Old Cabin

[bjskarz]

First DSLR and first attempt at taking a landscape. Snow is blue, so I'm assuming my white balance is off. Any other suggestions are much appreciated.

Nikon D70
1/30
iso 800
f/18
180mm

[Hill Country Hack]

Let me beging by saying I like the general composition and the light and shadow areas. Shooting mixed light is a challenge.

As you stated, your snow is blue. Zoom in on your image and look for a neutral grey to set your white balance.

I am interested in your choice of f18 with the high ISO. Generally speaking landscapes are usually shot at f8-f11. The higer ISO induces digital noise into your images. Lower the ISO, this will decrease your shutter speed requiring a tripod as one cannot handhold with the slower shutter speeds and the longer focal length you shot at.

[2stroke]

I will add that shooting in mixed light with snow is an additional challenge as the snow always reflects blue. You can try warming up the white balance but the barn and grass may get wonky.

Nice location. As for composition, I think I would like to see the uncropped version. I would try to include more of the fence that is on the bottom as a leading line and maybe a little less zoom in general.

[bjskarz]

2Stroke - The composition on this is tough. It is private property, so your shooting from on up on the hill behind a fence. On top of that you have a power line that is low on top, and a pole with a guide wire to the left and right, so your sneaking the shot in between there. Also on the left is a newer chicken coop on the hill to the right of the barn, that looks very out of place.

Thanks for the comments. Keep them coming. It's helping a lot.

[Multipara]

This is a really interesting shot. I didnt notice the blue snow until you said something about it. Personally the only thing I would change is I would have crouched down and got more of a ground level shot for this one, and maybe put the large barn a little further to the left in the shot. This really is a great photo though.
I have to ask, where did you find this place? Did you just stumble upon it or do you know the owners? Its really neat. I love photos like this.

[zephod]

Originally Posted by bjskarz

2Stroke - The composition on this is tough. It is private property, so your shooting from on up on the hill behind a fence. On top of that you have a power line that is low on top, and a pole with a guide wire to the left and right, so your sneaking the shot in between there. Also on the left is a newer chicken coop on the hill to the right of the barn, that looks very out of place.

Thanks for the comments. Keep them coming. It's helping a lot.

I like the comp and just wanted to comment on the highlighted part. In those situations you have three choices:

• Do what you did and make do
• Go up to the house and tell them how much you like it and that you are a student photographer who is exploring his world and capturing the moments in photo. That said, would it be possible to shoot the house/barn/property whatever. If they agree, whip out that handy dandy release you keep in your bag and have them sign it.
• Sneak up anyway and get the shot.
  

You'd be amazed how many people respond positively to the simple request. One's I've been particularly happy with I've sent the home/property owner a pair of 5x7's or an 8x10. Talking to them can also generate leads that will get you even better locations and shots.

[bjskarz]

This is one the first photos that I have taken with a DSLR, so I'm very inexperienced, so these comments are really helpful. Multipara, this area is just up from my house (literally 2 minutes from my house, (Missoula, MT)), tucked in this little valley on the backside of the city. Completely out of place. If I took a wide angle shot you'd see new houses all around it. I've driven past it for 3 years and thought it was very interesting. 2 days after getting my DSLR I ran up there and took the shot.

Thank you for the suggestions Zephod about talking to the owners and getting further leads.

This is really great information, thank you everyone.

[Krusty79]

Strange, but I don't see a blueish cast in any of your other colors. I keep thinking you'd have a pretty good shot here if it weren't for that tree in the lower left foreground which is blocking your subject.

I would also recommend starting at ISO 100 and f/11 for these type of shots. Shooting at higher ISOs will gradually degrade your image quality.

I would also say that everyone should get a circular polarizer.