Capturing Burning Man Through the Dust Storm: How Firefighter-Photographer Steve Baer Trusted Outex to Protect His Camera

When most people think of Burning Man, they imagine towering art installations, fire-lit nights, and the surreal beauty of the Black Rock Desert. But for photographers, the dream comes with a catch: dust, mud, wind, and extreme conditions that can destroy camera gear.

That’s the exact dilemma firefighter and part-time photographer Steve Baer faced. Taking his camera to Burning Man had been on his bucket list for years, but he wasn’t sure how to keep his equipment safe. As a firefighter, he’s no stranger to harsh environments—and when he was offered a position with Burning Man’s Emergency Services Department (ESD), he knew this was his moment.

After some research, Steve found his solution: the Outex Camera Pro Kit with Straps.

Firefighter Steve Baer w/ Outex camera in hand reflected on Burner's sunglasses.

Group shot of Burners celebrating near a desert art car, photographed by Steve Baer

Firefighter by Day, Photographer by Spirit

Steve arrived in Black Rock City several days before the event began to help build Fire Camp #3 and document the work of his fellow ESD members. For him, photography was not just about capturing scenes, but about honoring the people who serve and build community in extreme environments.

Burning Man’s culture is built around principles like gifting, and Steve embraced that fully with his camera. When he wasn’t working as a firefighter, he wandered the playa with his camera in its Outex housing, offering portraits and group shots as gifts. After taking photos, he shared a QR code where participants could later find and download their images.

The response? Overwhelming gratitude.

“I was shocked at how receptive everyone was to the offer of a photo,” Steve recalls.

Outex in the Dust: Real-World Test at Burning Man

Anyone who has been to Burning Man knows that dust is everywhere—so fine it seeps into zippers, cases, and even electronics sealed inside vehicles. For photographers, it’s notoriously destructive. That’s why Steve’s Outex housing drew so much attention from fellow burners.

“I got a lot of questions about the Outex covering and if it really worked,” Steve says. “I told them, ‘Yes,It has worked beautifully so far.’”

Protected inside the Outex Camera Pro Kit, Steve’s camera was shielded from the alkaline playa dust, wind, and even the occasional mud and water spray. Instead of worrying about his gear, he could focus on what mattered: documenting the creativity and spirit of Burning Man.

Photography as a Gift at Burning Man

Steve’s approach resonated with the Burning Man ethos. Each photo became more than an image—it was a connection, a moment of shared experience, and a gift to strangers turned friends. By protecting his camera, Outex allowed Steve to contribute meaningfully to the event while pursuing his passion.

You can explore Steve’s Burning Man gallery here:
👉 Steve Baer’s Burning Man 2025 Photos

Why Outex Works for Harsh Environments

The Outex Camera Pro Kit is designed for photographers like Steve—those who want to capture life’s rawest, most extreme experiences without sacrificing their gear. Outex housings are:

• Professional Imaging – Tempered, treated, optical glass ports.

• Dust-proof – Playa dust, beach sand, or desert winds won’t penetrate.

• Waterproof – From mud storms to underwater shoots, Outex keeps gear dry.

• Versatile – Works with virtually all professional cameras and lenses without sacrificing controls thru the housing; film, dslr, mirrorless, etc.

• Lightweight & Travel-Friendly – Easy to carry and adaptable for adventures.

Whether you’re photographing Burning Man, surfing, snowboarding, diving, or desert adventures, Outex gives you the freedom to focus on your craft—not your camera’s survival.

Final Thoughts

For Steve Baer, Burning Man was more than just a bucket-list trip. It was a chance to combine service, art, and community—and to test his gear in one of the harshest photographic environments on Earth. Outex kept his camera safe so he could keep gifting memories.

@Steve Baer

As Steve proved, when you protect your gear with Outex, the only limit is your imagination. Steve (on the right) and friends enjoying the event.