PDA

View Full Version : How to improve an impossible situation?

Dr. WooD
07-01-2007, 04:58 PM
I like to shoot surf pictures almost as much as I like to surf. Surfing as with any sport, you have to shoot when its there, not when the conditions are right. Living on the east coast of Florida, the sun is either in your face, or straight up above you. I work evenings, so shooting later in the day is pretty much out, and on my off days, I'd rather surf than shoot.....if there's anything to surf.

Is there an easy fix to get skin tones better? Is there a filter that wood help?

Heres a original, and a cropped shot. Any suggestions wood be greatly appreciated.


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7525162@N05/684890512/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1170/684890512_3cd9386bf8.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="DSC_5333" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7525162@N05/684890642/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1328/684890642_875188c8a9.jpg" width="500" height="271" alt="DSC_5333a" /></a>
jdepould
07-01-2007, 05:17 PM
You could try setting the exposure compensation to +0.3, might lose some of the highlights, but it would bring the shadows and mids up. Also, a polarizer could reduce glare off of the water which may confuse your meter.
Dr. WooD
07-01-2007, 05:53 PM
You could try setting the exposure compensation to +0.3, might lose some of the highlights, but it would bring the shadows and mids up. Also, a polarizer could reduce glare off of the water which may confuse your meter.



I've been shooting at -0.7 to keep some definition in the white water. It's a tough situation.
thingy
07-01-2007, 06:01 PM
This is how I got around the problem of skin tones :D

http://www.photonaturally.com/pgall/surfin/images/GFord_PeLi_Surfing_070508_007.jpg

If you dare risk it, I see that a lot of surf photographers get out into the water to change their angle. Not for me mind you! I whimper and run for cover with the slightest rain shower when I have my camera out.

G
Dr. WooD
07-01-2007, 07:10 PM
This is how I got around the problem of skin tones :D


If you dare risk it, I see that a lot of surf photographers get out into the water to change their angle. Not for me mind you! I whimper and run for cover with the slightest rain shower when I have my camera out.

G



Nice shot.

I'm the same way with my camera. I have a Lowepro Nova 5 bag, that had a all weather cover attached to it. I cut it off, and keep it with me if there is ANY chance of rain. Used it a few times too. Works great. I cant afford to soak over $2,500 woth of body, and glass.
Nicole
07-01-2007, 09:36 PM
Also, a polarizer could reduce glare off of the water which may confuse your meter.

I'd second the idea of a polarizing filter. It should provide some further definition in the highlights and cut out that glare at the very least.

I'm not sure how to fix the skin tones though. Perhaps you could try different colour spaces in your camera to see how they impact skin tones in your shots. :confused: