Forecast: SNOW

by Judy

Oh Winter... Must you?  Again?  Really?  

As you are reading this post, snow has already begun falling here in New York for another big storm. Again. For the umpteenth time this winter.  Sigh......

I could go on and on about this, but I will spare you.  I know that many, in the United States especially this season, could go on and on about this.

But seriously.  No matter how much we are wishing for spring ( oh please, yes, an early spring, please!!), the fact of the matter is that it's still winter.  For those of us in the cold climes here in the U.S., it's going to be here for awhile longer and we can't do anything about that fact. 

I decided that for this post, since I can't beat it, I might as well join it. You know - make lemonade out of those lemons.   

I've had plenty of opportunities to photograph snowy scenes.  Not only this seemingly endless winter, but for most of my life living in New York.  I'd like to share with you a few quick tips I've learned over the years that will help your snowy photos come out the way you wanted them to - the way you saw them. For those of you lucky ducks who are reading this from a wonderfully warm place, well hopefully you will be able to use my following tips the next time you're vacationing in a snowy locale.

1. Exposure.  Since snow is bright white, and our cameras tend to meter off of that bright white snow, photographs of snowy scenes can be underexposed.  Our camera is basically saying, "no! that's way too bright!" This is why some snow photos look grey.  Simply adjusting the exposure dial +1 or +2 can make a big difference.  

2. White Balance.  Sometimes snow that is shaded can appear blue in your photo.  Adjust your white balance to 'shade' to produce a whiter snow.  (however, we photographers love to break the rules. Sometimes that blue tone gives the photo a cooler feel and a softer look. If you like the blue, keep it, like I did!  If not, use this tip.)

3. Turn the flash off. Flash bounces off the bright snow and can overexpose your photo.  I know, it seems that if the snow is so bright, your flash wouldn't pop up.  However, it sometimes does, depending upon the amount of sun and shade in your scene, so be sure to shut it off.

 Also, if you are photographing falling snow, flash will make the snow flakes show as white blobs, or large white circles, instead of delicate snowflakes.  

4. Spot Meter for high contrast scenes.  By using spot metering you will get a very precise reading for the high contrast area of your scene.  

5. Battery life can drop by as much as half when temperatures are cold, so be sure to bring extra batteries that are all fully charged.  You wouldn't want to miss a great shot due to dead batteries.  

By remembering these simple tips you will be ready to shoot the next time snow is in your forecast. Do you like photographing snow?  I know that many of you have had a lot of it this winter.  Why not post some of your beautiful snow scenes on our flickr page?  Even better - post some beautiful snow scenes with pops of red for our "red" theme this month! (use that spot meter!)