Edited by Rachel Duncan 4th Edition ISBN 0-907649-91-2 London ...

Photography under Polar Conditions 91
Chapter 10: PHOTOGRAPHY UNDER POLAR CONDITIONS
Except in extreme cold, most cameras will operate
adequately in the polar environment and indeed in most
cases will be spared the horrors of sand. Whatever
equipment you choose, it is well worthwhile designating
one of your party as prime photographer. Invariably the
most interesting pictures will stem from times when
unless the right priorities are pre-arranged, no-one is
thinking of taking pictures.
In times of minor (or even major) crisis when
everyone feels they should be pitching in, the designated
photographer should not feel guilty but ensure that
possibly the most exciting moments of the expedition are
captured on film. His role is critical and it is for the other
members of the group to remember that he has a place
and not resent his apparent lack of contribution to the
hard work at times. It is a difficult role with conflicting
responsibilities.
It is far better to duplicate on film, rather than afterwards. Copy transparencies are
always poorer quality and more expensive to produce. Before the expedition starts, agree
who will keep and own the photographs taken.
Much of this chapter refers to extreme cold but the section on exposure applies to
all snow conditions.
10.1 Extreme cold
Extreme cold stresses cameras, film, and other equipment, as well as the photographer. In
Polar regions winter temperatures can fall to –40°C or lower. Under such conditions,
camera shutters can become sluggish and unreliable, or even fail completely. Lens
diaphragms and auto-focus mechanisms often bind, and film-transport mechanisms stiffen.
Lens elements contract and may separate. Batteries lose efficiency and deliver only a small
portion of their energy. Battery-operated flash units, motor drives, exposure systems, and
motion-picture camera drives may not function. Film may become brittle and break in the
camera.
If you are likely to encounter such problems, fully selecting your equipment and
keeping it warm, and, perhaps, winterizing it, will provide more reliable operation and
better photographic results. The advantage of a compact camera is that you can keep it
close to your body core, only bringing it out for very brief periods.
10.2 Selecting cameras
The camera that you select is a matter of personal choice. Do not, however, expect reliable
performance from equipment that has not been tested under the particular working
conditions you expect to encounter. Shakedown testing ahead of time will usually uncover
any malfunctions or problems.