Photographing Fog and Mist

[majkid]

Hi Everyone. I am planning to photograph a landscape scene that includes a river. i want to capture this at dawn when there is a fog lying just above the water level. What do I need to take into account when setting the exposure and metering. Do I need to expose 1 stop above what my meter is telling me to use.

thanks in advance.

Mike

[peter nap]

You'll get better answers since I'm just learning...but I take several exposures in AV until I get the effect I want.

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa57/peternap/IMG_0846.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa57/peternap/IMG_0539.jpg

[majkid]

Thanks Peter.
What exposure values were used when taking those images?

Mike

[peter nap]

Thanks Peter.
What exposure values were used when taking those images?

Mike

Picture 1:
Exposure Time = 1/15"
F Number = F6.3
Exposure Program = Aperture priority
ISO Speed Ratings = 200

Picture 2:
Exposure Time = 1/1"
F Number = F9
Exposure Program = Aperture priority
ISO Speed Ratings = 200

[majkid]

Picture 1:
Exposure Time = 1/15"
F Number = F6.3
Exposure Program = Aperture priority
ISO Speed Ratings = 200

Picture 2:
Exposure Time = 1/1"
F Number = F9
Exposure Program = Aperture priority
ISO Speed Ratings = 200


Thanks Peter.
i'll let you know how I get along.

[stsva]

A quick Google search indicates that about 1 stop added exposure is generally recommended. I suspect you might get different results depending on how pervasive the fog/mist is compared to the scene in general, and which metering mode you're using. Assuming you're shooting digital, the histogram is your friend - try a shot with exposure compensation and see where the values fall in the histogram. Adjust as needed.

[shiato storm]

that sounds about right. i shoot a lot in mist and due to the white-ness its a bit like shooting on snow, over expose by a stop or more for best results. if you dont you'll get grey and murky results...

[peter nap]

OK...stupid question time. When you are talking about stops, are you talking about 1/3 stop clicks or a full stop?

[Xjetjock]

This would be a full stop. Experiment when you take the shot by changing the shutter speed. You can use exposure compensation in your camera or shoot in manual. Use a tripod for best results. At some point, the brighter part of the scene will become overexposed. It's your judgement call to which exposure captures the scene best.

[tonydee]

Just a tip so you don't one day have a "damn, none of those shots worked" moment... polarising filters can diminish the reflections from fog/mist, so don't use for these types of shots. Cheers, Tony