Content starts here
Set your white balance |
|
When white balance is off you might notice a colour wash, or colours that are too dark.
|
|
The purpose of white balance is to balance colours based on the lighting situation. When your camera "sees" snow,
its bright white colour can throw off the white balance. The results will be a photo that looks too dark or bluish
in tone. There are two ways you can fix this:
-
Automatic: The Snow shooting mode, available on some HP digital cameras, will
adjust the camera's shutter speed to compensate for snow and lighting conditions.
-
Manual: Or use your camera's manual controls to adjust white balance until
the snow's colour is accurate. You'll be able to see the image change on your camera's screen, so adjust
up or down until the whites in the photo look accurate.
|
Lighting tips for winter photos |
|
Winter's bright light can be tricky. Use HP Adaptive Lighting to get realistic results.
|
|
Winter offers some fabulous light, especially in the morning and late afternoon. But it's tricky, too. The
bright white of snow and ice reflects sunlight, and you end up with too much light in your pictures. This
means less detail, less contrast, and washed-out colours. Here are two ways to handle all that light:
-
HP Adaptive Lighting: This feature, available on many HP cameras, helps your
camera deal with very high contrast scenes without losing information in either shadows or bright areas,
so that you get rich detail and colour. Try turning it to "low" or to "high" for different results.
-
Turn on your flash: More light may seem like the last thing you need, but the
flash actually balances out the light off the snow, filling in darker areas, so you get the picture you
want.
|
Go for contrast and colour |
|
Contrast strong colour against white snow for a striking image.
|
|
-
Winter's spare landscapes make great subjects, especially when punctuated with contrasting shapes, such
as trees, buildings, animals, or equipment.
-
A flash of colour against a snowy backdrop makes for a vivid winter photo.
|
Capture winter action |
|
Try using your camera's video feature to get great action shots.
|
|
Winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and sledding are excellent subjects for action photos. Don't miss a
shot. Here's how:
-
Action mode: Many HP digital cameras have an Action shooting mode that lets
you freeze the action. In Manual mode, adjust your shutter speed to 200 or higher to get the same
effect.
- Video still: Another way to get just
the right action shot is to use your camera's video feature, and then
capture a still photo of the action. This feature, called video
print, is available in some HP cameras. This makes it easy to
get that special moment by recording video, and then sorting through
the frames to find the exact one you like. Learn more about getting
still shots from video.
|
Snowy shots to try |
|
Winter is the perfect time to explore patterns and textures.
|
|
Winter offers lots of inspiration for photography. Look for these shot opportunities:
-
Make snow sculptures and decorate them (snowmen, animals, shapes, letters).
-
Set up still life photos outside. Use contrast like fresh flowers or fruit against the snowy backdrop.
-
Create close-ups—snow-covered pine cones or a bright red cardinal perched in a tree. Use the Macro feature on your camera to do this.
-
Capture winter's patterns, textures, and colours.
|
Winterize your equipment |
|
Winter weather can be hard on your camera, so follow these pointers to take care of your gear.
-
Cold batteries lose power more quickly, so bring spares and keep them warm in a coat/pants pocket, or have someone
hold them.
-
Wear thin gloves so that you can still make adjustments on your camera.
-
Keep your camera protected from wetness in a waterproof cover or a plastic freezer bag.
-
When you come inside from a winter shoot, let your camera warm up slowly (by putting it near a window, for example)
to prevent condensation.
Recommended products |
|
Find the right HP printer for you with the HP printer buying guide. See the full lineup of HP Photo printers.
Learn more |
|
|
|
Award-winning support |
|
|
|
Related links |
|
|
Add to 
Del.icio.us | 
Digg | 
Magnolia |
