P3D Snowfall Shots

[markaren@xxxxxxxxx (Karen Obusek)]

While we are on the subject of Christmas lighting exposures, I thought I
would share my experiences with snowfall shots as well. Stereo snowfall
is a challenge. Shots taken while standing in the middle of a snowfall
should be avoided. The flakes very close to the lense will not be in
focus, there will be extreme on film deviations and some snowflakes will
be present in one image and not the other. Although I have some
interesting shots with this "in the bubble "
effect, most will be ruined. It is best to shoot snowfall from
underneath a porch or shelter, leaving enough distance (6ft +) from
camera to first snowflake. Using a flash will "freeze" the flakes in
midair and create a neat effect. (Yes, pun was intended :-)) A time
exposure can be accomplished in the snow (under an umbrella) with better
results if the lenses can be kept dry however this may yield a "fog"
effect as opposed to a "snowflake" result but can be very interesting.
One of my most interesting snow shots was using a long exposure (several
seconds at night) and walking around the perimeter of the scene holding
my flash in hand and firing the "test" button of the flash to "freeze"
the flakes at various depths, while the long exposure softened and
diffused the image.
I am still experimenting with other snowfall ideas but I'm missing one
thing right now........a snowfall. :-)  :-)       MARK DOTTLE 


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