Things You'll Need:
- A digital camera
- A waterproof camera bag
- Snow
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Step 1
Poor White BalanceMost amateur photographers shoot in automatic mode. In this mode the camera sets the shutter speed, aperture and white balance for the shot. The purpose of white balance is to equalize colors based on the lighting conditions. Winter conditions can cause camera sensors to misjudge the white balance. This will usually cause snow to look bluish in nature as in this example image.
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Step 2
Good White BalanceIn this image the white balance was adjusted and the snow looks normal, even though it was shot in midmorning. Adjust your white balance manually according to your camera manual and take multiple shots of the same winter scene. View the images and select the image that gives you the best exposure and purest white. Use this white balance setting when shooting in the snow. It is hard to get detail in snow, and if you are shooting for texture, the closer you are to the snow, the better. Also be cautious of shadows. Snow shadows usually look gray and can make the picture drab. If you are shooting a portrait in the snow, experiment with fill flash on your subject, which will brighten your subject and make them stand out in the snow.
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Step 3
Boring PictureJust because it is snowing, don’t forget about the other rules of photography. This is a boring picture. What is the subject? It is good to get other colors into a picture of snow; blue sky could be enough, but not with this picture.
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Step 4
Waiting for SpringThis is a picture I call “Waiting for Spring." Unlike the previous picture, the snow adds to the image, but is not the whole story. Not being able to see the dog's face adds to the image, which truly captures a moment, and the snow is only a backdrop
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Step 5
SnowSometimes the snow is the whole story. Photographing in the snow can be hard on you and your equipment. Always dress warm and wear gloves. Driving gloves are great because you can operate the camera with them on. Take spare batteries; cold weather drains them quicker. Digital cameras have restricted temperature operating ranges. Check your owner’s manual before taking off for the wilds. New SD cards can be operated in temperature extremes. Always check the user information before shooting.








Comments
jull14 said
on 2/17/2009 Great article, nice pictures too.
DiscountTickets said
on 2/16/2009 Great photography class.
1GoGetter said
on 2/16/2009 Well done article with many extra tips. Thank you for your help and advice. 5*
1GoGetter said
on 2/16/2009 Well done article with many extra tips. Thank you for your help and advice. 5*
1GoGetter said
on 2/16/2009 Well done article with many extra tips. Thank you for your help and advice. 5*