Shooting in heated pool environment

Hi just picked up a job where the client runs a indoor swimming lesson class in a heated pool. I went yesterday to assess the location and meet and greet. Since the pool is heated its very humid in the pool room. We aren't going to photograph inside the pool but more so from the sides and I am worried about the humidity. Can anyone share any tips on how I should approach shooting in this environment without the moisture and humidity creating an issue for my gear?

Bodies I have are the 5dmk2 and 60D


Den

I haven't got any ideas I'm afraid but am also interested in any suggestions. I want to take some photos at my son's swimming lessons but even inside my bag, my iphone screen gets covered in a fine layer of moisture due to the crazy humidity so I'm too scared to take my camera in there!!

Thats exactly what I mean, the humidity level is extreme and suffocating until you get used to it.

I am not keen on my gear in that environment.

Is the 5d not weather sealed? I thought it was. I've got the 60D and I know it isn't. But having said that, I've read tips before that suggest putting the whole camera into like a freezer-type plastic bag and taping the opening around the end of the lens. Perhaps that would hold off the moisture? :s

Take the camera in, take photos, go home and process them.

Unless you plan on taking the camera for a swim it will be fine.

Thanks for the reply Moppie.

Is there a maximum exposure time to this kind of environment as the windows and furniture were dripping in moisture.

Moppie have you been in these heated infant pool rooms? Water literally drips off walls, eyeglasses, ceilings - it's just that humid.

You should see my hair afterwards.

EmyB tells it as it is, a very wet environment.

As long as you give the camera time to equalize its temperature (so it doesn't get condensation on it), you shouldn't see any ill effects unless you leave it there for days on end. I'd suggest something similar to what you do when bringing it inside after using it outside: put it in a plastic bag to prevent condensation until it comes up to temperature. Then take it out and start shooting.

lensfreak wrote in post #14793918
Hi just picked up a job where the client runs a indoor swimming lesson class in a heated pool. I went yesterday to assess the location and meet and greet. Since the pool is heated its very humid in the pool room. We aren't going to photograph inside the pool but more so from the sides and I am worried about the humidity. Can anyone share any tips on how I should approach shooting in this environment without the moisture and humidity creating an issue for my gear?

Den, the reason that there's condensation on the walls of the pool area is because the walls are cooler than the moist air coming from the pool.

If you pre-warm your camera to a temperature that is warmer than the moist air, then it would be impossible to have the moisture condense on the camera. I suggest measuring the temperature of the air just above the water level and gently warming the camera to ten degrees or so above that before exposing the camera to the pool-room environment.

The other thing that you could do would be to loosely seal the camera in plastic wrap (air-tight but loose enough to use the camera's controls) so that only the lens extends beyond the plastic. Then, take the camera in the room for your shots and leave as soon as possible.

The humidity is not the only problem you may need to worry about, there is also Chlorine in the air too. Humidity can can cause rust and Chlorine will eat at anything metal. I would keep a couple of dry rags handy and wipe down the camera when moisture starts to build up. Also, I would not change lenses in the pool area, as it hard to wipe down the inside of a camera.

SkipD wrote in post #14794545
If you pre-warm your camera to a temperature that is warmer than the moist air, then it would be impossible to have the moisture condense on the camera. I suggest measuring the temperature of the air just above the water level and gently warming the camera to ten degrees or so above that before exposing the camera to the pool-room environment.

I wonder how its accomplished?
I mean, you can, but I don't think keeping the camera over a burning flame or a lighter for a few seconds to heat it up will work well :P

Thanks guys/gals, all advice taken onboard.


Den

Use protective gear. You'll get more interesting pictures.

EmyB wrote in post #14794232
Moppie have you been in these heated infant pool rooms? Water literally drips off walls, eyeglasses, ceilings - it's just that humid.

You should see my hair afterwards.

They must be either heating the water way up or the building has poor ventilation/low ceiling. My local pool while humid doesn't have the walls dripping with moisture.