Amateur looking for tips ....

[Vidcanon]

A couple more shots that I have trouble with the sun . If I compensate and underexpose the main picture is too dark .
What do I do ? .....not using filters. It also says in the camera manual not to point it directly at the sun as it may damage the camera.:confused:

[blkdogak]

I'm pretty new to this also but I like both of your shots!!!
You could lighten them in pp possibly.

[PhotosGuy]

If I compensate and underexpose the main picture is too dark . That doesn't look too bad. You could take two exposures & blend them in PS. Or One RAW exposure, make two differently exposed conversions, & blend them in PS.
Or, you could use Adjustment layers: Airport runway shoot (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=117950)

Masks & Blend Modes are another:
For those needing help making selections in Photoshop (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=701268)
What do I do ? .....not using filters. It also says in the camera manual not to point it directly at the sun as it may damage the camera A few seconds, especially when you can't see the sun as in that shot, shouldn't hurt anything.

[Vidcanon]

That doesn't look too bad. You could take two exposures & blend them in PS. Or One RAW exposure, make two differently exposed conversions, & blend them in PS.
Or, you could use Adjustment layers: Airport runway shoot (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=117950)

Masks & Blend Modes are another:
For those needing help making selections in Photoshop (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=701268)
A few seconds, especially when you can't see the sun as in that shot, shouldn't hurt anything.



Thanks PhotosGuy , I don't have Photoshop , I am using a free program called Photofiltre. It's a pretty descent program for free. I have some pictures with my old digital camera and whenever the sun was in the shot it was overpowering and washed out most of the sky. I appreciate your help.

[stsva]

Depending on the camera you're using, you may have the option of using partial or spot metering. If you do, you can meter off the sky close to the sun but outside the area where it really is nothing but glare and use that to set your exposure. This will allow you to retain a blue sky relatively close to the sun. If the sky is bright you can probably use up to two (or maybe a little more) stops of positive exposure compensation above what the camera sets based on metering the sky and still keep a blue sky.

Here are some threads that may be helpful:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=18066
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=34256
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=755254
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=736002

[stsva]

Very nice shots, by the way.

[Vidcanon]

Depending on the camera you're using, you may have the option of using partial or spot metering. If you do, you can meter off the sky close to the sun but outside the area where it really is nothing but glare and use that to set your exposure. This will allow you to retain a blue sky relatively close to the sun. If the sky is bright you can probably use up to two (or maybe a little more) stops of positive exposure compensation above what the camera sets based on metering the sky and still keep a blue sky.

Here are some threads that may be helpful:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=18066
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=34256
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=755254
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=736002


Thanks alot for the links stsva. :D I'm using a SX20IS and I'm sure it has that option . Just too many options I'm not used to. I'll have to read the software manual which may take some time . lol.

[sam4205]

Nice shots.

[Meanderthal]

While learning PP is a good thing, I like both images just as they are. For me, they convey a mood effectively. More detail on the buildings in the first and the treed shoreline on the second would only distract me. Sharp, good colors, and interesting composition. Well, maybe crop a bit off the right side of the second image, but that's my style. Thank you for the beautiful pictures, they cheer me up.

[Meanderthal]

Oops, I meant to crop just a tiny bit off the first image, to reduce clutter and move the sunset a bit more off center. I would crop more if the nice sky would permit it. And clone out the little lump of grass. But thanks again.

[Vidcanon]

Oops, I meant to crop just a tiny bit off the first image, to reduce clutter and move the sunset a bit more off center. I would crop more if the nice sky would permit it. And clone out the little lump of grass. But thanks again.



I agree with the lump of grass. I noticed that right away. Can be fixed. Thanks.:D