Photographing the Winter Olympics is not only a challenge for the photographer, but it is also hard on equipment thanks to the weather conditions that come with snow and ice. First, you need to concentrate on your technique, then you need to gather products that will enhance your shoot and protect your gear.
Photo credit: Flickr via Jon Wick
The Techniques to Winter Sports Photography
Since many competitions are speed-based and take place outside, there are two technique areas you need to focus on: shooting high-speed objects and adjusting for outdoor light. Novice photographers may find that setting their camera to sports mode is the easiest route. More advanced photographers will want to set their camera to burst or continuous mode andleave their camera in aperture priority mode, since the action will be so fast that there won’t be a lot of time to fiddle with settings.
The proper technique is crucial to ensuring that you get the best photos possible, but having the right equipment will make your shoot that much easier and more successful.
Reduce Glare
A good circular polarizer is a godsend for shooting outdoor winter sports. ThePro Optic Pro 52mm Circular Polarizer (CPL) Digital Filter for $15.95 will get the job done. First, it stops the glare that you would normally get from the sun reflecting off of the snow. Second, it will make washed-out winter skies a deeper shade of blue in your finished photo.
- Easy to mount
- Ability to rotate
- Strong construction
- 52mm
Keep Your Equipment Safe
When you are shooting the Winter Olympics, you’re bound to run into some less than perfect conditions. To keep your equipment safe while you’re waiting for an event to start, simply wrap it in a good quality wrap like thePro Optic Lens Wrap for $11.50. With this, your gear will be ready to go, and all you have to do is remove the cover when the action starts.
- Non-scratch nylon and Velcro-compatible knit
- Velcro tabs make the wrap conform to the exact shape of your gear
- Perfect for all types of gear
Stay Protected
During an event, things can get hectic. Crowds can get unruly, which can lead to a lot of jostling and bumping. Slipping a shock-absorbing neoprene like the LensCoat Soft Neoprene BodyGuard, $29.95, cover onto your camera will protect it while you shoot.
- Made from shock-absorbing neoprene
- Protects from dirt and dust
- Fits a wide range of cameras
Maintain Stability
To get better traction in the snow, people wear snowshoes, right? Well, think of this little device as snowshoes for your tripod. For only $9.95, Giottos Snow Shoe with Spike and Removable Stud helps to anchor a tripod into the snow so it doesn’t go sliding while you are taking photos.
- Removable stud
- 4″ diameter
- 3.2″ length
- Ground metal tip
Photographing the Winter Olympics can be a challenge, but with the right game plan and gear, you can take awesome photos at this year’s events. For more great photography tips, visit the Adorama Learning Center.
- ProOptic Pro 52mm Circular Polarizer (CPL) Digital Filter
- Pro Optic Lens Wrap
- LensCoat Soft Neoprene BodyGuard
- Giottos Snow Shoe with Spike and Removable Stud
Here are some helpful articles to reference for winter sports photography:
- Pro Optic UV and Polarizing Filters
- Travel Photography Equipment Recommendation from Mark Wallace
- Master Outdoor Photography on a Cloudy Day
What is your biggest challenge when shooting in snow?