Photographic equipment-For a photographer, their camera and other Photographic equipment is their weapon, their tool of the trade. We’ve said before that data is our most important asset, but without a camera, there’s no data. So, as photographers, we need to take care of our photographic equipment and keep it in good condition. This is one of the things that separates the professional from the amateur. A smudge on the lens or a blemish on the sensor can ruin an image or increase post-production time. Careless use of the camera near water or keeping it in a humid environment may shorten its life. If your camera works, you’re working.
We don’t talk much about taking care of our photographic equipment, so this time we thought we’d take advantage of this opportunity. And talk about the dos and don’ts and best practices for keeping your equipment in good condition so you can get the most out of it in your work. If you haven’t thought about cleaning your gear or where you store it or how you treat it on set, we hope this post jumpstarts your thinking. Let’s get started!
#1 Get your equipment professionally cleaned
You don’t have to do this after every photo shoot. However, it is important to have your camera and lenses cleaned every few months. Of course, if you’ve just shot on the beach or at a typical Indian haldi holi, you should clean your gear as soon as you get back to your studio after shooting. However, be very careful when cleaning so as not to cause further damage. We’ve got some DIY cleaning tips for you later in this post, so be sure to check it out if you want to clean your own gear every now and then.
At Twogether Studios we mostly use FujiFilm cameras. And one of the perks of being a Fuji brand ambassador is that every few months they hold a service camp at our office and clean our equipment. Even if that doesn’t happen, we’d still like to send our device to a service center every now and then.
#2 Use a dry closet to store your gear
When you’re shooting and not shooting or traveling, where do you keep your gear? Do you store them properly to protect them from moisture, dust or wear and tear during travel? The answers to these questions are very important in determining the lifespan of your equipment.
At Twogether Studios, we store our cameras and lenses in a dry cabinet that controls humidity, temperature, and dust. However, if for some reason you cannot get a dry closet, try to find a place where there is no dust and moisture. And where your camera or lens won’t be knocked over by a careless hand. You can even make a DIY dry box using a large airtight plastic container and packets of silica gel.
#3 Protect from physical harm
When traveling for your assignments, use quality camera bags that provide protection against several bumps and bumps on the road. If you’re shooting on a crowded street or on a dance floor or maybe in a heap where all the family members are huddled and running around, as they always are at an Indian wedding, use a sun visor to prevent scratches and fingerprints. When shooting on the dance floor, remember to never shoot directly into the laser beams that run across. You risk damaging the sensor.
Salt water is death to a camera, so you should be extra careful when taking pictures on the beach. The same goes for sand on your gear. Then you can use a plastic raincoat. And while it doesn’t sound like it would do much damage, don’t leave your camera gear or bag in direct sunlight.
#4 Push your device… within the limits
Most cameras today are hermetically sealed. So they can handle a little rough treatment. So be fearless in shooting and try to be better. A little water, rain, champagne or haldi won’t hurt it much. The key, as we said before, is to take care of any dirt or smudges carefully.
But even though the cameras are sealed against the elements, they are not completely impervious to damage. So don’t submerge your camera in water or be careless when shooting wet/colored/sticky things.
#5 DYI Cleaning Tips
The best way is to use regular soft tissues with lens cleaning solution. Resist the urge to wipe your lens with a t-shirt or tissue while taking pictures. Remember, dust scratches. So if you have any dirt on your lens once you get back to the studio, use an air fan to get rid of the dust and then wipe the lens with a soft cloth and lens cleaner. You can use a soft microfiber cloth with lens cleaner or multi-surface cream on the camera body or lens. Also, remember to spray the solution on a cloth first and then wipe down the equipment. Never spray the solution directly on your device.
Regarding the camera sensor, we recommend that you do not attempt this yourself as you may damage and destroy the camera. It’s best to leave it to the professionals and not use YouTube as a standard guide for DIY tutorials.