Exposure question

[Mike410]

Hello,

Does anyone know the best way to get the right exposure of the sky when shooting both the sky and something else in the same composition?

My problem is one is either over or under exposed. If I shoot a landscape with some mountains and focus on the mountains the sky is generally over exposed, If i focus on the sky to make the clouds clear, the mountains or other subject is under-exposed.

Is this fixed in photoshop or a technique while shooting?

Thanks,

Mike

[RichardTaylor]

The best way:
When shooting use a neutral density graduated filter.

How To Use Graduated Filters

Other alternatives (not the best way)
(1) Shoot RAW and process both for the sky and scenery and merge both pics.

(2) Shoot multiple exposure and combine them when PPing.

(3) HDR

[kencaleno]

Better to get it right when making shot,but if you don't have neutral density grads:

Make one shot,then in photoshop-

Add adjustment layer> levels
Drag right slider to left
Drag middle slider to left (These moves enable you to get the ground or sea how you want it)
Press “D” or "X" to make foreground color black
Press “G” for gradient
Choose linear gradient -black to transparent-2nd icon from left
Drag cursor from top of image down to horizon
flatten/save

Regards, Ken

[autofocus]

Mike, Richard above has it right on. I would also add a polarizer could help. Trying to get good exposure on both the sky and your subject will usually lead to something being compromised. It's our cross to bear, but Mike's suggestions will help ease the pain

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by kencaleno

Better to get it right when making shot,but if you don't have neutral density grads:

Make one shot,then in photoshop-

Add adjustment layer> levels
Drag right slider to left
Drag middle slider to left (These moves enable you to get the ground or sea how you want it)
Press “D” or "X" to make foreground color black
Press “G” for gradient
Choose linear gradient -black to transparent-2nd icon from left
Drag cursor from top of image down to horizon
flatten/save

Regards, Ken

Good suggestion Ken. So, in looking at your examples Ken, you basically are intentionally under exposing to get the sky / clouds right, and then fixing the foreground in post edits.

[kencaleno]

Originally Posted by auto-focus

Good suggestion Ken. So, in looking at your examples Ken, you basically are intentionally under exposing to get the sky / clouds right, and then fixing the foreground in post edits.

No-just a general exposure,sky prominent,(Didn't have ND grads with me)

Here's how you could solve the problem using two shots: (Real HDR without comic book effect)

(Camera on tripod )
Expose for highlights-take a shot
Expose for shadows-take a shot
Add highlight image to shadow image as a new layer (hold “shift” and drag move tool)
Select> Color Range, Click “highlights” check “invert”, click “OK”
Add layer mask.
Filter> Blur> Gaussian Blur 250 pixels.
Flatten and save.

[Mike410]

Thanks for the replies guys.
Good answers! I think a Graduated ND filter is probably best.
Mike