IN THE FIELD: The Other Half Of Serenity
This photo was taken the same morning as the photo in the previous post. I was facing in an easterly direction when I took this shot, as compared to facing in a more westerly direction when I took the former photo. The two shots were taken within a minute of each other. Shortly after I took this shot, the subtle colors of the sunrise and distant forest were obscured by the fog moving up the valley.
The exposure settings for both photos were actually identical. I wanted to show the difference in color tones from two different view points and to illustrate the difference in the light, even though the scenes were very close to each other.
I used a cloudy White Balance setting for both photos primarily because I rarely use any other setting. I feel the color tones in photos have a warmer feel when using the cloudy setting. Sometimes I will need to make a custom white balance setting for really difficult, mixed, or artificial lighting situations, or if the camera is just not duplicating the color I am seeing.
I also like to experiment, if time permits, by taking several shots of the same scene using different WB settings. Not only just to see the difference, but also to determine what works best for me. There is no right or wrong, just a personal preference.
ISO 200
1/200
f5.6
Cloudy White Balance
David Heilman 
But no more snow please!!!!!!
Roger that…I’m ready for Spring now!
Beautiful white tones you captured dear David, I hope spring is there now 🙂 Thanks and Love, nia
I do believe spring is here. Daffodils are blooming!
There’s something other-worldly about this photo and the other one that came before it. I just love the tranquillity. Great post title, too!
Ya know…it did remind us of the snow palace in Narnia. It was so peaceful that morning. I was trying to think of a title i.e. let’s see…I was facing this way and then I was facing this way …it was so serene..I know…The other half! Brilliant! LOL
When you do a custom WB do you use a grey card or white or…?
Hi Jane! Sometimes I will use this handy little device called an Expodisc. http://www.expoimaging.com/ These are a little pricey…mine was a gift…It works extremely well to get colors correct in difficult lighting situations. I.E. indoors when there is a lot of natural light and artificial light at the same time. A grey card or something of medium tone (a lawn for example) will work equally well in most cases. But honestly…in most instances I get the best results from the cloudy setting. I never ever use auto white balance…I just don’t care for the results that provides.
Back in the film days I used to carry a grey card with me for exposure readings. Nowadays I use a Hoodman loupe to check exposures…especially when shooting outside or in a greenhouse due to glare. http://www.hoodmanusa.com/products.asp?dept=1017 These work great…so simple and way easier than cupping your hands around the LCD.
good to know I am going to a greenhouse today with the photo club.
wow so beautiful! I love snow! 🙂
It sure was pretty that morning…a winter wonderland!