LEXsample :: photography tips for Antarctica

Tips for protecting photo gear

Transport and protection

Leave as much packaging at home as possible. It not only saves weight, but more importantly waste that you would otherwise have to leave on board or that may get lost or blown away while landing.
In the plane take as much photo equipement as hand luggage as possible.
Use a rain cover to protect your photo rucksack against rain and spray. Sometimes these covers are built-in in real photo rucksacks, but you can buy them seperately in outdoor shops. Make sure you attache the cover to your rucksack so it cannot be suddenly blown away.
Always carry your camera, tripod and binoculars using a strap. This prevents equipement from dropping accidentally, and you will keep your arms free to maintain your balance.
If you will not be using an external flash, then cover the flash shoe (connector) on top of your camera with (Duck)tape. This shields the contacts from salty seawater.
A sun cap mounted on your lenses will also protect the glass against spray and rain. On top of that, caps offer protection against scratches.
Most photographers protect their lenses by mounting a skylight filter (UV filter). Skylight filters are anyway a good idea on Antarctica.
Ask your mother(-in-law) to produce a protective cover from water-restitant fabric to cover lens and camera. Alternatively, the Israelian brand Kata manufactures rain covers for professional SLR's and (tele)lenses.

Insurance

If your travelling insurance does not (completely) cover your photo gear, you may want to inquire if they offer additional insurances, or if other insurance agencies can help you. There is little risk of theft on Antarctica, but that risk will be greater while travelling or possibly on board of big ships. If you are a careful photographer, you may not need an insurance at all.

Proofs of purchase and serial numbers

Custom's may check your luggage and you may have to prove that you have not newly purchased your gear abroad (to charge you additional tax added value), so it is recommended to bring a copy of the original proofs of purchase.

Write down all model names and associated serial numbers of all your gear (including accessoires). Should you be unlucky and lose gear due to logistics issues or theft, then at least you will be able to point out what exactly has disappeared. It will be obvious that you should never store this list with your equipement, but ask for example your travel mate to store it away with the other travel documents.