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07/14/2004 06:25:59 AM · #1 |
any tips when photographing scenes with white in them, even in
still life the white seems to dominate the picture?
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07/14/2004 08:52:03 AM · #2 |
Either adjust your exposure for the overly bright scene (most cameras have a snow/sand mode or some sort of exposure compensation), or put something gray into the scene and pre-focus on that, then remove it before shooting.
EDIT- on your camera, try the "Beach" setting.
Message edited by author 2004-07-14 08:54:20. |
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07/14/2004 09:37:30 AM · #3 |
This is a very general question; you might get more useful information if you could be more specific. But for some general guidance, I recommend looking at some of the top entries in the recent Color Studio Portrait challenge, many of which used white as an essential element.
 This one uses a white background. That requires special consideration when exposing, as Shannon mentioned, or the camera will underexpose. But it doesn't really dominate the picture since it is "just" the background.
 The white specular highlights in the tiara do attract attention. That's the nature of white, and why white often dominates a picture. Fortunately, in this case the rest of the image is strong enough to overcome this attraction and make a very pleasing picture.
 The background is white, but the chair is whiter. Notice how the form of the chair is revealed by the gradated shadow, especially on the left arm (from the viewer's standpoint). Lighting for the other arm is ineffective for showing this, and that arm looks flat. Of course, this isn't important since the chair is just a prop, not the subject.
 The model here is dressed in white, but notice how the white dress is really shades of gray. Otherwise there wouldn't be any form to it and it would overpower the picture. But the eye intreprets it as white because of the context. |
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07/14/2004 10:03:05 AM · #4 |
Nice analysis, Rick!
When I take shots of people, I always say, "either all of you wear white, or no one wears white" and this helps keep things more even. I often burn some of the white areas of an image, too, so it doesn't suck attention to itself.
 In this image, I want the white of the sparkles to get some attention, so I don't mind the white, but I did not want the sky to be as white as the sparkles.
 Here, the white is actually blue, and the red of the sandstones seems to command enough attention.
 In this image, I'm still struggling with the white. I've added black to the whites, making them gray, but I still feel the upper left corner gets more attention than it should.
 The bison in this shot seem to balance the white, and I don't mind that the attention goes to the mountains first. My eyes usually end up on the bison, which I tried to balance visually with the white of the Wellsvilles.
So you're right, white does dominate, but there are things you can do to use that problem and make it a tool.
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07/14/2004 10:03:15 AM · #5 |
thanks for very helpful information dr rick.
here is an example, its seems especially worse if i use flash [even
though its on its lowest setting] cannot get rid of the white, glaring... white cups & saucers are impossible, even without flash.
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07/14/2004 10:11:56 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by goodman:
thanks for very helpful information dr rick.
here is an example, its seems especially worse if i use flash [even
though its on its lowest setting] cannot get rid of the white, glaring... white cups & saucers are impossible, even without flash.
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I like to avoid flash whenever possible, many times because I know it will create the problems you note. The use of a polarizing filter will help with this to some extent, too. There are ways to diffuse the flash, too, such as shooting through fabric or paper.
Shooting white without a flash, such as cups and saucers, will still give you the highlights, and here is when a polarizer, and perhaps some burning, will help you. Good luck! It's something we all struggle with.
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07/14/2004 10:25:19 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by goodman:
thanks for very helpful information dr rick.
here is an example, its seems especially worse if i use flash [even
though its on its lowest setting] cannot get rid of the white, glaring... white cups & saucers are impossible, even without flash.
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Here, the white toilet paper is fine except for a distracting bright streak. The real problem is the specular highlights on the peppers. The peppers aren't white! But they are glossy so reflect back too much light. Note that small specular highlights are good; they help show the glossy nature of the objects. The trick is to try to keep them small. From the reflection in the bottle (same issue!) it appears your light source is large, and this will create large reflections. Try to find a smaller light source and orient the subjects so they just reflect a few glints of the light. |
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07/14/2004 10:59:33 AM · #8 |
| Lesley: thanks for opening this thread. Shannon, David and Dr. Rick: Thanks so much for your insights. This is so timely (for me) because I am struggling with this problem for my current shoot for the balance challenge. I will try your suggestions. BTW, are you related (David and Dr. Rick)? |
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07/14/2004 11:27:55 AM · #9 |
Originally posted by dr rick:
The real problem is the specular highlights on the peppers. ... Try to find a smaller light source and orient the subjects so they just reflect a few glints of the light. |
Or consider the use of something like a dulling spray, which are frequently used on product shots to help control reflections. |
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07/14/2004 11:31:34 AM · #10 |
| Trying shooting this setup outside in the shade. Use a gray card, or at least focus on the yellow part of the bottle label to help your exposure. Be sure to experiment with that "beach" setting, too. |
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07/14/2004 11:33:31 AM · #11 |
Originally posted by flip89:
Lesley: thanks for opening this thread. Shannon, David and Dr. Rick: Thanks so much for your insights. This is so timely (for me) because I am struggling with this problem for my current shoot for the balance challenge. I will try your suggestions. BTW, are you related (David and Dr. Rick)? |
David and I are brothers. Glad to help out! |
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