As we now move further into the 2022, it would be nice to think that we can look forward to a little more warmth in the days ahead. Woodpeckers have been very audible at work, ‘drumming’ away over recent weeks and yesterday I watched a Skylark rise and fall on the first day of Spring. It is a great time of year.
I do not have a particular favourite season with regards to landscape photography. Whether that be on a workshop in Snowdonia or the Lakes or just out photographing for myself, as I know we can take photographs throughout the year. For me, I simply move on and look forward to what is ahead. A different time of year and a plethora of new situations. I enjoy moving with the seasons and appreciate them all.
Whilst I like venturing out in all weathers, it can get a tad unpleasant when we are subjected to very cold, wet, damp days. If you are ‘getting on’ in years like me, you’ll also know about the ‘creaks’ that set in ha ha!
The pandemic and lockdown saw more and more people spending time in the outdoors and consequently experiencing what the weather has to throw at us. It became a release for many and I can appreciate that. It was far from easy going and as it began to ease, many ventured further out and discovered what the landscape offers.
Here in the UK, we experience the four seasons and although they may be getting slightly muddled up at times, you can be sure that ours will cross boundaries and merge. In short, it does seem as if the weather gods enjoy throwing them all at us in one day some times! For us to enjoy them, we need to be properly attired.
You only have to look online and see the vast amount of clothing that is available for you to combat the weather. The outdoor market is awash with gear designed to keep you and I comfortable in all the elements. Whilst our skin might be waterproof as such, you cant beat being comfy. The choice is seemingly endless as we have layers and layers of technical clothing to choose from. In short, it looks as if ‘we’ are well provided for. If you love walking on the hills and mountains, then the clothing will keep you warm and dry as the layered system is tried and tested.
It works.
As landscape photographers, we have a different approach to working outside, as it isn’t just about the pleasure of the walk and enjoyment of the landscape. We will be ‘suited and booted’ but we also have our kit to provide for too. There are numerous bags designed to protect your equipment and again circumstance will dictate what you decide upon.
Therefore, for us, as landscape photographers, we have to protect the two main investments : our kit and ‘us.’
Personally, I have always loved being out on the mountains, no matter what the weather. When the elements are starting to close in and nature produces that wonderful, dramatic light, I know that the potential for great photography will present itself. Blue sky days rightfully have their place but give me the ‘god light’ or ‘celestial torch’ any day!
Drama Over Snowdon
When we happen upon a great view, or a location that we’ve aimed for, we stop and evaluate what is before us, then begin to compose the image as we see it. In most weather’s that is fine but factor in a cold, wet, windy, freezing day and the situation changes. Invariably you will be properly attired and also wearing gloves. Due to the advent of mirrorless, our cameras are now getting smaller, which has subsequently reduced the size of the controls. Consequently, accessing the menus, the touchscreen etc means removing those gloves and exposing your fingers which are now open to those elements.
Don’t get me wrong, you can of course still make the situation work for you and for years this is what I have done. If you have done the same you’ll appreciate that it can quickly become very uncomfortable. Even for a short period it can really begin to ‘bite.’
Over the years, I have tried different ways to combat this such as the obvious in simply trying to rush and being quick. I prefer to take my time though and so the inevitable happens. You begin to lose heat and the uncomfortability begins to set in. I have even bought fingerless gloves or just worn windproof, thinsulate liners. All have resulted in the same situation: yes we can still take snaps but it is not comfortable on the hands. They quickly become cold and on some days the wet coupled with the wind chill accelerates that aforementioned ‘bite.’
This doesn’t have to be in arctic conditions or a heavy snow day either.
I am sure you have experienced that burning sensation once you have exposed your hands in the conditions I have outlined. You quickly put the gloves back on and then begin the process of rewarming again. It isn’t the end of the world but it is an inconvenience. Yes you will take the immediate chill off of them but the rewarming only happens as you begin to walk off again as you generate heat.
After another one of' ‘those days,’ I decided to try and find a solution and undertook research to see if there was anything out there that would help alleviate the situation.
Of course, you wont be surprised to find that there is because the internet seems to offer a solution to all things now but whilst there are many types of gloves ‘out there,’ I was after one that had quality materials and would offer me the protection and ability to work without compromise. I knew that some could do a job but I was looking for gloves that had been designed for photography by photographers. ‘They’ would understand ‘our’ need and so create a product to match.
The one glove that kept ‘popping up’ with good reviews was made by a Norwegian company called ‘VALLERRET.’
Markhof Pro V3 Landscape Photography Gloves
They produce a number of variants based upon the ‘regular’ conditions we as photographers would work in and the ones I felt were most suited to me, are the ‘MARKHOF PRO V3’ and you can read about them fully by clicking on that link.
They looked perfect and just the job, so I dived in and got them along with a pair of their Polartec liners.
They are NOT cheap but as we spend a substantial amount on our kit and clothing I am reminded of the old saying ,’why spoil the ship for a ha'porth of tar’…..
Protect the investment!
When I took delivery of them, I was impressed with the way that they were packaged and felt that I was getting a well constructed and ‘fit for purpose’ product.
Once I took them out of their bag, it was obvious that the attention to detail and quality was of the highest, so all I needed to do now was try them out in the field, which I have now done on several occasions and in the conditions I mentioned previously.
So how did they perform?
The fit was good. Due to the merino wool that lines them, my hands do look larger but you soon get used to that. When you pull the gloves on, the cuff extends past the wrist ensuring that any warmth stays in.
At first, I found using them was naturally different because I had to remember NOT to feel the urge to take the gloves off whilst trying to work. After all these years of doing just that, I had to re-educate myself. Your natural instinct is to remove them but I am now getting there. You literally keep them on at all times and simply flip the ends of thumb and forefinger segments of the glove which are then held in place by magnets. Letting the magnets do their job, allowed me the freedom to fully control the camera .
Such a simple concept and well engineered.
As I had walked for some distance to the locations I was heading for, my hands quickly warmed up and were literally like toast. I was pleased that I was not going to lose that warmth as I began to work.
The Gloves ‘in action’ as I photographed landscapes in a quarry on a very cold day
So far, I have worked in freezing rain, 35mph winds, down in caves, on blustery coastlines, quarries and on open mountain sides. They have not let me down.
I know that I am now getting used to them and they are fully integrated into my kit.
The warmer weather will soon be here and they will go away in my autumn/winter box but I know that they will be there offering that protection when needed later in the year.
I would definitely recommend that anyone who is serious about working out in inclement weather, shooting landscape photography, especially the winter months considers these as an option.
I wish to point out that I was not paid for this review. I just wanted to get hold of something that would make my working life easier. They have and they do.
Enjoy your photography!
Regards
Mark
March 2nd 2022