base935 0 #1 March 7, 2006 What are the options for taking tandem pictures against highly reflective backgrounds? What settings would be best? The picture of the tandem pair turns out in balance, but the beautiful white mountains with bright light shining on them makes it look way too bright to sometimes see detail. Rebel XT, etc... Just looking for filters, settings, post-shot editing, etc...Gravity Research Institute Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeiber 0 #2 March 7, 2006 Well, I don't have much experience with large snow covered mountains here in Florida, but I do have experience with white sand and reflections off water. This is a kind of a tough scenario to shoot with a digital camera, since they tend to have a very narrow exposure latitude, just like slide film. Since you can't really reduce the amount of light coming off the mountains, you need to increase the amount of light on your subject. This may sound dumb, but using a flash might help here. If you don't want to go this route, you can set your exposure compensation down a few stops. This will underexpose your subject a little, but it'll keep the background from getting blown out. Unfortunately it's just kind of a balancing act. You might want to try a polarizing filter... maybe it'll block some of the angled/reflected light coming off the mountains. It's a longshot, but who knows... Last option I can think of, set your exposure to the highlights (mountains). Afterwards, use PhotoShop to increase the exposure on the subject. On digital (and slide), it's easier to fix underexposure than overexposure. If your shooting film, expose to the shadows (tandem), and try to correct the overexposed mountains afterwards. Good luck, and let me know if the polarizer works! Jeff ps- if you're really good, maybe a graduated filter to just darken the mountains? It'll be tough to line up without looking through the viewfinder though. Shhh... you hear that sound? That's the sound of nobody caring! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
j3zz 0 #3 March 7, 2006 I am no pro photographer but trying a circular polarized filter show help out especially if there is plenty of light. And they are not that expensive Be intereted to see the results Jezz "Now I know why the birds fly" Hinton Skydivers Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlueSBDeath 2 #4 March 8, 2006 Use a Flash My HO. ArvelBSBD...........Its all about Respect, USPA#-7062, FB-2197, Outlaw 499 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
base935 0 #5 March 8, 2006 Cool, thought about the filters, and thought about the flash. However, if I went the flash route, I would want one that was external opposite the side of my d-box, and fast enough to keep up with the 3fps of the Rebel XT. And for under $20... Haha, any ideas?Gravity Research Institute Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlueSBDeath 2 #6 March 9, 2006 Nothing is under $20 There are some nice Canon flashes out there that will indeed do the job, but you HAVE to get off the $$$ Stay Safe!! Peace Out, ArvelBSBD...........Its all about Respect, USPA#-7062, FB-2197, Outlaw 499 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
