Re: just shot a bunch of raw snow


That's your problem - Auto! Never trust it in a tricky lighting situation.
Cameras are stupid. It's like taking photographs of a full moon, if you
trust the exposure meter you'll get washed out shots every time. Fact is,
the moon is lit by bright sunlight, so you need a bright sunlight exposure
like 1/250 - F8 to expose it correctly. It's a similar problem with distant
snow capped peaks.

Your're right! I never knew that cameras were absolulte morons until
now. I've had overexposure problems with SLRs and DIGICAMs.
But to be honest, I am not a pro myself. I'm risking going out onto
the field without much knowledge.


Here's a really useful tip, use manual mode and set the exposure yourself.
It's really not that difficult. I don't understand why so many people are
afraid to use it. Back in the film days you didn't know whether you got the
exposure right until much later, but you've got no excuse with a digicam,
you can check the exposure immediately, that's what the histogram is for,
and the over-exposed areas flash white with the S70, don't they?

The procedure is simple, before you start shooting, take a few test shots.
Set it to manual and guess the shutter speed and aperture. Doesn't matter
what they are. Take a photo, then check the histogram.

If it's overexposed (flashing white areas in the picture, histogram detail
too far to the right), reduce the exposure (use smaller aperture, faster
shutter speed or slower film speed).

If it's under-exposed (histogram detail too far to the left), increase the
exposure (use wider aperture, slower shutter speed or faster film speed).

Repeat until you get a photo with no flashing highlights, with the histogram
detail just touching the right hand side. With a bit of practice that
should take no more than 2 or 3 test shots (you can trash them). Then
you'll know the correct exposure, so take all your shots at that exposure,
unless the light changes (for example if you turn around and take a shot
toward the sun).

I agree, Whatever manual photos I've tried came out well, A bit under
or
a bit over exposed, but allthesame they came out well. The only problem
here is that I was in an obvious hurry to get each shot right. The
lighting
was changing very frequently, from cloudy to sunny :)) and I was one
nervous wreck! ::)) Plus I had to compose, and also set the exposure
and focus right.

Every time you take a photo, take a quick look at the histogram afterwards,
just to check it's okay, it only takes a second. If it isn't, trash it,
adjust the exposure and take it again. Honestly, after a bit of practice it
becomes second nature and it's no hassle at all, you'll even find that you
can anticipate exposure changes and alter the exposure before you take each
shot.

Even if you don't want to use manual all the time, it really is worth the
effort if the lighting is difficult and the shots are important. I know
it's too late this time, but try it out just to get the hang of it. The
great advantage of digital is that you can practice as much as you like
without wasting money on film.

But I think I've learned my lesson, from now on I am always going
to shoot upto 1 or 1.5 decreased exposure :). I am plagued by
washed out overexposed shots :(

Use manual instead. It's not that hard and it *will* transform your
photographs.


Thanks for your replies, all. Well, now that the shots are taken I am
in a
different field altogether - Using the damn software to get the best
out
of the shots.. I'm playing around with all these darn raw converters
and
hopefully I'll perform better with the camera next time - which will
for
sure be with a DSLR.

Cheers.

.

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