When It Rains...

As a fairly new birder and someone who has recently picked up a camera after quite a few years, I am careful with my equipment. I have two camera bodies and three lenses, and not all are a fit for photographing birds. Plus, I live in Hawaiʻi. I hike on lava rock and uneven surfaces regularly. I take photographs by the ocean with sea spray flying. I live on the wet side of the island, where rain is expected at some point on most days.

Because of these conditions, I worry about moisture and rust! I carry a rain fly with me all the time so I can cover my camera if it starts to rain when I am on a walk in the neighborhood. I have a camera backpack with a rain fly for hiking. These work great but they get damp too. So, I reached out to the Hawaii Bird Lovers facebook group to ask for advice.

And, I got great advice! Now I store my gear in an airtight case with desiccant to reduce humidity and protect my gear from Hawaiʻi island's corrosive air environment, especially on the east side. I keep my camera in this case in our pantry. Because of the weather where we live, we also run a room-sized dehumidifier in the pantry. It keeps our spices and crackers fresher and I believe it is helping lengthen the life of my camera.

It's funny - when people see me out in the rain with my camera, they often ask if all is well. I always say, "Yes, my camera is safe!" I figure, if I'm afraid to get wet myself, I shouldn't live here! The camera comes first. Besides, I've been fortunate to get some great shots in the rain!