Another snow exposure...

[frisby]

Hullo,

Again I'm interested in whether I've got the right exposure for snow? I'm a bit happier about the composition even if it is of someone else from behind taking a photo but any feedback in that regard would be good. I knocked the exposure down a 1/3 but I read recently that someone else who uses a D90 knocks it down to 0.7 so if anyone has any opinion on that it, I'd be interested.

EXIF info:
0.0004s (1/2500)
f/7.1
ISO 100
Focal length 18mm
Type of camera: Nikon D90
-1/3 EV
centre weighted average

[Sterling]

Great composition on this one! IMO, the snow still looks pretty grey. Compare it to something white on your monitor (like the background of the reply box) and see if you don't agree. As was mentioned in your other post, snow usually needs more exposure not less. The reason is that your camera assumes that every scene is of an average brightness. Therefore it will attempt to darken whites and lighten blacks until they are average grey. You need to override the camera's brain and add some +EV to bring the white back.

Use matrix metering rather than centre weighted and you may not need to do any compensating.

(Again with the ISO 100. Is your camera actually set at something other than the base 200 of the D90?)

[SeJun]

this is a nice photo... nice composition. Clouds, snow, mountain peaks and the climber all work great in the photo... can you tell me where this was taken? looks like the top of the world to me!!

I do see Sterling's point of view.. but the clouds look pretty white.. maybe the snow looks a little blue..but this sets the mood for a cold scene which works well for me!

[ajsuk]

Agree, excellent composition this time! But yes, still think the snow could be lighter in my opinion. Again if you have a RAW file maybe it can be adjusted?

[cbui81]

I personally like the look of the clouds and wouldn't change them, but the snow could definitely be lightened up a bit. if you have lightroom, you can always try an Increased expsoure gradient from the bottom up just to change the exposure of the snow a bit. love the composition though.

[frisby]

Hi SeJun,

It's the summit crater of Ruapehu in New Zealand.

It is indeed the top of the world ;-)

[frisby]

Thanks again guys. I think I finally have the grey snow - bad, white snow - good message. I think it's 'cause someone told me it was always better to underexpose and I've been over compensating on that front.