By JESSE GRAHAM
WINTER can be one of the most beautiful times of year in the Yarra Ranges and Dandenongs.
From driving through the rainy, sleepy towns in the valley and the hills, trudging through the snow at Mount Donna Buang or Mount St Leonard in Toolangi or rugging up in the warmth in a cafe or restaurant, the area becomes a different place in winter as it is in the warmer months.
A must for day-trippers, adventurers and visitors is documenting the trip in photos, videos and snapshots.
But when the rain is rushing down, holding a camera and an umbrella can be difficult or near-impossible, especially when framing up the perfect shot.
Yarra Ranges Photographic Society committee member Rob Wagner said that soft camera cases and plastic bags are easy ways of shielding cameras from the wet.
Many high-end cameras come equipped with weather sealing, which can fend off rain and damp weather for the most part, but for a day of photos, protecting expensive gear is a must.
Soft cases can be bought from photography stores from about $30, though a plastic bag with a hole in the bottom can easily suffice, particularly with a good lens hood on a lens.
A clear filter or UV filter on the end of a lens is also good practice, and can stop lenses from being damaged by all manner of unexpected items.
Changing lenses can be hazardous when wandering during the day, particularly in the wet, and should always be done under cover – either in a car or under shelter.
Always carry a microfiber cloth for cleaning lenses, and another cloth that can be used to wipe moisture off of camera parts before packing up. Storing silica gel packs inside camera bags can also prevent excess moisture damaging equipment when in humid or rainy areas.
Most importantly, don’t see rain as a discouragement to taking photos – the wet and windy conditions can give a unique opportunity for beautiful landscapes, even lighting for portraits and interesting possibilities for macro photos.
Got any great photos from around the Yarra Ranges or Dandenongs? Email editor@mailnewsgroup.com.au
