Underexposed Subjects

[katescape]

Ok...the snow will be flying soon and I want to get some good ski pictures this year. I read akhater's article about how to get the perfect exposure, but I'm a little confused. Any suggestions for a newbie?

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Without having read the article, the key thing to remember is that In order to have a properly exposed shot when the background is more than a stop or two brighter than your subject, is that some alternative light source is almost always necessary. This can mean fill flash (got that speedlite yet?) or a reflector, or a combination. You'll need to learn about flash exposure compensation and how to avoid that "deer in the headlights" look to your subject and the harsh light that direct flash can give. Fill flash can also help to freeze your subject's motion, if that's what you want to achieve.

Another important thing to use around snow is often a custom white balance. All too often, pictures depict snow as being grey, because your camera will lean toward exposing 18% grey (the "perfect" midtone)

Stop by sometime, and I can show you about fill flash and FEC, if you need help. I can also show you how to use a custom white balance.

[Adaptive]

Most importantly - Get a Circular Polarizer filter.

[katescape]

Thanks for your help guys... I post some pictures when I finally get to the slopes!