Understanding Condensation Damage. On one assignment in Costa Rica, I moved quickly from an air-conditioned hotel into the hot, humid rainforest. Within minutes, my lenses fogged over, ruining some shots and forcing me to wait for them to dry before continuing.

In my experience, condensation forms when your gear experiences sudden temperature changes. I now keep cameras in airtight bags when moving between environments and allow them to acclimate gradually to prevent moisture from forming inside.

My advice? Anticipate temperature changes and plan accordingly. Based on my experience as a Costa Rica photographer, managing condensation is crucial for protecting your gear and ensuring you don’t miss critical shots. Doing photography in Costa Rica requires careful attention to how the environment interacts with your equipment.