Snowboard Club UK
Equipment and Media - Photographers: Any tips please
lentildal - Oct 10, 2008 - 09:05 AM
Post subject: Photographers: Any tips please
All you lot who take D-SLR shots on the mountain, what's your standard essential kit?
I'm going to be taking my Canon + 1 fairly standard zoom lense 17-85.
Is there anything else that will be useful that I should definitely have?
Any tips on shooting in mountain conditions?
Cheers
biggstu - Oct 10, 2008 - 09:12 AM
Post subject: RE: Photographers: Any tips please
this is an interesting post, i'll be keeping an eye on it as well. i have done mostly indoor photography which is pretty challenging, but i would think that using the white balance adjustment at -1 stop would eliminate some of the glare off the snow. but i will be taking shots on the mountains for the first time this winter as well!
AndySmee - Oct 10, 2008 - 09:33 AM
Post subject: RE: Photographers: Any tips please
Pretty much what he said, but not quite...
1. Exposure compensation - Because of the glare from the snow most cameras will underexpose your pictures and the snow will look grey (it will think the scene is too bright). Compensate for this by increasing the exposure by +1, or on compact cameras use the "Backlighting" feature or the "Snow/Beach" setting (sand on the beach has the same effect). If you shoot into the sun (with the sun in the picture) you will need to compensate by more like +2 or +3.
2. Condensation - When you take your camera indoors from on the slopes your lens may mist up as the camera's surfaces are cold. Try not to remove your lens until the camera has warmed up to room temperature as you don't want the condensation to occur on the inside. Probably best not to fight the mist, just wait for it to clear, don't go clearing the lens with your gloves! This happens in the opposite direction in the tropics where you take a camera from an air conditioned building out into the humid heat, you can't use the camera for 10 minutes cos it's foggy.
3. Skylight - Contrary to popular belief, Skylight filters may not be appropriate on your camera. If you have a cheap kit lens, use a skylight filter to cut glare and UV, but if you have coated glass (and you'll have paid more for the lens) why put a cheap filter on the front which isn't coated, it will actually introduce glare not cut it.
4. Lens hood - With so much light bouncing around you'll get some glare on blue sky days, use a lens hood (appropriate for the length of the lens). This will also be the first line of protection when you drop it!
5. Fill-in Flash - If you're taking pictures of people on blue sky days, put the flash on (on compact cameras, change the flash mode to "On" not "Auto"). This will also help with the exposure compensation above as it provides fill-in lighting for people faces. On grey days you should have enough light bouncing off the snow to avoid having to use the flash.
6. General tip - Get closer, people on the slopes will come out as dots on the picture and everyone looks the same, so you need to fill the frame with them, otherwise you'll bore your mates to death when you show them the pictures on Facebook.
7. Polarisers/Grads - If you feel creative and can be arsed, a polarising filter is great on blue sky days. It will make the sky a deep deep blue and will cut masses of glare from the snow. Go down to Jessops and pick one, they'll show you how to turn it to get the right effect, be warned though, that they cost a bit, but that's how the catalogue shots are made to look so good. Also, if you have aspirations to take landscapes you can use a neutral gradient filter upside down to balance the brightness of the snow and hence not have to compensate the exposure...or you can bracket and go all HDR...go Google if you want to take it this seriously.
Personally, I'll be holding my camera, at the widest focal length, at arms length, as close to my mates as I can, whilst managing to steer, and leave it on high speed continuous, 51 point auto-focus, and hold the button down...
Andy
acweb - Oct 10, 2008 - 09:41 AM
Post subject: RE: Photographers: Any tips please
Thanks Andy - Some great tips!
lentildal - Oct 10, 2008 - 10:03 AM
Post subject: RE: Photographers: Any tips please
Thanks Andy for the lengthy post - all very useful.
I have a Canon EFS 17-85 IS lens fitted with a Jessops digital pro UV filter - I leave that in place to protect it from scratches more than anything else. Do you think a filter of this standard would have a negative impact on the shots? Might consider the polariser.
When using a fill in flash would you say that the built in flash on my D30 would be enough? Really want to carry as little as possible. I haven't actually picked up an external one yet anyway, but was considering the speedlite 430EX II.
What with the likelyhood of a lot of continuous frame shooting, how much memory are you usually taking with you? I only have a couple of 2gb cards which I bought when I got the camera (and they were a LOT more expensive back then). These have served me well, but wondering if they'll be enough. I will have my laptop so can dump the shots at the end of the day.
Niallcampbell - Oct 10, 2008 - 10:18 AM
Post subject:
Great topic!
I'll be keeping an eye on this thread!
I myself took my first photos in February when we were in Austria. I had a bog standard Lumix and the pics came out great BUT not as good as I would have liked i.e. i forgot abotu the snow setting yada yada.
Similarily does anyone have any tips for filming? I've barely held a camcorder before much less used one in snow conditions.
Mig - Oct 10, 2008 - 10:28 AM
Post subject:
Good tips Andy. I'm thinking of doing some HDR stuff when I go to Avoriaz in Jan.
