Snow Storm Photo

[bostran1]

I live in Boston and we are having what looks to be quite a snow storm out here. Below is a quick photo I snapped of the snow. But does anyone have any ideas of things to shoot during a snow storm? What methods of shooting would you recommend (aperture or shutter speeds, etc). What sort of white balance do you use? Any and all ideas/comments are appreciated!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2341/2108717721_9dc0fb33c6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benostrander/2108717721/)

[SharonLowe]

I live in Boston and we are having what looks to be quite a snow storm out here. Below is a quick photo I snapped of the snow. But does anyone have any ideas of things to shoot during a snow storm? What methods of shooting would you recommend (aperture or shutter speeds, etc). What sort of white balance do you use? Any and all ideas/comments are appreciated!



Bostran - that is an understatement. I'm in one of the W towns west and yes, it is quite a storm. Normally, the camera tries to meter for a neutral grey so snow photos tend to come out underexposed. Yours looks overexposed and I can't tell from your EXIF what you did post processing. I will say that you do not need to be shooting at f/29, which resulted in your 3.2 second exposure. With a long exposure like that during a storm, the snow falling turns to sheets and can result in overexposures like you have. I would shoot at something you can handhold and try a +1 EV. Also, of course, you have to be careful of the snow on your camera - a good rain cover or even a shower cap can help. This is also one time to put a good UV filter on to protect the lens.

Here is one I did a few years ago at the Public Garden. Horrendous storm similar to today's and most images had snow "blobs" but I was happy with this one.

http://psc.photoshelter.com/image/I000051768

[bostran1]

Sharon, that is a great photo of the public garden!

As for the EXIF in my photo, I was just messing around and wanted to see the effect of a longer shutter speed. I was going for something foggy. But it definitely over-exposed.

I am going to see what I can get tonight (assuming it lightens up a bit!). I will also give it a shot with the +1 EV. Thanks for the ideas!

PS my girlfriend works in Framingham and lives in Brighton and it has taken her nearly 3 hours to get home (she's close but not here yet!)

[AndrewWG]

I am in a W town to the south and we are getting hammered with snow. Thankfully all of us are home and warm. I will be out with the snowblower in a couple hours. That should be fun. Better than shoveling! :yay: I"m sure all my neighbors will be super friendly to me tonight...

[bostran1]

My girlfriend is still on the road, we're going on 4.5 hours now and she still a ways away. What a mess!

[Pea-n-Me]

I'm in the midst of it also. I thought about going out for some pictures, then thought better of it. I stayed in and made a fish chowder instead. ;)

[SharonLowe]

I've been taking a photo of the same scene about every hour since the snow started. Will post when I get them processed. Dark now, so much harder. I also did some of our Christmas decorations which are fun in the snow.

Husband is on the commuter rail. Was on the 4:30 train but an hour plus later, I think it is still at South Station.

Saw a guy riding his Bike Friday (a portable, collapsible bike for those who've never heard of one) down the road. Think he was brilliant because all the cars were stuck in traffic. I'm guessing he had it at his office and decided it was faster than trying to drive home.

Ben - I hope her gas tank was full!

[AndrewWG]

Well, instead of taking pics of the snow, I decided to try the Christmas tree. I don't really like the way it came out, but I wanted it to be just the lights on the tree. I just don't have enough lights is what it comes down to. Also, the angel on top isn't lit, so I shined a flashlight on her. I think that came out pretty good considering the situation. One thing that is cool I thought was that the lights look like stars for some reason. Is that an aperture thing? It was shot at f8 1.3 sec exposure (I think) Here is the pic...

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w148/AndyG1970/Tree.jpg

Actually, the angel doesn't look that great, but she is ALOT lighter than she was without the flashlight help.

[bostran1]

I've been taking a photo of the same scene about every hour since the snow started. Will post when I get them processed. Dark now, so much harder. I also did some of our Christmas decorations which are fun in the snow.

Husband is on the commuter rail. Was on the 4:30 train but an hour plus later, I think it is still at South Station.

Saw a guy riding his Bike Friday (a portable, collapsible bike for those who've never heard of one) down the road. Think he was brilliant because all the cars were stuck in traffic. I'm guessing he had it at his office and decided it was faster than trying to drive home.

Ben - I hope her gas tank was full!

