When shooting outdoors, you run into all sorts of elements that could potentially damage the camera. Water and sand are the two big ones. You need to protect your gear from exposure to that stuff… and a plastic bag is often not enough.

Here are four recommendations for good camera covers/shrouds that I’ve encountered in my travels, and have received good reviews from those who have used them. » MORE

Taking winter pictures can be fun and rewarding, but it can also be as cold as a landlord’s heart, and it’ll require a little forethought if you plan to go out. If you’re going to be in the deep freeze for more than a few minutes, you’ll want to make sure you have the right clothing, some proper food, and that you’ve considered the limitations and special needs of your gear.

There’s nothing worse then seeing the picture you want, but being unable to take the picture simply because you haven’t thought it out or because you’re too miserable to try. So let’s revisit what you need to keep yourself working as a lean, mean, photo taking machine during those expeditions in the cold winter months. » MORE