08
Wet weather protection
You don’t need an expensive wet weather set up, but
raindrops, water falling from leaves, and mist will all add to a
very wet environment. Here are a couple of items to carry and
ideas to think about for your rainforest expedition.
- A large microfibre cloth for wiping down the camera or lens
which can be placed over the camera while it’s on the tripod if
there are water droplets falling from the canopy. You’ll still be
able to see the screen and body of the lens - An extra large ziplock bag which can be placed over the
camera while it’s still on the tripod if you’re walking and
brushing past water-laden trees. - If the ground is really wet or dirty, you can always hang your
camera bag (or a small bag of stones) from the centre support
of your tripod. It adds stability. - Take care if you’re using your tripod in water – the hollow legs
can sometimes fill with water!
09
Cleaning up
Your shoes, bag, knees, and tripod may be covered in
dirt, leaf matter and compost from the forest f loor. Water, of course,
is the number one enemy of electronics and anything metal.
- Make sure you allow time for internal moisture to dissipate
when you get home and leave your camera out of it’s bag in a
warm, dry environment. - Check your tripod legs and latches for dirt and moisture,
extend the legs and wipe them down with a clean cloth.
A little water dispersant spray on metal nuts and bolts,
which can be then wiped down, will prevent corrosion.
10
Don’t worry about ‘rules’
This last item could be the most important piece of
advice I’ve learnt over the years as a photographer. How do you
identify yourself as a photographer? What got you interested in
the craft? Firstly, not everyone will like what you do. There will
always be someone who disagrees with what you’re doing or how
you achieve what you do. Don’t let this stop you from enjoying
your pursuit. Do what you love and love what you do. Yes, there are
certain guidelines to capturing great pictures, but these ‘rules’ aren’t
mandatory to creating a successful shot. Take photos which express
who you are and the things you are most passionate about. Most
importantly - be yourself, no one else is better qualified. Own it! ❂Website: http://www.drewhopperphotography.comAUSTRALIAN PHOTOGRAPHY + DIGITAL JULY 2015 AUSTRALIANPHOTOGRAPHY.COM 35
ABOVE
A majestic old tree
in Dorrigo National
Park, NSW. The park
offers spectacular
scenery which
has been millions
of years in the
making. I shot from
a low angle to add
depth to the scene.
Canon 6D, Canon
16-35mm f/2.8 @
16mm, ISO 200,
6s @ f/13, circular
polariser and tripod.
Contrast, curves,
levels, clarity,
colour balance and
saturation adjusted
in Lightroom 5.
Raindrops removed,
dodge/burn and
sharpness adjusted
in Photoshop CS5.