Snow photo's

[tenohfive]

Judging by this thread I don't think I'm the only one who turns into a grinning child when we get a proper snowfall, and the way things are looking by this time tomorrow most of us will have a fair bit on the ground. Which gives me the perfect opportunity to get out and have a play with my new toy (400D with 17-55 IS II). Since getting the 400D I've had a couple of brief opportunities to try and get some half decent shots but have failed miserably so far, but with snowy hills nearby and sub zero temperatures I'm optimistic.

I've done some digging on general landscape photography and am reading a very good book on the subject (Digital Landscape Photography by Michael Frye) but I wondered if anyone has their own proven methods of getting great photo's in the snow? I can imagine some long exposure shot's when it's actually snowing could come out well for the blizzard effect, but I'm not sure I'll manage that too well - I'm currently shopping for a second hand Manfrotto to replace the wobby cheap one I already have. But I'm open to ideas. And if anyone has any examples they'd care to share/show off it'd be great to see them.

[LongQ]

Whether anything like a long exposure will work if it's snowing will depend on how heavy the snowfall is and how big the flakes. You may find long is not the way to go.

Snow usually fools the camera's exposure meter. White snow in daylight will suggest to the camera that the scene it is 'seeing' is brighter than it really is which results in under exposure and grey snow. You probably already know this. Dial in some compensation or play around with manual control until you get something where the snow looks white. It will probably in the order of 2 stops of adjustment required. But check on the screen and by keeping an eye on the histogram available on playback.

Edited by LongQ on Saturday 4th February 11:39

[Simpo Two]

What he said. And at least there is something to white balance on!