Beach Photography

Hi all,

I'm very well aware of the fact that bird photography (or nature photography in general) is not for those unwilling to get very dirty. This is especially true for shore bird photography. Since the majority of the time is spent belly-down in the sand, I was wondering if there were any tips/tricks or inexpensive equipment (I'm a college student) that might help keep expensive gear from getting ruined?

Also, how should one go about cleaning their gear after going on such an excursion? Currently, I go about such a task by wiping down the surface of my camera and lens (not the glass!) with a clean, slightly damp microfiber cloth after using a brush to get all the sand off. I also clean the lens glass with a cleaning kit, etc. Is there anything else I should be doing?

Any advice would be enormously appreciated - this site has already taught me so much!
-Jen

Hi Jen - elbow pads and learn that your hands do not touch the ground, only your elbows. Hands are for camera only - well at least thats what I do - takes some concentration for a while, but after a while its not to bad.
Find the pads come in handy - sand can be pretty hard and coarse in some places.

Have fun :)

Hi Jen

Just try keeping your hands clean, if you are using a ground pod use your elbows and lens for getting up. I carry a two inch brush and wipe sand from the lens and camera.

A good insurance is taking your in for a cleaning, the sand that works its way in can be a problem. I do a lot of crawling on the sand and have not killed a camera doing it !!

Thank you both for your suggestions - I do employ the clean-hands method (although it takes me awhile to get the hang of it). The elbow pads are a fantastic idea.. and a bold fashion statement!

Alfred - where would I go to get my camera cleaned?.. as I buy my equipment online and don't know of a reputable camera store in the area around where I live in Palm Beach Gardens or where I go to school in Boca. And about how much would it cost? (We're talking college budget, here)

One more question: would you suggest a rainsleave for additional protection?

Hi Jen I don't think the rainsleve will help much !!

For a thorough cleaning you can send to Canon. One alternative is Southern Photo, I think there was one close to your area but not sure if still in operation, I deal with the one in North Miami and trust their work. Every time we go in there they scream to Fabs about the sand :)

As hard as I try to keep my hands clean, sometimes I fail. I keep a handkerchief tied around my neck so that I can wipe them off if needed. When I get home I try to blow off as much sand as I can with one of those air blowing rubber things and then I have a really soft paintbrush for the rest (not the glass!)