I wish I had thought of that! I just got in from the first round of shoveling out the car and it wasn't too bad but there are at least 6 inches on the ground out here.

It ended up taking her 5.5 hours to get home! Fortunately, dinner was waiting and she is relaxing now.

[SharonLowe]

Well, instead of taking pics of the snow, I decided to try the Christmas tree. I don't really like the way it came out, but I wanted it to be just the lights on the tree. I just don't have enough lights is what it comes down to. Also, the angel on top isn't lit, so I shined a flashlight on her. I think that came out pretty good considering the situation. One thing that is cool I thought was that the lights look like stars for some reason. Is that an aperture thing? It was shot at f8 1.3 sec exposure (I think) Here is the pic...


Actually, the angel doesn't look that great, but she is ALOT lighter than she was without the flashlight help.

yes, the starry look is an aperture thing. Try it at f/16 and you will get some really starry looking lights. Shoot it at f/2.8 and you won't see any starry look at all.

How long did you shine the light? If the flashlight wasn't very strong, you should shine it the whole time. The other option is to pop your flash at it (handheld, not on your camera) - brighter light typically and likely would have only need to do it once, maybe twice.

The dark areas are fooling your exposure. Increase the exposure a bit to compensate for the dark areas. Will help with the angel too.

[Pea-n-Me]

Nice tree Andy! :santa:

[Pea-n-Me]

So we ventured out for a little spin. Very pretty outside! :cold:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/paulandlinda/IMG_9516_f.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/paulandlinda/IMG_9519_f.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/paulandlinda/IMG_9524_f.jpg

[bostran1]

Those are some great shots! Here are a few of mine. I have more here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benostrander/sets/72157603451125842/).

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2152/2110225250_9128fbe3ed.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benostrander/2110225250/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2397/2109448297_17d70551d1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benostrander/2109448297/)

According to my leg, we had about 7 inches of snow:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2419/2109449881_36f7d2b37d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benostrander/2109449881/)

[Pea-n-Me]

According to my leg
:rotfl:

Nice pictures! Just think - we get to do it all again on Saturday!

[bostran1]

Nice pictures! Just think - we get to do it all again on Saturday!

I know! I can hardly wait! Although, my shoveling is all done now so I'm happy!

[Amy]

You know, I see all these great shots that you folks in the Boston area share on the DIS, and I always think "maybe we should move to New England." And then it's winter and I hear about all the snow! Yes, it's gorgeous, but only when you don't have to be anywhere. Those long commutes to/from work.....YUK!

At least here in Pittsburgh, we don't get as many bad winter storms as you guys do. This weekend they're saying it all depends on the track of the storm - we could get at little as an inch or two, or as much as 6 inches.

[MarkBarbieri]

What is this "snow" you speak of?

I haven't seen snow up close in years...probably not since XMas of '04. We're heading to Colorado in about a week, so we'll see some soon. I like visiting snow, but I'm kind of glad that it doesn't visit me.

[AndrewWG]

yes, the starry look is an aperture thing. Try it at f/16 and you will get some really starry looking lights. Shoot it at f/2.8 and you won't see any starry look at all.

How long did you shine the light? If the flashlight wasn't very strong, you should shine it the whole time. The other option is to pop your flash at it (handheld, not on your camera) - brighter light typically and likely would have only need to do it once, maybe twice.

The dark areas are fooling your exposure. Increase the exposure a bit to compensate for the dark areas. Will help with the angel too.

Sharon,

I didn't even see your post last night. Thanks for explaining that. I tried longer exposures, but didn't like the look of it as much. I wanted it to look basically the way I saw it. It was dark in the room with just the Christmas tree lights on. The ones with longer exposures did look better with the dark areas though.

I did shine the flash light constantly. Usually it is a VERY bright flashlight, but the batteries are dying (it takes 8 AA's). It was good I took this pic because I changed the batteries before bed and low and behold, the electricity went out during the night. DD does NOT like that to say the least, but with a nice fresh flash light, she survives just fine.

I will try different things with the tree this weekend. Such a fun and relaxing subject to shoot. Never complains or anything! ;) I had fun trying the different WB settings to get this one. Then I went into PSE and made it very slightly less on the WB. That made it almost perfect.

Thanks again. I will try more things and post some this weekend. I really want to go to f16 and get a real starry tree!

