All Fogged Up | China's Three Gorges
Capturing the Sunrise at the Three Gorges: A Journey Through China
In July 2007, my wife and I embarked on a clockwise adventure across China, immersing ourselves in its rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Starting in Guilin, we travelled east to Shanghai, north to Beijing, south-west to Xian and Chengdu, and then east to Chongqing. The highlight of our trip? A memorable cruise down the mighty Yangtze River to the renowned Three Gorges Dam in Yichang.
Exploring China’s Cultural and Historical Riches
Cruising along the Yangtze, we stopped daily to explore local culture and ancient sites. From bustling towns to serene landscapes, each destination revealed the depth of China’s history. However, one of the most anticipated moments of the cruise was witnessing the sunrise at the famed Three Gorges, a narrow stretch of river flanked by towering cliffs.
A Photography Mishap at Sunrise
Eager to capture the beauty of the Three Gorges, I meticulously planned my sunrise shoot. The evening before, I scouted the best vantage point on the boat’s top deck, anticipating where fellow passengers and photographers might gather.
When dawn arrived, I was ready. Camera in hand, I watched as the pre-dawn light illuminated the sky. But as I peered through my viewfinder, my heart sank—everything was fogged up. Despite my attempts to clean the lens and viewfinder, the condensation persisted. It wasn’t until I noticed others struggling with the same issue that the cause became clear: transitioning my camera from the air-conditioned cabin to the hot, humid summer air of China had caused the lens to fog.
By the time my gear acclimatised, the sunrise had passed, leaving me with no photos but a valuable lesson.
Learning from Mistakes
Determined to avoid another disappointment, I prepared differently the next night. Wrapping my camera and lens in a blanket, I placed them inside a carry case to reduce the impact of sudden temperature changes. Additionally, I turned off the air conditioning in the middle of the night to acclimate the cabin.
The next morning, I was ready. Returning to the top deck before dawn, I secured the best spot to capture the entrance to the gorges. As the light grew, more people joined me, many excited to photograph the stunning scene. This time, I was prepared.
Success at Sunrise
With no fogged lenses to hinder me, I captured every moment of the sunrise. Meanwhile, many others struggled with the same issue I had faced the day before, unable to take any photos. The lesson was clear: understanding how environmental conditions affect equipment is crucial for photography success.
A Photographer’s Takeaway
The experience taught me a vital lesson about preparation and adapting to circumstances. For photographers planning to capture scenes in humid climates, always allow your equipment time to acclimatise to avoid condensation.
China’s Yangtze River cruise and the Three Gorges sunrise remain etched in my memory—not just for their beauty, but for the lessons learned along the way.
Share Your Own Lessons
Have you faced unexpected challenges while photographing in new environments? Share your stories and tips with me on social media, and let’s inspire each other to grow as photographers.
