Much, much to learn
“Blech!” is how I felt about the results of my first photo-taking walk with my new camera last weekend. Figuring the sun and snow would be pretty, I slapped on my polarizing filter, switched the camera off auto mode, and went to it. The results were all horribly underexposed. I guess I need another lesson in exposure setting, and should check the histogram in the camera more frequently. Here’s a few shots, before and after editing…
Slide – Original shot: ISO-100, 1/400, F/11 (P-mode). Post editing: color, contrast, and increased saturation
Berries – Original: ISO-100, 1/1250, F/4 (closeup mode). Post-editing: color, contrast, selective saturation on berries
Fallen Tree – First shot: ISO-100, 1/200, F/3.5 (Apeture Priority mode) w/flash. Second shot: ISO-100, 1/200, F/16 (P-mode) w/flash. Post-editing: Overall contrast, selectively brightened only the fallen tree. Kind of surreal looking.
I guess shooting snow in bright sunlight perhaps wasn’t the best beginner subject. I’d like to get to a point where my shots don’t need much, if any, post editing to fix basic problems like underexposure. What did I do wrong? Did the polarizing filter cut down my light too much? Should I have adjusted the exposure setting? Used a longer exposure time? Tips and guidance appreciated!
You could try adjusting the metering method. Set you meter for spot metering to over ride the affect of the snow on the overall exposure. At least you ended up with underexposed shots, they look much better after editing than an overexposed blown-out scene. You also might want to set your camera for exposure bracketing in tricky light conditions or manually bracket the exposures, then you will have at least 3 different originals to work with.
Derek,
If you ever want tips, Roy has it down to a science pretty much now with his. His shots, minus a few duds here and there, always turn out awesome..Email him if you ever have certain questions and if can be of help, Im sure he would.