Ski Photography: A Few Tips to Help You
October 17th, 2008
Follow some simple rules to ensure you get the most from your shots on the slopes:
- keep your equipment free from damage
keep equipment in a sturdy bag when not in use and avoid knocks and accidents (including falls!) - remember, the more expensive your bag, the better the quality and protection for you valuable stuff
- keep your equipment dry
snow, ice, water and cameras don’t mix - professional cameras may be watertight, but cheaper ones are no. And, electronics don’t like water
- keep your batteries charged
the cold can shorten battery life - keeps spares in a pocket close to your body. There is nothing worse than running out of power at the wrong time
- use a UV filer
this will protect your lens from knocks and dirt but will also reduce the blue discolouration in mountain scenes - these filters are cheap and great value for money
- use slow shutter speeds for landscape shots and fast shutter speeds for action shots
Slow shutter speeds will enable the best depth of field; a fast shutter speed will freeze action
- take care on the slopes
skiers, snowboarders and others move fast and cause serious damage; always be sure you keep to safe paths and watch out for other users
- watch out for colour
most skiers wear colourful clothes - great for pictures with impact; and vivid colours look great against the white backdrop
- shoot when the winter sun is low
this will give your pictures life intensify shadows and textures
accidents (including falls); a high sun will flatten your pictures
Have fun!
Eric Hartwell runs the photography resource site http://www.theshutter.co.uk and the associated discussion forums as well as the regular weblog at http://thephotographysite.blogspot.com
Entry Filed under: School of Photography