Photo question

This sunset was really nice. The setting sun was orange red
in color, with some very light pink clouds, but as you can see, the sun looks white. I used auto focus. So I was just wondering if anyone knew why this does this. Thanks

I can't say "why"... but I have a scene setting on my camera for "sunsets" that gets rid of that problem.

This sunset was really nice. The setting sun was orange red
in color, with some very light pink clouds, but as you can see, the sun looks white. I used auto focus. So I was just wondering if anyone knew why this does this. Thanks


Cameras are set to expose for 18% gray. (It's why snow comes out gray on winter shots.)

If your camera has the options to adjust the exposure try taking multiple shots of the same scene and adjust the exposure compensation on each shot so you can see the difference.

I can't say "why"... but I have a scene setting on my camera for "sunsets" that gets rid of that problem.

Thanks Papa, I have that setting also. I try it the next time.

If your camera has the options to adjust the exposure try taking multiple shots of the same scene and adjust the exposure compensation on each shot so you can see the difference.

Thanks Shirl. Some told me to try underexposing the shot or manual exposure. Of course being a noob at this, I'm not sure about this either. I'll try looking in my book. Thanks again.

Forget the book, just take lots of pics and experiment. :sqwink:

Take what Shirl said one step farther, if the meter center weights the reading you'll be even farther off the reading. Some meters apply more emphasis to the center of the viewfinder. Others average the whole scene. Others still use only the center spot.

Shirl's point is bang on but the way the image is metered might make it worse because that bright dot you metered (the sun) gets the lion's share of the reading simply because it is in the center of the image.

By the way, if you want an "incident" meter, a meter that measures the light falling on your subject, pull out your 18% gray reflective surface. Say you don't carry one? Every one has a palm. The average Caucasian's palm is about 18% reflectance. Point the camera at your palm to get the reading for the existing light. Works great for head shots in tough to meter light conditions. Open up a stop for dark complexions.

In any case, many point and shoot cameras make it hard to adjust for difficult conditions.

Balanced, thanks for offering that information. Unfortunately, I have no idea what you are talking about. Guess I should learn how to use the camera. BTW, it's not a point and shoot, so there are most likely adjustments to make.

OK. As my boss used to say, baby talk it.

Say you want to take a picture of someone on a field of snow. Pull out your trusty 18% card (or your palm). Point the camera so that it sees only the 18% card. The card should be oriented in the same manner as the subject*. Get a reading with the built in light meter. The meter reading must be held as you now aim your camera from the 18% target toward your subject. You have to study your instruction manual to find out how. Take the picture. The snow will be bright white and your subject's face will also be properly exposed rather than too dark. The same goes for bright white sand beaches.

There is a technique called the zone method of exposure perfected by Ansel Adams. Composition is one half of photography and exposure is the other half. The 18% is zone 5, 0 is black and 9 is white. It aids in considering the complete range of light to dark and properly representing them in the final result. There's plenty of info on the internet. Whole books have been written on the topic.

*If the subject is back lit the card should be back lit or side lit etc.

By the way, I didn't mean you had a point and shoot. I'm the one with a point and shoot. After years of SLR's and TLR's I have a truly light and small camera that fits in my pocket. There is no excuse not to carry it. 10 MP and waterproof too!

my motto.... take a lot, some will come out...

and then you shoot some more

That's why I like you, Chuck. You see the 'same' sunsets day after day and yet appreciate each one. Kudos man. They are beautiful; I love seeing your pics (even some bikini ones are alright--they still have beaches in em)