SHOOT IN THE SNOW

UNDERSTAND YOUR METERING MODES

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Modern cameras come with different metering modes that determine the settings needed for a ‘correct’ exposure. This works in semi-automatic modes like AperturePriority, with some metering modes like Evaluative or Matrix assessing most of the frame before calculating the exposure, while modes like Spot work on a much smaller portion of the frame. Snow can easily throw off metering modes so be sure that you shoot Raw files to capture more exposure info, or add some exposure compensation (see next step).

KEEP YOUR SNOW WHITE

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If your snow is coming out too bright you can add some negative exposure compensation. This works in semiautomatic modes like Aperture Priority and allows you to force an underexposed shot. The exposure compensation button usually has a plus and minus on it – press it and turn the command dial until it’s reading one or two f/-stops under. Underexposing by one f/-stop means the camera will let in half as much light. Take a test shot and assess whether you need to adjust it further to retain the highlights.

EDIT YOUR SHOTS TO PERFECTION

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When processing shots taken in snowy environments you’ll likely need to lower the exposure a touch to make sure no exposure detail has clipped to pure white in these areas. You can check for burnt highlights by holding the Alt key as you drag the Exposure, Highlights and Whites sliders in Adobe Camera Raw – this will show any burnt highlights as a yellow or red, white or yellow patches. It’s also worth tweaking the White Balance so that any shots with snow looks perfectly neutral and not too hot or cold.