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kab73
10th of May 2006 (Wed), 00:10
Hi, i'm wondering if I could get some input on settings for beach pictures. I'll be taking them of my daughter. Some will be in bright sun, some on cloudy days and some in late afternoon when sun is starting to go down. Any help would be much appreciated. I have a rebel xt. Thanks kab
ChP
10th of May 2006 (Wed), 01:16
If you are going to take the time to take a lot of photos you might want to bring along a gray card. Your camera meters everything at 18% gray and having a gray card can ensure accurate exposures.

Beaches can be difficult because the reflective nature of the sand throws off the meter reading. You need to overexpose a little to make sure white sand looks white.

If the Rebel XT has matrix metering, however, try using that setting. Matrix metering takes out a lot of the guess work in tricky situations. If the sky is going to have a radically different exposure value then the beach and water consider using some graduated ND (Nuetral Density) filters as well.
chris clements
10th of May 2006 (Wed), 06:23
Half or one stop overexposure will compensate for the sand.

Remember how useful flash can be in high contrast situations like this.
Get the sun behind your daughter and use flash to light her.
If you must shoot with the sun in her face (very unflattering), then the flash will light the eyes and reduce nose shadows.
ChP
10th of May 2006 (Wed), 12:05
That is good advice on the fill flash. If you have an external flash unit you can either set it manually or use TTL and then dial it down 2/3 of a stop. Also, if you have a diffusor (they are pretty cheap) use that to ensure the light isn't too harsh.
PhotosGuy
10th of May 2006 (Wed), 12:45
Beach & snow are very similar high dynamic range situations, so...
Shooting during snow
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=113565
snow and exposure compansation.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=125323
Snow Skiing question
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=134586
Ice/snow sculptures
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=134306
20D settings for snow photography.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=134541
White balance for snow?
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=140206
Let The Weather Affect Your Photography!
http://www.vividlight.com/articles/3904.htm