We’re coming into that time of year when your outdoor scenes are changing from nice fall color to winter snow scenes. Don’t pack away your camera! For the next few months you can get some spectacular pictures of snow scenes.

Whether you’re shooting the huge 6 foot snow drift in your backyard or that early morning snow capped mountain scene, getting the proper exposure can be a challenge. Back in May I wrote about proper exposure and when your camera can be fooled. Snow scenes are one of those times.

Since your camera’s light meter is calibrated for medium gray, your snow pictures may tend to be underexposed. The snow won’t be as bright as it should be. You’ll need to override your camera settings. Also, a UV filter will help remove that blue cast from the snow, especially at higher elevations.

If you’re lucky enough to have a Beach and Snow scene mode, use it. This tells the camera you’re shooting a bright scene and it adjusts the exposure accordingly. You can also use Exposure Compensation to add more light. Go to +1 or +2 compensation, depending on how much of your picture is bright snow. Better yet, take 2 shots using each setting.

Winter snow scenes are the type of photos where you need to be smarter than the camera. With a little experience, you’ll quickly be able to look at a scene and know just how much compensation is needed.

So go out and shoot something!