In a message dated 98-02-14 00:26:21 EST, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> I'm not running down his shot but I would like some suggestions on how best
> to handle such a dark yet reflective subject.
Polarizer! That little disc lets you control reflections. By rotating it,
you can dial the sky in or out, or the scenery or whatever. It even works for
night shots, to handle the reflective ambient light, if you do or don't want
it there. And it works for the scenery, too. It lets you adjust the
brightness (density) of the surface of water or tree leaves. Example; if
you're shooting along a lake and light-colored units are coming, then turn the
polarizer to darken the surface of the water to give you a more pronounced
image. This in reality removes the reflection of the bright sky from the dark
water -- the actual color of the water is what shows on the film. I often use
in in the summer, too, during high-sun times to remove the sky's reflection
from the trees, so that the shot has some color. I also use in on the video
camera occasionally when the scene can use the help in some way or another.
One problem is that with a shiny boiler barrel, such as one the 261 and 1522,
etc., it's tough to control the reflections without seeing the engine in the
scene first. The trick is to either anticipate the situation and experiment
when the engine is static. Of, if you use a polarizer enough when you're not
in a pinch, that you will eventually be familiar enough to know it's abilities
like the back of your hand, or recognize where the reflections will be by
reference other parts of the scene. Familiar is the best way to be with all
camera equipment.
The polarizer cost two-stops of exposure, but it's often worth it. Get the
radial type.
....Mike
-> SPORRS: Serious Photographers of Railroad Related Subjects
-> Web Site: http://www.anet-stl.com/acphotog/sporrs
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