Bright Lighting and filters

[vonnagy]

Hi all,

Living in NZ means you get alot of nice cloudy days, which I find great for outdoor photography. However, the past few days have been really bright and sunny and I find it alot harder to take nice pics when its really bright.

I could use any tips and suggestions you have about shooting in bright lights. Usually I try to underexpose my shots a couple of notches, but I don't seem to get the best results.

Craig (of this forum) suggested I look into neutral density filters. Can anyone else give me their suggestions? I had a polarising filter which i loved until friend accidently dropped my camera on its lens :shock: luckily only the polarising filter was cracked

My camera is a digital Canon D10. I use a tamron 28-300 lens.


to sum it up:
1. what are suggestions for bright lighting?
2. what filters can I use for different situations?
3. what links do your recommend for 'further investigation'?

cheers!

 

[tr0gd0o0r]

ND filters are a good idea but get a higher number for bright days. THey rate from 1-5. I just got a 2 and it doesnt seem to do a whole lot. I'd sugest either a 4 or 5. (or just get another polarizer)

 

[voodoocat]

Overexposure is not your problem. In bright sunlight you have harsh lighting that casts harsh shadows. Clouds are your friend

 

[doxx]

The 10D tends to blow highlights, it acts more like shooting slides.
I usually underexpose by at least a third f-stop and control the histogram - also I activated the 'blinking' highlights for the LCD.
Also if you shoot jpg, you don't have much room for color corrections.
If I need to shoot something 'dead-on' I shoot RAW.

A polarizer is aways a good idea. Haven't used ND filters though...