Fly Fishing Photography Tip: Beating Condensation

One of the main problems I’ve had shooting fishing is condensation. Whether traveling in the frigid north or the sweltering heat of the flats, a lack of planning can produce the same effect. Bringing your camera from an air-conditioned room out into the heat, or from a heated cabin into the cold, results in a massive and quick build-up of miniscule water droplets covering camera and lens. Literally making your camera sweat. This happens over all surfaces. The lens, camera body, and even the sensor.

I’ve had cameras malfunction and literally shut themselves off, basically saving themselves from certain death by shorting out. They have turned back on, but typically it can take hours. Bottom line, cameras and water do not mix. Even if you can get the camera to work, typically the lens is so covered with fog (inside and out) that it will be impossible to shoot.
Here’s a simple solution that took far too long for me to figure out. Leave your camera outside overnight. I’m not kidding. If you can find a safe area (balcony or porch) where it’s protected from the elements and/or people you’ll never have to worry about condensation when leaving for fishing the next morning. Your camera and the temp outside will be the same and life will be good. Also make sure the camera is in some kind of waterproof enclosure overnight — even something as simple as a trash bag will work. But thinking about temperature changes and planning ahead could save you some serious headaches next time your on a fishing vacation.