Posted by David Bostedo on January 21, 2008 at 5:08 PM
Here's an article some of you might find interesting, about how a couple of NFL Photographers deal with the cold, like they had in Green Bay on Sunday...
Without wanting to start an argument, what Marx does in the confines of an NFL game may be great, but it by no means prudent cold weather practise for photographers. Layers, layers, layers!
We just had a young lad here come into the hospital with a body temperature of 29C about 8C under the norm. Should have been dead. As is common with hypothermia he had started stripping and was found with only his pants on. Outside temperature was -25C, he was last seen, in an urban area, by friends about 20 minutes earlier.
Just in case some newer or warm weather photographers here might think Mr. Marx's philosophy could be considered a universal approach to cold weather.
You're preaching my favorite sermon Reverend Prichard!!!! Marx's theology is a sure path to perdition for outdoor enthusiasts.
Posted by Ed Cordes on January 21, 2008 at 7:50 PM
Without wanting to start an argument, what Marx does in the confines of an NFL game may be great, but it by no means prudent cold weather practise for photographers. Layers, layers, layers!
I guess the testosterone of the NFL spills over into sports photography. I don't think he would make it in a storm on a back country trail
Posted by David Bostedo on January 21, 2008 at 8:56 PM
Oh yeah....I totally agree. I just thought it was interesting how the attitudes here are almost exactly what you hear from players. But being on the sidelines at an NFL game seconds from warmth and medical care is just a little different than being a couple of miles up a trail when the snow starts and temperatures drop, and you realize that you don't have enough layers....
Posted by Steve Foss on January 21, 2008 at 9:45 PM
It is VERY interesting. I felt a lot the same way when shooting cold-weather sports, but almost the only thing cold-weather football photographers have in common with cold-weather nature photographers is their camera/lens.
Different environments call for different tactics. I was always moving at a winter sports contest, and I'd make sure I had plenty of wind-proof stuff including on hands and face but would only have a few layers on because to sweat is to get cold. Out shooting nature photography, stillness is the rule for most of what I do. I may sit for two hours without moving much hoping for a specific shot of an animal/bird, and then it's about MONDO layers.
Posted by Kent Staubus on January 22, 2008 at 10:46 AM
I routinely photo in pretty cold weather--winter's my favorite time of year! I've been out most nights lately taking flash photos out in the rural areas. It's been hitting -15 to -20F while I'm out. I do wear a very "poofy" goose down coat and warm hunting boots and pants though. My photos require waiting out in the cold and dark for extended periods of time. I sometimes burrow into a snow bank to keep warm when my car is too far away. I think the sports guy is messing up though. I'd be trying to talk a couple of cheer leaders into standing next to me to keep me warm.
Kent in SD
Posted by Jim DeWitt on January 23, 2008 at 12:37 AM
I know a little bit about cold weather photography. The stuff about drinking liquids and "thick blood" is pure hokum. On a level with rubbing snow on frostbite.
Layers, with a wicking layer against the skin. Mukluks (Steger's are excellent) and not thick-bottomed boots. Lots of insulation on the head and ears. Thin gloves inside of mittens. Chemical heating pads for emergencies. On days with lots of wind, a windproof outer layer.
The rest of the article is macho crap, and ticket to hypothermia or worse.
Discussion
7 repliesPhotographers, cameramen battle the elements
Without wanting to start an argument, what Marx does in the confines of an NFL game may be great, but it by no means prudent cold weather practise for photographers. Layers, layers, layers!
We just had a young lad here come into the hospital with a body temperature of 29C about 8C under the norm. Should have been dead. As is common with hypothermia he had started stripping and was found with only his pants on. Outside temperature was -25C, he was last seen, in an urban area, by friends about 20 minutes earlier.
Just in case some newer or warm weather photographers here might think Mr. Marx's philosophy could be considered a universal approach to cold weather.
I guess the testosterone of the NFL spills over into sports photography. I don't think he would make it in a storm on a back country trail
Different environments call for different tactics. I was always moving at a winter sports contest, and I'd make sure I had plenty of wind-proof stuff including on hands and face but would only have a few layers on because to sweat is to get cold. Out shooting nature photography, stillness is the rule for most of what I do. I may sit for two hours without moving much hoping for a specific shot of an animal/bird, and then it's about MONDO layers.
Kent in SD
Layers, with a wicking layer against the skin. Mukluks (Steger's are excellent) and not thick-bottomed boots. Lots of insulation on the head and ears. Thin gloves inside of mittens. Chemical heating pads for emergencies. On days with lots of wind, a windproof outer layer.
The rest of the article is macho crap, and ticket to hypothermia or worse.