leekphotographyclub.myfreeforum.org :: Featureless, white skies

Posted: Sun Nov 05, 2006 11:20 pm

I was attempting landscapes t'other day and the results are far from anything I would care to exhibit. The sun was masked by a low, all-enveloping mask of pale-grey clouds -- they had no features. Hence the sky in the photos came out almost white. The foreground was well enough exposed -- but lacking in contrast, probably due to the featureless, overcast sky. I gather that I could use graduated filters. Which ones are suggested. And more importantly, how are they used? Can you use auto-focus? And what about auto-exposure? Should I meter without filter, make a note, set aperture/shutter manually, focus manually, insert filter, then press the button? Or what? I was using a digital SLR, but I've had similar poor results with film. And I had in mind b&w prints. Many thanks.

Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2006 8:49 pm

Peter,

What a lot of questions in one post!!!!

Generally speaking if there is no detail in the sky then even a ND grad filter will not pull back detail, it will just make it a darker featureless sky. If a true overcast day then best stick to "detail" close up shots or keep the sky out completely.

ND grads darken the sky and reduce the contrast between the bright sky and the ground and hence stop the highlights "blowing" in the sky.

I use Cokin filters. You buy a screw threaded holder to screw into the front of your lens and then the square filters slot into the holder.

You can use autofocus and autoexposure as normal, no need to take notes.

If you don't want to use a filter, then "bracket" your shots and use a tripod, and then merge them in photoshop. One exposure to suit the sky and one the foreground. Layer them in PS and then use a "mask" to bring one through the other.

Regards,

Rob.

Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2006 10:14 pm

Thank you for your useful reply, Rob.

I grasp the role of the ND filer. However, if you expose through an ND filter, especially if the grey bit covers some or all or the exposure points, wouldn't the exposure compensate and thus you might get well-exposed sky and poorly exposed foreground? I'll have to take some time out and practice. Unfortunately, I have not enough time to go out and about taking photos -- too much work both at work and in the home/garden.

Out of interest, the best photo of the day was of a detail: ferns growing in a crevice of a rock.

Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2006 11:34 am

Peter,

I am not too technical but my view is that it will not mess up the auto exposure but improve it. The camera sets the exposure on what light it "sees" coming through the lens.

The ND grad reduces the brightness of the sky before the light hits the lens, so the camera "sees" a darker sky and adjusts the exposure accordingly. It will (on average over the frame) increase the exposure time for the sky (as it is darker) and increase the exposure for foreground (as it is "comparatively" lighter than it was without the grad).

As you say get out and have a go it is the best way to learn.

I just slap my grad on and fire away. It improves detail in the sky no end.

regards,

Rob.