Evening star., 1949-01-02
Camera Angles
Snow Pictures Challenge Artistic Talents
By Alexander J. Wsdderburn
Curator Of Photography The SnithssnIsn Institutes

circumstances. A close examination
Of the quality of shadows cast on
the snow on clear days will reveal q
blush tinge. In contrast to this the
area lighted by the sun will have the
yellowish hue Of the sun predomi-
mating. The blue tinge of the shad-
ows (caused by the reflections from
the blue sky will be absorbed to q
considerable extent by the yellow
filter, causing a darkening Of the
shadow areas. But since this filter
will pass the yellow of the sunlight
the sunlit areas are relatively un-
affected, thereby securing the de-
sired contrast. If you do use a filter
be sure that you take the filter
factor into consideration during your
exposure computations.
Underexposure Favored.
Since overexposure has a tend
ency to block up high light areas
you will be wise to err slightly on
the side Of underexposure If you
must err at all. We offer this ad-
vice because the greater area Of
your negative will contain the high
lighted snow. Overexposure will re-
suit in an almost complete loss Of
detail, even though you may have
gone to great pains to make your
exposures at times when shadows
were cast on the snow. But don't
make the mistake of underexposing
too much or the snow will have a
dirty appearance on the film and
consequently in the prints. For
the best results use photo-electric
exposure meter for each and every
shot. Even then the all-over glare
may throw you of a bit 50 1t will
probably pay to make two or three
shots Of each scene at different
exposures. z -
We all realize that the shutter
speed has lot to do with correct
exposure. But we sometimes forget
the effect that temperature may
have on the shutter of the camera.
In very cold weather your shutter
may be considerably slowed by low
temperatures. You can eliminate
this possibility by having your shut
ter winterized by q competent re-
pairman. AS a further safeguard
you can, at the same time, have the
exposed metal and leather parts OF
the camera treated against the
corrosive action Of water. After a
trip outside in the snow you should
always wipe the camera with a dry
cloth as a preventive maintenance
measure.
You will never lack for subject
matter after a snow. AS we have
mentioned above, all the subjects
that you have photographed with
out the benefit of a snowy covering
will have a new and different look.
Now Is the time to reshoot these
scenes as q comparison.
Sled Runs and Snowballs.
Look up the kids on the nearest
sled run or the others who are
having SNOWFALL battle on the cor
ner lot. Other interesting shots Of
the digging process" as the
city begins to emerge from the snow
can be made. Or, for a good laugh
(next summer. let your wife take
a series of shots Of your frantic
efforts to get that unrecognizable
lump, that is your car, out of its
snowy bed.
Whether you are an expert pic
torialist or just another camera fan
you should, by alls means, make at
least one trip to the country or to
the park after a good snow. There
are unlimited possibilities to be
found near field, wood and stream
that will make your expedition well
worth the while.
Our last and most important ad-
vice on the subject Is to be sure
and shoot your pictures first. Then
make the effort to get down to the
office. If you make the mistake of
fighting the snow first we know
you'll. never want to see the nasty
stuff again-much less take pic
t,l~ac of A.