Braving the Elements: A New Respect for Outdoor Photographers

Last week, during the winter storm, I was tasked with photographing another cabin in the Hocking Hills area. As someone who enjoys a good challenge and is always up for a picturesque winter scene, I thought, Beautiful cabin in the woods during a snowstorm? Count me in!

But what I didn’t fully appreciate at the time was just how demanding shooting in extreme weather conditions can be. Sure, taking self-portraits is already a tricky endeavor on a good day—finding the right framing, nailing the focus, and then sprinting back and forth to the camera. Now, throw in 12-degree temperatures, wind gusts that feel like they’re slicing through your layers, and a relentless dumping of 10 inches of snow, and you’ve got yourself a whole new level of difficulty.

Let’s talk about the hot tub shots. You’d think it would be straightforward—warm water, cozy vibes. Except I was constantly wiping snow off the camera, trying not to freeze while adjusting the tripod while soaking wet, and keeping my hands functional enough to adjust settings. Then came the sauna—the contrast between the steamy interior and the frigid outdoors was a challenge for both me and my camera lens. And don’t even get me started on the outdoor fire. Let’s just say trying to light wet wood in a snowstorm is an exercise in frustration—and ultimately, failure.

Despite these challenges, I managed to capture some stunning shots. The cabin’s charm shone through, with its snow-covered roof, warm lights glowing from the windows, and the serene forest backdrop. The experience was as rewarding as it was demanding, and I'd probably still be there if it weren't for my trusty Jeep, which handled the snow-covered terrain like a champ.

This experience gave me a newfound respect for the photographers and videographers who regularly brave the elements. It’s one thing to snap a few quick shots of a winter wonderland from the comfort of your front porch, but it’s a whole other game to haul gear through snowdrifts, battle frozen fingers, and adapt to unpredictable conditions, all in pursuit of the perfect shot.

To those who do this day in and day out, hats off to you—or in this case, fur-lined hoods. Your dedication to capturing beauty in the most challenging conditions is nothing short of heroic. As for me, I loved the challenge and look forward to next month’s adventure: filming boat training videos on a yacht in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Bring on the sunshine and the sea breeze!