As for filming Niall, it really depends what sort of camcorder you're filming on; but generally ND filters are always handy, check the white balance so you don't get a coloured cast to the shot (provided you're not using film) and make sure that the riders you're filming know not to hit the feature/come past you until you're set up!
Hope that helps
ace_mcgraw - Oct 10, 2008 - 10:30 AM
Post subject:
Quote:
What with the likelyhood of a lot of continuous frame shooting, how much memory are you usually taking with you? I only have a couple of 2gb cards which I bought when I got the camera (and they were a LOT more expensive back then). These have served me well, but wondering if they'll be enough. I will have my laptop so can dump the shots at the end of the day.
I'm guessing with a 2gb card, you should be able to fit about 400 odd photos on shooting jpegs, and 150 or so shooting RAW dependicing on the type of camera you have, so that should see you right - esp cos if I remember right you can't do so much continuous shooting on RAW anyway. I've sat and shot sequences all day at snowboard events, and still not filled up a 2gb card, so I reckon you should be fine, esp if you're gonna dump them onto the laptop at the end of the day anywway!
Niallcampbell - Oct 10, 2008 - 10:52 AM
Post subject:
Aye i only had a wee 2GB card with me and it's more than enough for a day's riding. There's only so many times you'll want to stop to take a pic. Rest of the time you'll be wanting to rip it up 
Mig - i'll be lookign to purchase a Panasonic SDR-SW20 or something similar. It's a weatherproof panasonic so attaching filters may not be an option but we'll see 
Mig - Oct 10, 2008 - 11:09 AM
Post subject:
Niallcampbell wrote:
Mig - i'll be lookign to purchase a Panasonic SDR-SW20 or something similar. It's a weatherproof panasonic so attaching filters may not be an option but we'll see
Ah right, you shouldn't have to do too much fiddling anyways, those single CCD cameras don't have a massive scope of options available to the user, they're just point and shoots really. The camera should hopefully sort itself out according to the conditions
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panasonic_AG-DVX100 This is the camera we usually use when we're shooting stuff. It's got one or two more options on it with the downside that it costs a lot more!
This was shot using the DVX, if you're interested in seeing the results in flat light. It rained a bit in Bristol!
AndySmee - Oct 10, 2008 - 11:18 AM
Post subject: Re: RE: Photographers: Any tips please
lentildal wrote:
Thanks Andy for the lengthy post - all very useful.
I have a Canon EFS 17-85 IS lens fitted with a Jessops digital pro UV filter - I leave that in place to protect it from scratches more than anything else. Do you think a filter of this standard would have a negative impact on the shots? Might consider the polariser.
When using a fill in flash would you say that the built in flash on my D30 would be enough? Really want to carry as little as possible. I haven't actually picked up an external one yet anyway, but was considering the speedlite 430EX II.
What with the likelyhood of a lot of continuous frame shooting, how much memory are you usually taking with you? I only have a couple of 2gb cards which I bought when I got the camera (and they were a LOT more expensive back then). These have served me well, but wondering if they'll be enough. I will have my laptop so can dump the shots at the end of the day.
Unless you are taking a large large group shot, the onboard flash is fine for fill-in although it will give your batteries a battering. I'm not taking my SB-800 on the slopes, just too serious for what I want, the built-in on the D300 is fine.
As for memory, I shoot RAW exclusively especially where I need to change the exposure in post, and I get about 150 shots on a 4Gb card. In Japan on holiday I was filling 10Gb a day and using a laptop to off load, but if you shoot jpeg then 2Gb will give you plenty of scope. Personally, good shots are a numbers game, so I shoot far too much!
AndySmee - Oct 10, 2008 - 11:19 AM
Post subject: RE: Re: RE: Photographers: Any tips please
P.S. The whole skylight thing is a big debate. If you want it to protect your lens from knocks then that's good enough for me. I like to live dangerously and I have an ED Nikon lens so I am running without one, the lens hood ensures I don't scratch the front element
lentildal - Oct 10, 2008 - 11:26 AM
Post subject: Re: RE: Photographers: Any tips please
AndySmee wrote:
As for memory, I shoot RAW exclusively especially where I need to change the exposure in post, and I get about 150 shots on a 4Gb card. In Japan on holiday I was filling 10Gb a day and using a laptop to off load, but if you shoot jpeg then 2Gb will give you plenty of scope. Personally, good shots are a numbers game, so I shoot far too much!
Does your camera allow you to shoot RAW for sequences? Looks like mine is defaulting to jpg. Will have to dig out the instructions...!
ace_mcgraw - Oct 10, 2008 - 11:34 AM
Post subject: RE: Re: RE: Photographers: Any tips please
what kind of camera do you have?
I've got a Canon 400D, and I'm pretty sure that shoots RAW sequences, but a limited number
lentildal - Oct 10, 2008 - 11:35 AM
Post subject:
ace_mcgraw wrote:
Quote:
What with the likelyhood of a lot of continuous frame shooting, how much memory are you usually taking with you? I only have a couple of 2gb cards which I bought when I got the camera (and they were a LOT more expensive back then). These have served me well, but wondering if they'll be enough. I will have my laptop so can dump the shots at the end of the day.
