Tips for winter pictures?
Discussion
Folks,
I notice when taking pictures recently that with the sun so low in the sky and the light levels being what they are the pictures tend to look a bit washed out, watered down even.
Now is that a good winter 'effect' or are there tricks to avoiding this? I agree that in some cases it is desirable but not always.
I notice when taking pictures recently that with the sun so low in the sky and the light levels being what they are the pictures tend to look a bit washed out, watered down even.
Now is that a good winter 'effect' or are there tricks to avoiding this? I agree that in some cases it is desirable but not always.
Could be just the right effect, of course.
If you're having trouble metering a scene the easiest way to deal with it is to "bracket" your shots by taking one or two shots with more and less exposure. If you note down what you did, then in future you'll know how to meter for similar situations.
If you're having trouble metering a scene the easiest way to deal with it is to "bracket" your shots by taking one or two shots with more and less exposure. If you note down what you did, then in future you'll know how to meter for similar situations.
There are a couple of photo mags in the shops at the moment that have articles on just this.
Things that I've picked up on (although haven't had a chance to put into practice) are that exposure meters will assume that you are measuring something that is mid-grey in colour, so if you want to shoot brighter subjects (like snow), then you will have to compensate for this by either over exposing by 1 step or so, or by measuring exposure settings on something that is a mid-grey colour and either setting your camera manually or by holding the setting and re-composing the shot.
Things that I've picked up on (although haven't had a chance to put into practice) are that exposure meters will assume that you are measuring something that is mid-grey in colour, so if you want to shoot brighter subjects (like snow), then you will have to compensate for this by either over exposing by 1 step or so, or by measuring exposure settings on something that is a mid-grey colour and either setting your camera manually or by holding the setting and re-composing the shot.
simpo two said:
If you can post the pic I might have more accurate ideas for you!
Ah, well. I don't actually have any just yet, I'm preparing myself!
I did take some but they were junk so I deleted them, however I have just spent a couple of hours knocking up a website with some stuff on www.final-design.com there are only a couple of galleries up there but over the next day or so I'm hoping to get some other stuff there too.
All observations welcome, the site layout is poor but I haven't got any better ideas as yet!
Another good tip to get a good exposure is to hold your hand about 12"-15" in front of the camera and take your meter readings from that, works like an 18% grey card. Look at what you want to take, see if the important bit is in sun or shadow, and then make sure your hand is in sun or shadow as well before you take the reading.
Nice tip Adam.
Personally, 80% of my pics are taken looking directly into the sun (my mother always said I was a bit strange).
...must be Seasonal Affective Disorder
But even when they wash out, they work for me.
www.stevecarter.com/p2.htm
Steve
Personally, 80% of my pics are taken looking directly into the sun (my mother always said I was a bit strange).
...must be Seasonal Affective Disorder
But even when they wash out, they work for me.
www.stevecarter.com/p2.htm
Steve
I take it digital was quite a godsend for you!Gassing Station | Photography & Video | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff