Shooting landscapes in snowy conditions?

[Steveo_Hants]

I am off to New Zealand on Saturday for 2 weeks and looking at the recent weather they have had quite a bit of snow. So any tips on shooting landscapes with lots of snow around?

 

[King_Boru]

There are several objects / ways to meter correctly:

• Finding something neutral in the scene to spot meter from. i.e: a rock (with no snow on it), grass, a building, and so on. Obviously normal metering techniques apply so if the neutral object is bright / dark you will still need to compensate, but obviously less so compared to snow.
• Use a grey card. Buy an 18% grey card before you go. Get someone to hold it in the scene, or place it in the same light and use it as a metering guide.
• IF you are using semi automatic modes then be prepared ot dial in anything from plus 0.7 to plus 1.7 exposure compensation.

Another key factor to snowy photography is using the correct white balance. The camera will always struggle to find it. I would suggest using a white card or the expodisc. Otherwise you might suffer overly blue tinted or very grey snow.

And last but not least, take your time and enjoy yourself.

Dan.

 

[Lensflare]

You carry an almost grey card with you everywhere you go - it is on the end of your arm. It is called a HAND.

Photograph your hand at arms length on Aperture priority. If it is a bit too dark, set +2/3 on your comp button. If it is a bit too light set -2/3 or 1/3 or whatever you judge to need. It will give you a very good starting point.

If you are going to Kiwi, you don't want to lug unecessary bits with you - your hand, I presume, you are taking anyway!

Simple as that.