I'm guessing with a 2gb card, you should be able to fit about 400 odd photos on shooting jpegs, and 150 or so shooting RAW dependicing on the type of camera you have, so that should see you right - esp cos if I remember right you can't do so much continuous shooting on RAW anyway. I've sat and shot sequences all day at snowboard events, and still not filled up a 2gb card, so I reckon you should be fine, esp if you're gonna dump them onto the laptop at the end of the day anywway!
Seems like that may be the case. I reckon I get about 500 shots in jpg, just over 150 RAW. Seems as though by default sequences are jpg.
Might just invest in a bigger card anyway seeing as they've come down a lot in price. The 133x are now super cheap, and seem fast enough.
lentildal - Oct 10, 2008 - 11:37 AM
Post subject: Re: RE: Re: RE: Photographers: Any tips please
ace_mcgraw wrote:
what kind of camera do you have?
I've got a Canon 400D, and I'm pretty sure that shoots RAW sequences, but a limited number
Oops - missed your last post - Canon 30D - bit older.
lentildal - Oct 10, 2008 - 09:34 PM
Post subject: RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Photographers: Any tips please
Another (related) question - does anyone have a good/cheap site for camera gear?
BamBam_540 - Oct 11, 2008 - 12:02 AM
Post subject: RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Photographers: Any tips please
www.camerapricebuster.co.uk
Anyone looking for Nikon gear, I'm selling a D200, 17-55 and 10-20: http://search.ebay.co.uk/_W0QQsassZlornholio
ace_mcgraw - Oct 12, 2008 - 09:02 PM
Post subject: RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Photographers: Any tips please
Quote:
Another (related) question - does anyone have a good/cheap site for camera gear?
so far I've bought all my stuff off warehouse express. I'm lucky enough to live 10 miles away from their store, so I tend to buy from the shop rather than online. Always really friendly staff ready to chat for hours about cameras!
lentildal - Oct 12, 2008 - 11:49 PM
Post subject: RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Photographers: Any tips please
Thanks guys - Just in answer to earlier points - 30D will take RAW sequence shots, and it quickly fills a 2G card so I reckon I'll get some more.
I was shooting sequences this evening and on a couple of occasions the camera seemed as though it could not process things fast enough, and said it was busy. I was shooting in low light, and was using bracketing, which means that it will only ever shoot the 3 bracketed shots at a time, so not really a true sequence.
Anyone else encountered this sort of problem? Wondering if I should go for faster memory, although this is the first time it's happened.
AndySmee - Oct 13, 2008 - 08:24 AM
Post subject: RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Photographers: Any tips please
On my Nikon it gives you an indication in the viewfinder as to how many shots you've got left in continuous shooting mode "r13, r12, r11..." like that. Faster memory really works, I use Extreme III but borrowed some Extreme 4 the other day. Once you go to continuous shooting the speed is important.
On a similar note, I'm selling my Nikon D100 with a Nikon 18-70 ED lens if anyone wants a cheap digital SLR ready to shoot (comes with 1Gb memory which is about 300 large Jpgs on the D100) - special SCUK price £200 - currently advertised at £240 elsewhere
snowangel. - Oct 13, 2008 - 08:55 AM
Post subject: RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Photographers: Any tips please
i'm finding it interesting how many shots you say you get from a 4g card.
I get 600 raw, which i always use on the mountain, and even on fine large jps i get 1,4 (i'm assuming its 1400 but i might be more!) put it this way i have never run out of space on my card, even though i carry a small back up.
If you can afford one get 70-200 lense. very use full. The cheaper ones will give cheaper quility zoom.
re photo's, try to give perspective to what you taking, a snowboarder in the air could have done anything, get the jump/rail/pipe whatever in.
If you've not got a large card get one, its so nice to clic to your hearts content.
AndySmee - Oct 13, 2008 - 09:12 AM
Post subject: RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Photographers: Any tips please
Mine's a 12MP camera so RAW images are about 36-40Mb. 4Gb --> 100-150 pictures. Not sure about a 70-200 on the slopes as I expect to be close to my subject and go for the wide-angle more than the telephoto end, but at events a long lens will be more useful.
P.S. Snowangel, have you got a chalet for 10 for Jan 10/11th or 17/18th, I'm booking tomorrow. PM me if you do. Thanks
lentildal - Oct 13, 2008 - 09:37 AM
Post subject: Re: RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Photographers: Any tips please
snowangel. wrote:
i'm finding it interesting how many shots you say you get from a 4g card.
I get 600 raw, which i always use on the mountain, and even on fine large jps i get 1,4 (i'm assuming its 1400 but i might be more!) put it this way i have never run out of space on my card, even though i carry a small back up.
If you can afford one get 70-200 lense. very use full. The cheaper ones will give cheaper quility zoom.
re photo's, try to give perspective to what you taking, a snowboarder in the air could have done anything, get the jump/rail/pipe whatever in.
If you've not got a large card get one, its so nice to clic to your hearts content.
Was thinking of going for 4G, but not sure now as I may check the 133x + cards and get something a bit faster, so depends on cost.
I think I get about 150 raw on a 2G card.
When are you using a 200 lens? I would have thought a wider angle would be ideal when you can get close to the subject.