As a photographer who lives and shoots in the Midwest (United States), I know all too well the pain of shooting in frigid temperatures on an annual basis. I’ve tried all kinds of gloves, mittens or hybrids to keep my fingers toasty while shooting, but none have proven to be the perfect pair, leaving at least a few flaws in every method I’ve tried so far.
That could change though with a new Kickstarter for Vallerret Photography Gloves. Designed from the ground up with photographers in mind, they offer protection, warmth and photography-specific features in a single pair of gloves.
It’s worth noting these aren’t the first photography-specific gloves. Not by a longshot. But, where the Vallerret Photography Gloves excel is in their unique design that prioritizes comfort and convenience above all else.
As the image above shows, there are roughly half a dozen features implemented into the gloves (I don’t think ‘Embroided Logo’ counts as a feature).
Three features in particular stand out as photography oriented: a microfiber strip, flip finger ‘technology’ for your thumb and pointer fingers and a dedicated SD card pocket on the top of the glove. The former might be considered useless, especially if there’s precipitation falling where you’re shooting, but the latter two do hold up as potentially useful additions.
As for warmth and comfort, the Vallerret Photography Gloves use a 100% merino wool liner (my personal fabric of choice for winter clothing) and neoprene in places where flexibility matters. A non-slip grip gives bonus security when holding your gear in colder conditions.
The Kickstarter campaign has already amassed over half of its ~US$14,000 goal with 26 days to go. Production is set to take place from December 2015 to February 2016, but as with all Kickstarters, there is the possibility of delays.
Still, if you want to get your hands on…er…in a pair, you can do so for a pledge of US$64. They’re not cheap for what is essentially a glamorous pair of gloves, but they’ll certainly stand out amongst other gloves on the market.
Head on over to the Kickstarter campaign to read up more and secure your pledge.
[via PopPhoto]
