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05/28/2010 12:52:56 PM · #1 |
To some of you, this might seem like the most basic question in the world.
However, I have never shot in snow before. I am from Central California where it rarely dips below 50F in the winter, and climbs to 110F in the summer.
So snow is kind of a novelty to me :-P
However, this weekend I am hiking up Mount Whitney (the tallest mountain in the 48 connected states) and am of course bringing my camera with me.
Since it is so high up, there will be plenty of snow, and most of it will be untouched, which should hopefully give me some gorgeous views.
What tips do you have for me?
Photographing snow appears fairly daunting for me. Its just so....white. Just screaming to be overexposed. |
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05/28/2010 01:06:30 PM · #2 |
I live in Quebec and we have a lot of snow ;-)
Surprisingly, my camera seems to be able to do good shots of snow without having to change the exposure compensation.
Or I overexpose at +1/3 or +2/3.
For me, it's often enough.
I would suggest using autobracketing, just in case.
(EDIT: Small mistake... changed "underexpose" to "overexpose")
Message edited by author 2010-05-28 13:33:27. |
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05/28/2010 01:13:34 PM · #3 |
For snow covered scenes:
Contrary to instinct, you need to open up (overexpose) by 1-2 stops compared to what your meter tells you. Your meter takes it's reading by measuring the amount of reflected light. Since the snow is very reflective, the meter reading will not be accurate.
Best advice is to bracket your photos. |
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05/28/2010 01:17:32 PM · #4 |
Your meter assumes 18% gray. If it sees snow it will assume it's gray and if you meter the snow it will turn out that way. You'll need to boost your exposure - a couple quick shots should be enough to dial it in. I've been told that you can just aim at the sky (not sun though) and that will get you close.
As others said, you may need to bracket depending on situation. |
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05/28/2010 01:21:23 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by Ken:
I've been told that you can just aim at the sky (not sun though) and that will get you close. |
This is a good tip. I use it often. |
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05/28/2010 01:39:09 PM · #6 |
I'd use the combination of overexposing and then bracketing. Bracketing the normally exposed shots will give you two bad shots and one good one. The biggest problem is usually how much to overexpose -- so overexpose by +2/3 or so and then bracket to get better results.
Also, I highly recommend shooting in RAW -- gives you more flexibility if you didn't expose quite right.
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05/28/2010 02:22:31 PM · #7 |
A polarizing filter comes in handy.
As mentioned, I never meter on the snow.
Took this across the road from my house!
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05/28/2010 02:43:25 PM · #8 |
Firstly, you'll need to consider the effects of cold temperatures on your equipment. You'll have increased fogging problems when you take your camera out. If you have any filters mounted to the lens you will be using, ensure you take them off before each set of photos you take. The reason for this is that the relative humidity drops as your elevation increases, so, if you don't do this, you have a hot, humid chunk of air between your lens and your filter, which equals fogged up lens. Just take it off, let the mountain air get in and clear it up, and then screw it back on. A polarizing filter will definitely be useful, but is not necessary. I strongly encourage either bracketing or a keen understanding of your camera's exposure. Further, RAW helps to increase your flexibility here. Keep in mind Whitney itself will be packed, so capture views looking out towards other mountains or perhaps isolated ascents of people if you can (sorta doubting this though). Black and white conversion can work very well for these sorts of scenes as well, so make sure to check that out before you dismiss a photo. In color, this scene wasn't that interesting since it was so overcast that day, but BW conversion really brought the drama of the storm clouds and the texture of the snow. 
Mostly though, make sure you stay safe. People have an inclination to risk themselves for photos in places like this, and it isn't wise. Always be aware of your surroundings, and don't underestimate conditions (though out in Cali you aren't as prone to deadly afternoon thunderstorms as we are here in CO). Most importantly, enjoy yourself, as you're n a glorious locale! |
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06/05/2010 01:17:22 PM · #9 |
Just wanted to thank you all for your tips. They were very helpful.
I never would have thought to purposefully meter for more overexposed, but that obviously was the way to go.
I think I got some great shots because of it (though they are bombing in the challenges :-P) |
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