Today is the beginning of our new series – Essential Camera Equipment.
This series was inspired by our recent overnight hike to Fossil Springs in Strawberry, AZ. If you live in Arizona or planning a trip to Arizona I highly recommend this hike. It’s roughly a five-mile hike down the Mogollon Rim to a series of natural springs, swimming holes and waterfalls. It’s not for the faint of heart but it’s a great adventure.
Typically on a hike or trip like this I like to get adventurous with my photo composition. I’ll stand in the water or set my tripod up in the water to get some unique angles. Needless to say this sometimes presents its own challenges.
Saturday, as I was walking about the creek to take the above photograph I slipped on a rock. I slipped with my gear in hand and went underwater. Although the water wasn’t too deep I was completely soaked and guess what – so was my camera. Yep, I did the one thing all photographers in the field are afraid of: I put my camera in the water.
Because of the various elements in the field I abide by two rules: The camera only comes out when you are ready to shoot and condense your gear. All my photography gear was squeezed in a little Tamrac field bag. Just a small no nonsense bag that claimed to be waterproof that I purchased for $35. (Click here for a link to the bag I use.)
This blog post would be way different had my camera not have been in this bag. When I got out of the water I cautiously opened the bag and was extremely happy that Tamrac’s product was as advertised – Waterproof.
To any photographer who ventures around water with their photography equipment, do yourself a favor and get a waterproof camera bag. This simple purchase will protect your photography gear from dirt, dust, rain, snow and the damage that may occur if you are clumsy around water.
Thanks Tamrac! I am a customer for life.
Anyone have any similar stories they’d like to admit to? Your comments help us learn together. Thanks for reading.
Article by Greg Taylor
Founder, Markerting Press. Vegetarian. Hopelessly addicted to music. Blogger, Collaborator, Phoenix Suns fan. NJ Native living in AZ
Greg has contributed 159 articles to this site.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
How exactly did the bag fall in the water? was it just strapped to you back and when you fell in and stood back up it was above water again? Just doesn't look waterproof if submersed (it would go in through zippers) but maybe fine if it's just a quick dip.
I have one of the tamrac messenger bags and it's… rainproof more than anything. There's no zipper just a flap that goes over the top and it has lips on the side so rain can't sneak in. Would be screwed if it got submersed though.
First thing I did is insure the camera and lenses. It's relatively cheap to add it to your home insurance and pretty much covers it if anything happens aside from wear and tear. Sure you'd be inconvenienced if the camera got submerged and have to file a claim but you wouldn't be out $1000's in equipment. And memory cards are really resilient. Just take the card out asap and leave it out to dry for like a week before plugging it back in.
Believe it or not the back I have had very little trace of water inside. My bag zips closed and has a clasp – luckily. I am in the process now of insuring all my gear. – Thanks for the comment