[handicap18]

Ok, not for nothin, but that stormed SUCKED! I left Braintree at 12:45 and walked into my house in Burlington at 4:55! Thing were good till I got to the Tunnel. Then on the Zachim it started backing up, but it moved, slowly, but it moved. Once on 128 south it turned into a parking lot. I only have to go 2 miles or so on 128. GRRRR. But the worst part were the backroads. On the last 1 mile stretch before my driveway it took 50 minutes. 1 section that is normally a 55 second drive took just under 50 minutes.

I think that everyone that lives in Florida moved to the Boston area on Wednesday, then they saw the snow on Thursday and paniced. The supermarkets were out of control on Thursday morning. Panic and chaos! I never knew people needed so much food for 2 meals.

OH MY GOD! I NEED 5 GALLONS OF MILK!! OH NO FLUFFY NEED CAT FOOD! WE ONLY HAVE 10 CANS LEFT! WHAT!! WE ONLY HAVE 2 LOAFS OF BREAD!! GO TO THE STORE AND GET 5 MORE LOAFS!! OH AND WHILE YOUR THERE GET 5LBS OF HAM, 2LBS OF ROAST BEEF and 2LBS OF TURKEY!! THAT SHOULD HOLD US TILL THE STORM BLOWS OVER BY TOMORROW MORNING!!! OH WE NEED EGGS!! GET 3 DOZEN!

I know its good for business, but people OVER panic for snow storms. It out of control! Tomorrow is going to suck again. With this next storm being forcast and all the food everyone ate last night and today, they'll do it all over again.

If your in the Greater Boston area, go out tonight and do your shopping. Other wise if I see you in one of my stores I WILL run you over with a pallet of salsa!!! :teeth:

Ok rant over.

I woud have liked to have taken some pics yesturday, but never got the chance. I love snow like this (light, fluffy and wet) as it sticks to the trees and makes great picture ops. Especially on those roads where the trees from each side of the road are so big that they touch each other. One of these days I'll get some good storm photos.

I think we ended up with about 9 inches. Half my outdoor Christmas decorations are burried in snow!

[Disney MAINEiac]

What is this "snow" you speak of?

I haven't seen snow up close in years...probably not since XMas of '04. We're heading to Colorado in about a week, so we'll see some soon. I like visiting snow, but I'm kind of glad that it doesn't visit me.

rub it in!:headache: we are supposed to get blasted by a nor'easter on sunday:scared: I keep wondering why I live in Maine:confused3

[Pea-n-Me]

LOL Kyle :rotfl2: You forgot to use one of these. :drive:

This week I used some vacation time to finish up Christmas stuff, otherwise I would have been stuck in the same afternoon traffic headed for Boston. I was so happy to just be home! :artist:

[RLccweems]

So we ventured out for a little spin. Very pretty outside! :cold:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/paulandlinda/IMG_9516_f.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/paulandlinda/IMG_9519_f.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y69/paulandlinda/IMG_9524_f.jpg

I love the snow pictures...we don't get alot of snow around. A lot of ice but not much snow.

lettie

[Stephieann]

What is this "snow" you speak of?

I haven't seen snow up close in years...probably not since XMas of '04. We're heading to Colorado in about a week, so we'll see some soon. I like visiting snow, but I'm kind of glad that it doesn't visit me.

I know what you mean by this. I am in Tennessee. We get some each year but it is not pretty snow. it winds up kinda nasty...ice, snow, sleet....it is gone by the next day when the temps jump up to upper 40's lower 50's and SUNNYhttp://bestsmileys.com/sun/1.gif. I like it the first 2 times but if we are lucky for a 3rd i am ready for it to go away!!!
http://bestsmileys.com/winter/5.gif

For you up in the snow storms..sending you a little help!
http://bestsmileys.com/winter/9.gif

[Pea-n-Me]

How's everyone holding up today? :cold:

[AndrewWG]

How's everyone holding up today? :cold:

Well, lucky us. We are having Thanksgiving today. Since WDW failed miserably on our Thanksgiving dinner, we decided to do it today after my parents returned home for the holidays. Well, isn't this weather nice for that? I have the driveway cleared, but was hoping that the rain wouldn't ruin things for the kids to go OUTSIDE and play. So it will be a noisy day here. We will make due though and actually have that Thanksgiving dinner that I wanted to have 3 weeks ago or so.

