Shoot Faces of the Sky

[Peter_S.]

The sky shows us various faces every day. In this chapter, you will learn how to finish up your sky photograph as an "artwork" based on your own image. First, set the camera to the P-mode, and then add your intention.

Adjusting the colour to reproduce it as you choose

First, adjust the colour according to your preference with white balance. The effects of white balance differ depending on the time or weather when shooting. Try each setting to find your favourite colour.
The following are the photographs of a morning sky shot with 3 different white balance settings.

While the photograph close to the actual image is the one shot with [Daylight], setting to [Shade] enhances a warm image of the sunlight. On the other hand, setting to [Incandescent] adds a strong blue cast, and creates a fantasy-like atmosphere.

Enhancing image depth

In addition to colour adjustment, contrast and brightness make a great difference to the atmosphere of the photograph. Contrast can be adjusted with Creative Style.
For example, like the photograph [1] below, if you want to enhance depth and instability of the sky by clear rendering of clouds, [Landscape] is recommended. This setting enhances contrast and depth in the photograph. On the other hand, if you want to render a winter sky with a tranquil look as in the photograph [2], it is recommended to set to [Standard] and lower the values of "Saturation" and "Contrast" from the option settings.

Last of all, try changing the brightness. The brightness can be adjusted with exposure compensation.
In the example below, the exposure was adjusted to the - side to render the colour more clearly and enhance the contrast. As the appropriate level of exposure compensation is different depending on the conditions of the sky and personal preference, take several shots with different levels.

Adjusting the exposure to the - side deepened the colour of the sky and added enhanced depth to the finished photograph.
Conversely, adjusting to the + side is effective if you want a softer finish with lower contrast.

Utilise these 3 functions, white balance, Creative Style and exposure, to finish your work as you choose.

Trying circular polarising filters

If you use a circular polarising filter, reflected light in the air can be screened out, so that the blue sky and green leaves can be rendered more vividly. It also suppresses reflections from the surface of water or glass.

VF-xxCPAM

This circular polarising filter suppresses unwanted reflections from glass and water, giving your photographs a more professional look. It also features Carl Zeiss T* coating to reduce flare and ghosting.