After over 26 years behind the camera, I have learned one thing: weather doesn’t always cooperate. Some assignments can be scheduled according to weather, but some can’t. Some events are scheduled months in advance and photographers need to be prepared for all types of weather. This is where experience and ingenuity come in.
Packing for a trip
My packing process is simple, but thorough. I usually pack more than I need, but guess what … it doesn’t hurt! The last thing you want is to run out of clean clothes while on location. Pack for all possible kinds of weather. I have been on trips where weather changes from the mid 30s to the mid 80s in one week. Always bring rain gear.
Speaking of rain gear, one of my favorite pieces of gear is the Rain Sleeve. This is the coolest gizmo I have ever used!! Yes, there are more expensive products out there made specifically for rain protection, some costing up to $200. At this website, the Rain Sleeve runs under $7 for a two-pack.
I remember Tulsa, Okla., in 2008. I shot half of the USPSA Nationals virtually underwater. The Rain Sleeve saved my shoot and my gear.
Bob Vogel. Photo by Yamil R. Sued.
Not only for Rain …
The Rain Sleeve is not only for rain. I live in Phoenix, Ariz. It doesn’t rain much in the desert, but it’s dusty! I use the Rain Sleeve in a slightly different way in dusty situations. The rain sleeve comes with a handy nylon drawstring that nicely tightens the plastic sleeve around your lens. In dusty situations, I actually use gaffer’s tape to seal the bag around the lens; this gives me a nice, sealed dust protection. The Rain Sleeve is disposable, too. So, after your event or trip, just throw it away. Heck, the Rain Sleeve is so good, it’s even and effective protection against “carp juice!”
Visit Yamil Sued’s website to see more superb photography.
Editor’s note: We appreciate that you read the WON, Yamil, and hey … we want you along on our next Carp Caper, Buddy. Just bring a lot of Rain Sleeves, OK?
Yamil R. Sued, on location at the Bianchi Cup match in Columbia, Mo., 2011. Photo by Dustin Pluth.
This Retro WON first appeared August 26, 2011.
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
Excellent column! Yamil Sued has forgotten more about photography than most of us will ever know, so when he speaks on the subject, we should listen up. He has an uncanny ability to capture not only action but also emotion. Rain Sleeves . . . check.
Totally agree with you, BB. We are fortunate to have Yamil join our ranks of super capable photographers.
One more thing, do you want a totally cool “ALL WEATHER” Point & Shoot Digital Camera?? Nikon just announced the CoolPix AW100…
Excellent information…this weekend’s trip alone we have a video camera, a DSLR, a digital camera and a FlipVideo….I will definitely be ordering some of these. Thanks for the tips.
Boy do I wish I’d a couple of these this past weekend – I had storm sacks but it was so horrendous I gave up and stuffed my cameras in the dry box on the boat – must check these out! Sounds like they’d also be great for the agricultural photo s I do during dusty dusty harvest periods….one turn fo a combine and it’s like a dust storm! Thanks for the always helpful info!
Yamil, great article! Thanks for passing it on to us.