[handicap18]

How's everyone holding up today? :cold:

We've got about another 7 inches on top of the 9 we got on Thursday. DW and her dad have been outside clearing the driveway's. For some reason our snowblower died (my FIL said that, I haven't had a chance to look at it yet) but Dfil was able to borrow a neighbors.

I'll go out shortly and take over the shoveling/clearing duty and try to take a look at our snowblower to see what the issue is. Dfil did the shopping last night so we don't have to go out at all today. Looking forward to 1pm for the Pats/Jets game!

I took a few pics of oldest DS playing in the snow. I'll try and post a few later.

[AndrewWG]

Looking forward to 1pm for the Pats/Jets game!



My foolish BIL is going to the game! :scared1: No thanks. My couch is more comfy. Here is what I'll be doing, thinking of him... :happytv:

[SharonLowe]

The snow has reached the top of our patio side table so I'm guessing we have about 20 inches total here. Now ice, of course. DH went out before the changeover; our snowblower died too. Had to do it all by hand and it was heavy:scared1: He thinks it needs a new spark plug. I think it was just rebelling against another big storm. Our outdoor decorations are suffering - our inflatable Mickey is just lying down like he is sleeping:lmao:

[bostran1]

We had an additional 5 inches of heavy, wet snow in Brighton. I just got the car all cleared out though so its not too bad. Its just rain now. I'm certainly not looking forward to it freezing now!

[Sha]

Love the snow pics!!!! And that Christmas tree is gorgeous! thanks for sharing them...

[geetey]

We "only" got about 8 inches on Saturday. Frankly I preferred the snow we got when we lived in TN - minimal! :laughing:

I didn't venture outside - we are all sick - but I did get these shots from the back door at my Mickey and Minnie statues on the deck.

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/geetey/DIS%20boards/007.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g13/geetey/DIS%20boards/006.jpg

[Pea-n-Me]

So - is everyone ready for another?? :cold:

[AndrewWG]

Thankfully, we have been downgraded to only 1 to 3 inches of snow. I wouldn't have minded another day off of work though.

[Pea-n-Me]

Don't tell me that. :eek: We just dropped $600 on a new snowblower last night. DH jokingly told the salesperson one way for us to NOT get snow was for him to buy the thing. Never thought he might be right! :rolleyes1 (Will have to wait a while longer for my new camera. :headache: )

[handicap18]

We're in the 6-12" range. GRRRRRRR

I got the snowblower working, but when I went to move it the other day the pull rope to start came undone. So now its just the electric start. hopefully my extension cords are long enough if the snowblower decides to shut off.

[Jeanne B]

We're in the 8-14" range, this will likely cause snow day #4 for the kids and it's only mid January. :sad2: The last couple of years it's been mid-January before they even got their first snow day.

We have an ATV with a plow on it which works pretty nice (and plowing with the 4-wheeler uses very little gas which is a real plus considering the price of gas these days!!).

[AndrewWG]

I bought a $500 snowblower a few years ago after that nasty blizzard we had. Until this year, I have only used it once... :confused3 I figure, I traded $500 for clear skies. Not a bad price to pay.

[Pea-n-Me]

Believe it or not, the last snowblower we bought was the year we bought our house, ie spring of '89, store brand on clearance for 300 bucks at KMart! I'd say we got our money's worth. That thing had been Mickey Mouse'd so many times it's amazing it lasted this long... :laughing:

[AndrewWG]

Believe it or not, the last snowblower we bought was the year we bought our house, ie spring of '89, store brand on clearance for 300 bucks at KMart! I'd say we got our money's worth. That thing had been Mickey Mouse'd so many times it's amazing it lasted this long... :laughing:


Ah, a very sneaky way of making this a Disney thread! :lmao:

[bostran1]

I'm ready for it. I would like to get a day off from work but there is no way that happens!

[sonogirl]

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e346/SONOGIRL/SnowStorm2007006.jpg



a nice little storm in Wisconsin!

[sonogirl]

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e346/SONOGIRL/SnowStorm2007005.jpg

[jann1033]

i'm pleased to say except for i think once when we got 12 inches, most of our "storms " this yr have been a couple inches...the ground isn't even frozen yet..which makes for plenty of mud , not sure which is worse..this yr at least so far living in the snow belt isn't so bad!( we usually get about 100")

[handicap18]

Jann, last week it was 65º. Today its a Nor-eastah. It started sometime early this morning (3am ish). We're currently at about 6". Its not supposed to let up for another 3-4 hours.

