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Shooting in the Winter

by: Mike Adkins

The days of gray and brown are upon us.  However, there is still opportunities to shoot outside.  Watch the weather and take time to scope out shooting locations.  If you want to shoot some great fog shots like Ansel Adams you should watch for the temperature and duepoint.  When the temperature is within 5 degrees or less of due point fog forms. 

Also, if you want to photograph some great sky shots watch for cold fronts coming in from the north.  The jet stream pushes cold air masses down from Canada.  These masses push moisture in front of them and results in those nice puffy clouds.  Since the sun is low on the horizon in the mornings some great sun rises below the clouds results in what they call a painted sky.  So early mornings before sunrise be sure you have camera in hand and a freshly charged battery and be in place just as the sun appears on the horizon. 

By the way the sun rises in the east and sets in the west.  Also, if snow is in the forecast check www.weather.com and see if there is a clearing or if the forecast calls for sun after the snow storm.  This will make for those great contracty photos with sparkles coming off the snow.