How I Protect My Photography Equipment Outdoors

We all know that water and electronics don’t mix well. It’s one of those inevitable facts of nature that I’d rather not deal with, especially when it comes to my camera gear. No one likes getting their electronics wet, and when you're caught in the rain with your camera in hand, it’s never a fun time—no matter the reason. Even though my camera is built to withstand the elements, I’ve invested a lot into my gear, and I’m not about to let a few raindrops compromise that. My camera isn’t just a tool for my work; it’s an extension of me and a means to capture moments for my family and friends, too. So, protecting it from the elements is something I take seriously. Rain, snow, extreme heat—these can all take a toll on your equipment, but the good news is there are plenty of ways to protect it. To save you some stress and share what I’ve learned, I’m going to walk you through the steps I take to safeguard my gear and hopefully help you keep yours safe on your next outdoor shoot.

1) Pack a Collapsible Umbrella

This tip may sound simple, but it’s a lifesaver. I’ve found that packing a collapsible umbrella is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect my camera gear in the rain. The trick is to get one that’s small enough to fit in your bag but large enough to provide enough coverage for both you and your equipment.

I remember one time I was shooting an outdoor wedding, and halfway through the ceremony, a light drizzle turned into a full downpour. Luckily, I had a small, lightweight umbrella tucked into my bag. I quickly pulled it out, shielded my camera with it, and kept shooting. Without it, I would have been forced to retreat to shelter or risk ruining my gear.

This umbrella trick isn’t just for rain, though. It also works well in unexpected sunny weather when you need to shield your camera from direct sunlight, which can cause overheating. A collapsible umbrella works wonders in providing a quick shade to keep your gear—and yourself—protected.

2) Use a Rain Cover

When rain is more than just a passing shower, or when the weather forecast is justifiably grim, I opt for a rain cover. These are specifically designed for cameras and lenses and provide full coverage without compromising your ability to shoot. They’re lightweight, easy to deploy, and are made from water-resistant materials like nylon or polyester.

I remember a shoot I did during a business conference on a balcony overlooking the city. The forecast didn’t call for rain, but after lunch, a storm rolled in out of nowhere. I was able to quickly cover my camera with a rain cover while still having full access to the lens and controls. My camera stayed completely dry, and I kept shooting uninterrupted. I’ll admit, I was a little concerned about what might happen to the cover during the wind, but it held up great.

For those of you wondering where to find these covers, there are some excellent, affordable options on the market. Some of the more professional versions even have clear plastic windows so you can view the camera controls while still keeping everything dry.

3) Keep Spare Batteries and Memory Cards in a Waterproof Case

Photography is a power-hungry activity, and nothing ruins a shoot faster than running out of power or memory. In outdoor conditions, it’s even more important to keep spare batteries and memory cards safe from moisture. I keep mine in a small, waterproof case with a tight seal to keep the elements out.

I remember one particularly harsh shoot on the beach at sunset. The wind was blowing sand everywhere, and the spray from the ocean was relentless. Fortunately, I had my spare batteries tucked away in a case in my bag. As I swapped out the batteries during the shoot, I noticed several other photographers were stuck with wet, unusable gear because they didn’t take the necessary precautions.

Waterproof cases come in a variety of sizes, but I always go for one that’s compact enough to fit in my bag yet offers enough room to store a few cards and batteries.

4) Use Lens Hoods to Protect Against Rain and Snow

Lens hoods serve a variety of purposes. They can help block out excess light and reduce lens flare, but they’re also excellent at protecting your lens from rain or snow. Over time, I’ve found that they’re an essential tool when shooting in adverse weather conditions.

I was once photographing a corporate event outdoors during the winter, and the snow was coming down fast. The lens hood acted as an additional shield against the snow, preventing it from landing on my lens. If you’re shooting in rain or snow, I highly recommend using a lens hood. It’s one of those small, simple solutions that can save you a lot of trouble.

5) Bring a Dry Bag or Waterproof Backpack

Waterproof bags have become an essential part of my outdoor gear. A dry bag, whether it’s a dedicated camera bag or just a simple waterproof pouch, is essential for keeping my gear safe in wet conditions. If I’m heading into the wilderness or shooting at an outdoor event where I can’t easily control the environment, a waterproof bag is a must.

A particularly memorable moment that made me double down on waterproof gear was during a kayaking trip I took a few years ago. I thought it was going to be a light, pleasant trip, but by the time we were halfway down the river, a heavy downpour started. My waterproof bag saved the day, keeping my camera safe and dry while I was getting soaked from head to toe.

These bags aren’t just for rain—they’re also great for protecting your gear when traveling in dusty or humid environments. You never know when you’ll encounter unpredictable conditions, so having the right bag is key to peace of mind.

6) Keep Your Gear Out of the Elements When Not in Use

I’ll admit—there are times when I get caught up in the action and forget to properly protect my gear when I’m not actively shooting. But I’ve learned that even small things like leaving my camera exposed to direct sunlight or rain for too long can cause damage.

One instance I remember clearly was when I left my camera sitting on a bench during an outdoor event. The weather had been beautiful when I set it down, but I got caught up in conversation and didn’t notice the dark clouds rolling in. By the time I grabbed my camera, the lens had already started to fog up from the rain. Thankfully, no major damage was done, but it was a wake-up call for me to always keep my gear covered when not in use.

I’ve since developed a habit of either putting my camera under a small shelter or inside my bag whenever I’m not actively using it. A simple practice, but it can make a huge difference in preserving the longevity of your gear.

7) Clean Your Equipment After Exposure to Harsh Elements

One of the most important—and often overlooked—things you can do after an outdoor shoot is to clean your equipment. After exposure to rain, snow, or dust, it’s essential to dry off your camera, lenses, and other accessories to prevent moisture buildup and corrosion.

I remember finishing a shoot at a local park, and I noticed my camera felt a little gritty. The humidity and dust had settled into the crevices of the body and lens. After that, I started bringing cleaning cloths and air blowers to every shoot. After an event or shoot, I make sure to gently wipe down all my gear with a microfiber cloth, remove any dust using a blower, and dry off any moisture with a soft towel.

8) Use a Lens Protector

When shooting in extreme weather, even with all the precautions mentioned, I’ll use a UV or clear filter as a protective lens cover. It’s an extra layer of defense against moisture and debris, and it’s much cheaper to replace than a lens.

There’s one time I’ll always remember when I was shooting in a remote location with a lot of sand. The wind picked up, and sand particles started to blow everywhere. Luckily, my lens protector took the brunt of it, and I was able to clean it off without any damage to my actual lens.

Final Thoughts

Outdoor photography can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with unique challenges. Over the years, I’ve developed a set of practices to help protect my gear from the elements, and while there’s always a level of risk, these steps help ensure I can focus on the job at hand without worrying about my equipment.

Take it from someone who’s been caught in the rain, snow, and even a sandstorm—being prepared is key. With a little foresight and the right tools, you can protect your camera gear and keep shooting no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.