Now that I have the computer running the way it should (still needs to be replaced though) I'll try and take some pics later and post them. All the trees are covered with snow. Looks pretty cool.

[Pea-n-Me]

Yes, last week was downright balmy, LOL! :sunny:

[Cloudless Nights]

The weatherman claimed we were in the 3-6 inch range, but we definitely have at least a foot! :eek:

The snow was really heavy, so it bent alot of the branches of the trees down somewhat. I came out with some great pictures that I will post later.

[AndrewWG]

As far as I can tell, we got about an inch down here and on Cape Cod. Possibly 2 or 3 inches. I really don't know but it changed to rain and back to snow quite often. Overall, a boring "storm" here. However, the schools were closed in anticipation of a big storm. I've never seen that before.

[JR6ooo4]

From northwest of chicago, in years past. I have not made it out in the snowy cold to take pictures this year.
http://MnMStudios.smugmug.com/photos/2388305-M.jpg



http://MnMStudios.smugmug.com/photos/3267555-M.jpg

both were in my early years of photoshop(ing). I can now see they could use some better touchup, like contrasts etc...

Mikeeee

[handicap18]

Took a few quick shots.

Looking out at our backyard:
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e234/handicap18/Misc%20Photo%20Gallery/DSC_02649.jpg

Looking out the front door:
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e234/handicap18/Misc%20Photo%20Gallery/DSC_02650.jpg

Looks like we got about 8" or so. It was that heavy crapy snow. Thankfully the snowblower worked with no problems. Shoveling that stuff sucks.

[AndrewWG]

Well, here we go again... Seems like alot of snow here near the Cape but reports are only 2-4" expected? :confused3 There is ALOT of blowing/drifting snow so that could make it seem like more than is actually on the ground. Possible pics tomorrow as it is supposed to clear up and get sunny.

[bostran1]

Not much snow in the city this time. I'm glad a shovel is not involved.

[AndrewWG]

Well, we are getting pretty much blitzed right now. No way of telling how much snow is here but it is much more than most storms this year so far. Snow total of 2-4" is way off I think. I'm guessing we'll have 6-8 or more before it ends. At least work should be cancelled for me tomorrow, making it a snowblowing and picture taking day! :banana: Of course, they will probably have it open now that I am saying that...

[handicap18]

Seems as though it was a southern storm. We got only about 2" and it snowed all day yesturday, but very light.

Typically we get more than you guys do Andy. Looks like the shoe is on the other foot this time.

[LMarge]

I'm so jealous. We've had so little snow here in southwestern Ohio, that it has seemed more like spring than winter.:guilty: At this point, give me that crappy heavy snow!! All the more reason to snuggle in at home!!!;) (maybe I could catch up on my photoshop work!)

[AndrewWG]

Well, we got hit pretty hard yesterday. All in all I would guess 10" or so. It was a real blowing snow so it drifted into some 3 foot drifts in places and is about 1 inch in others. The driveway, of course was in about the 2 foot range. Thanks to the snowblower, we were out in no time. Also, thanks to the USAF I didn't have to go to work! :cool1: Does that mean I got out to take pics? Nope. I just relaxed in the nice warm house all day, just like i wanted to!

[LMarge]

Well, we got hit pretty hard yesterday. All in all I would guess 10" or so. It was a real blowing snow so it drifted into some 3 foot drifts in places and is about 1 inch in others. The driveway, of course was in about the 2 foot range. Thanks to the snowblower, we were out in no time. Also, thanks to the USAF I didn't have to go to work! :cool1: Does that mean I got out to take pics? Nope. I just relaxed in the nice warm house all day, just like i wanted to!

Must you rub it in!!!:goodvibes

[DisDaydreamer]

Just after plowing my driveway.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n219/arizonaborn/P1010226.jpg

[AndrewWG]

Nice shot with the snow falling. This is from last week here in Mass. My backyard has many 1-2 foot piles of woodchips in it, but they are all covered. All of the snow has already melted.

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w148/AndyG1970/Snow1-27-08.jpg