Congratulations to Gregg B. for winning Feature Thread of the Week with 7 votes - View Previous Winners
Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to explore Lapland in Northern Finland, capturing the enchanting beauty of frozen trees and winter landscapes. The current conditions are nothing short of stunning, particularly if you have an appreciation for snow and winter wonderlands. The temperatures have plummeted to below -30°C this year, creating a truly magical setting.
During my stay in Ruka, which is approximately a 2-hour flight north of Helsinki, I put my Nikon photography gear to the ultimate test. Despite the challenging conditions, I relied on the Nikon Z9, designed to withstand temperatures up to -15°C. To my delight, the camera performed flawlessly even in temperatures as low as -35°C, exceeding its specified capabilities. The short daylight hours, spanning only 4 to 5 hours, allowed me to capture the mesmerizing auroral borealis on clear nights, adding an extra layer of wonder to the experience.
Not only did I push the limits with my camera, but I also utilized my Mavic 3 drone to capture captivating videos in these extreme temperatures. Remarkably, the drone operated seamlessly without any complications. The 6th image is taken by the drone...
"Ain't Ma Nature grand! I have always liked the way the snow and ice can "sugar-coat" the trees and bushes into these marshmallow shapes, Gregg!
Douglas
Gregg, thanks for sharing these amazing ice-scapes. Offers us a glimpse of the diversity in the world. Stunning photographs all of them, and admire your personal fortitude in going out in such weather to capture these moments.
Michael H wrote:
Pretty amazing place. Great collections of images, thanks for sharing these. For #1, the trees kind of struck me as human-like figures in the cold.
Too cold for me I think, but wow.
It was cold, yes, even -30C but that was after sunset. During the day, temps were around -20C
I know it's still cold but better than -30C. Also, there was no wind (very little) so that was nice. If I had winds it would feel extremely cold even at -5C.
You just prepare yourself, get warm clothes and you'll be fine.
PaulCStudios wrote:
Really like all of the images, they take you away. -30C that is very cold, great the gear worked.
I was once shooting in Grand Teton NP at -40C/F (those two numbers meet at -40) and I had no problems with my Nikon gear. It was very cold indeed. I rented Ford F-150 and once I started the engine in the morning, I didn't shut it down until after the sunset. I had no problems starting the car either (in Both Wyoming and Finland) because synthetic oil doesn't really freeze, just FYI.
Gregg B. wrote:
I was once shooting in Grand Teton NP at -40C/F (those two numbers meet at -40) and I had no problems with my Nikon gear. It was very cold indeed. I rented Ford F-150 and once I started the engine in the morning, I didn't shut it down until after the sunset. I had no problems starting the car either (in Both Wyoming and Finland) because synthetic oil doesn't really freeze, just FYI.
Appreciate how you make it happen and go for it in the cold, with amazing shots. I have stepped out in -20C when I use to race Huskies. Ah yes the -40C/F. Also have been hanging out of a helicopter doing aerial survey filming/stills at the same time, over the ocean going 80 kts in 5deg F air temp, that was a long day with the windchill. Sony F55 video and Canon Still gear both worked perfect.
I prefer the tropics where I am head for a month of jobs shooting on and off the water. Hot and humid is easy for me, cold not so much.
