You've been waiting to capture this moment: a snowy landscape under the soft glow of a red and orange winter sunset. But as you lift your camera, which has hung off your shoulder in cold conditions for the past one or two hours, for the shot, it doesn't respond. No picture.

So what happened?

Chances are the extended exposure to the cold has affected your camera's ability to work.

Cold weather can have an adverse effect on today's digital point-and-shot and SLR models. Moreover, snowflakes on a warm digital camera make a bad combination. When snow melts on a camera, the water can affect the camera's circuitry, or can cause blurry pictures if on the lens.

What measures can you take to protect your camera and get shots in a winter landscapes?

Here are a number of useful suggestions:

Wet conditions: What about taking photographs when it's actually snowing or sleeting? If it's just a few flakes, simply keep your camera under your coat except when you shoot. You might also consider carrying a camera in a zippered plastic bag for further protection.

Heavy wet weather: A heavy downfall can play havoc with the exposed parts of electronic SLR or digital point-and-shoot models. Any moisture can snarl the all-important circuits that control all the camera's functions. When the snow or sleet is really coming down, never expose an SLR to the cold weather conditions. Protect it with a waterproof device or covering designed for the camera and lens. Another option in snowy conditions is to go with a waterproof point-and-shoot or even a waterproof single-use camera.

Batteries: Cold weather can sap battery power. The best solution to maintain battery power is keep both the camera and batteries as warm as possible, by keeping them close to your body under your coat. A second standby is to carry spare batteries. Remember though, you'd need to keep them warm as well. Those radiant glove handwarmers work great dropped into your camera bag.

Lens protection: Try to prevent snowflakes or water droplets from obscuring the view of the lens by wiping it with a dry, lint-free absorbent cloth.

Tripod use: Set up a tripod before shooting, but don't mount the camera right away. Keep it covered and protected under your coat until the picture-taking moment arrives. And, have a quick-release head ready for action. When your winter wilderness scene materializes to your liking, or wildlife comes into view, attach the camera onto the tripod quickly and quietly. A quick-release head will allow you to snap away fast.

Also remember though, a tripod can also freeze in very cold conditions, depending on the type of lubricant in its joints and head.