Dusting down
This summer I’ll be photographing tigers in India. I’m told it gets very dusty, so how can I protect the camera? Pete Holden
That’s exciting, Pete – there’s nothing to beat the moment
you first see a wild tiger. I’ve only been to India once to photograph tigers, but the memory of it will live with me. I don’t know where you’re going, but the heat of the Indian summer means most reserves do get very dusty, and this dust is thrown up by the vehicles moving around the tracks looking for tigers. My trip was to Ranthambore National Park – and by the end of each day, my hair was practically bright red with the dust.
For starters, I suggest you take a light scarf to cover your mouth and nose, and keep the worst of the dust out of your lungs. As for your cameras, first avoid changing lenses. If you can take two camera bodies, you can put one lens on each and stick with them like that for the duration. That way, the dust is kept on the outside of the camera and won’t get on the sensor. I’d also suggest that, when driving around, you pack the cameras away in a closed camera bag, just to prevent them getting totally coated in dust. This will also keep them out of the worst of the heat, which is also advisable.
It will be impossible to avoid getting dust on the camera and lens completely, so you must take a Rocket Blower or a cleaning brush with you. At the end of each day, spend a little time making sure you get any dust off – especially from the front of the lens itself. Also check the underside of the lens cap, as dust has a habit of sneaking in there.