head, and the lens positioned pretty much to where you want the focal length to be--I do this by sighting out the window and making the adjustments before hand. Sometimes this won't work very well--If you're driving a Smart car and your tripod extends to six feet, then you will probably have to make these adjustments outside. Just remember you have a limited time to stay out in the elements for your safety and for your equipments' protection. Remember that camera you paid so much for and all the reasons you had to think up to justify the purchase to your spouse? What are you going to think up if the camera body gets full of water or sand, or the zoom lens freezes up in the cold and you break something inside because you forced it too hard? Invest in a good rain and sand protector for your outfit (LensCoat makes great ones) and never, NEVER force any type of photo equipment to open, close, or zoom in or out when it doesn't want to. I speak from experience--I have the repair bills from Nikon Inc. to prove it! Make sure the first bill is your last--don't be afraid to use your stuff--just make sure you work the plan.

I hope my little discourse has been of some use to you. Most of it, as you know, is common sense. Comments are welcome, and I am always open to ideas and suggestions. You're never too old to learn---someone else might have a better idea. Keep an open mind and have fun.