Exposing for deep blue skies

[Quicklabs]

Inspired by some of the amazing pictures on this board, I walked down the road a little today. Our skies were gorgeous. I was trying to get this cornfield against the blue sky. (Shooting at about noon, so not the best time to try this). I can either get a great sky or a great field. How do I get both? (These are right out of the camera)
Sky is a little underexposed here. Field is barely visible

Now the field is looking better, but the sky is terrible. (Just ignore the terrible composition!)

 

[mabas9395]

HDR or a CPL.

 

[JeffPoth]

what is CPL?

 

[jann1033]

and i could be wrong but since you are supposed to be at 90 degree from the sun not sure how much good the cp would do at noon...cp=circular polarizer
but i am wondering if it would be bright enough for a graduated neutral density filter..(i forget to use that except on sunsets) you could put the gray over the sky and then the corn would be exposed ok as well via the clear. i think you would spot meter for both areas to see how many stops of the filter you'd need.

 

[Golf4food]

and i could be wrong but since you are supposed to be at 90 degree from the sun not sure how much good the cp would do at noon...cp=circular polarizer
but i am wondering if it would be bright enough for a graduated neutral density filter..(i forget to use that except on sunsets) you could put the gray over the sky and then the corn would be exposed ok as well via the clear. i think you would spot meter for both areas to see how many stops of the filter you'd need.

Noon is an almost perfect time to use a CPL... noon = sun directly overhead = 90 degree angle to your location...

Early morning or late afternoon if facing north or south, or roughly around noon when facing more or less any direction are the times a CPL would be most beneficial.

 

[jann1033]

Noon is an almost perfect time to use a CPL... noon = sun directly overhead = 90 degree angle to your location...

Early morning or late afternoon if facing north or south, or roughly around noon when facing more or less any direction are the times a CPL would be most beneficial.

so why was i picturing in my head having to look down to the ground to get 90 degrees at noon i'd say i needed coffee but it's to late for that excuse

 

[bostran1]

I would use the polarizer as well. HDR is another great option

 

[deletedpenguin]

CPLs make a world of difference. Not only do they help with vibrant blue skies, they help take the reflection off of water etc.