Photography Article How to Take Better Snow Photographs|Photography Artist Statement

Winter has calmed down a chunk right here, with the passing of the Polar Vortex, and the reintroduction of affordable winter weather. What higher time to consider getting out and taking a few snow pix? Read on for recommendation and recommendations for the way to take better snow pix.

Up Your Exposure

Snow is fundamentally difficult to photograph accurately. I see snow and know that it is white; you see snow and know that it is white; but your camera sees snow and does not know that snow is white. Your camera and its sensor see snow and know that it is brighter than the 'expected' exposure. It responds (assuming you are shooting in any mode other than manual) by taking a photograph that darkens the snow to match the average exposure of an image. (Confused about exposure? Take a moment to catch up here by reading All about Exposure and More about Exposure: how to fix common exposure problems.)

Here the snow seems a good deal darker than it did.

If you are not ready to make the bounce to shooting in full guide mode, there is an smooth way to inform your digicam which you need your snow to turn out brilliant and white: publicity reimbursement. The publicity reimbursement scale, to be had on DSLR as well as many point-and-shoot cameras, permits you to 'tell' your digicam that you need your snap shots brighter (high quality) or darker (poor) than the digicam's default expectation. For maximum snowy conditions, you ought to alter the exposure repayment for your digital camera to among 1/2 and 1 complete prevent of exposure. (Depending in your digital camera settings, your exposure scale can be in thirds or half gadgets, known as stops.) Many DSLR cameras additionally have the choice to 'bracket' your publicity or take 3 or greater pictures in a row at different locations along the exposure reimbursement scale. When taking pictures snowy scenes, I frequently set my digital camera to shoot 3 bracketed photographs at zero, 1, and 2 stops.

You want to strike a balance between brightening up the snow to the white that it appeared to your eyes without losing its structure and definition. If your snow becomes too bright (overexposed), then it becomes a featureless, white mass rather than an identifiable snowscape. Bracketing your shots gives you the advantage of choosing your favorite in the sequence home on your computer, rather than relying on your LCD screen while you are out shooting. In the example shots above, the normal exposure (left) seems too dark, while the +2 exposure (right) is too bright, leaving the +1 exposure as a good, balanced shot.

Follow the Snow

Memorable snow pix require endurance and timing. While you can photo snow lying on the ground on almost any given day, you may handiest image pristine white snow just as or simply after it has finished falling. The glorious snow that sticks to bushes and transforms the whole thing right into a iciness wonderland does now not closing lengthy after the sun and the wind capture up with it.

Getting these kinds of snow shots requires a willingness to get out and begin shooting as soon because the snow has completed falling. Make positive which you are prepared for snow-included roads and trails and put together yourself thus.

You also can be bold and capture the snow even as it's far nevertheless falling. Longer shutter speeds will blur falling snow into vivid streaks, whilst shorter shutter speeds will show handiest spots of snow. If you want the massive, falling snow impact, use your flash. The flash will light up nearby falling snow and show it off higher than with out a flash.

If you're going to be outside photographing falling snow, you want to take a few fundamental precautions to preserve your camera secure and dry. The only approach is to apply a gallon plastic bag and reduce out one nook of the bag. Stick your lens thru this reduce out and use your lens hood to stable the bag across the camera and lens.

Simple gallon bag as snow safety for your digital camera.

Many sources additionally advocate bringing some other (intact) plastic bag with you whilst photographing out within the cold. When you are completed capturing, placed your digital camera into the bag, and close it securely even as you're nevertheless out of doors. Then, while you come in and your digital camera slowly adjusts to room temperature, any condensation will occur on the outside of the bag, rather than inner your digicam.

Follow the Light

As with any problem, the depth and route of the mild may have a massive impact to your snow pictures. Backlight will deliver shine and sparkle to more moderen snow, at the same time as early morning or overdue afternoon solar will bring long, dramatic shadows and viable silhouettes. Consider the 'appearance' you want to your snow photographs and pick out a time of day to be able to healthy that aim.

Snow also can upload drama to your sunrise and sundown pictures, because the white snow will often reflect or take on some of the tones of the encompassing sky. And speakme of the sky ?

Four-shot landscape of sunrise over the skating rink.

Don't Forget the Sky

The sky can be a vital element of winter snow pix. There is a massive distinction in feeling and emotion among a vibrant, blue sky and an overcast, white one. For one, it's miles a great deal less complicated to get accurate exposures when taking pictures snow in opposition to a shiny blue sky. An overcast sky additionally manner that you will need wider apertures or longer shutter speeds to make amends for the decreased available mild.

Bottom photograph to be had for purchase.

When capturing snow beneath blue skies, you may need to remember adding a polarizer to your digital camera lens to in addition emphasize the intense blues within the sky. (Read more approximately how to enhance your photography by way of the use of a polarizer.) Remember while the usage of a polarizer that you will lose a forestall or greater of light and can need longer shutter speeds (or wider apertures) to compensate.

Snow Photography Summary

Take these few simple steps to dramatically improve your snow pictures. Start by using nailing the publicity: use exposure compensation to deliberately overexposure your photograph barely (advantageous values) to get the pure, white snow that you saw with your eyes. Get accessible and capture the snow while it is still falling or quickly after it has stopped, which will capture pure, pristine snow fields and heavily laden bushes. Think approximately the light and the time of day so one can get the shot you want, and don't forget the sky and use it on your benefit.

Want even more snow photography advice? Follow our "Winter Photography" board on Pinterest or follow all our boards on Pinterest for more photography ideas, inspirations, and "how to"s from across the web.

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