Touch the sky

On most days, at sunrise and sunset, you will find the sky painted with the most amazing colours, some of which may not figure in a pantone shade palette. Together with the changing patterns of clouds, the scene would make for an amazing photo op. But ask any shutterbug and he/she will tell you that capturing the true myriad colours and cloud patterns on your digital or manual camera is a tad difficult.

Gulf News Senior Photographer Asghar Khan offers a few tips: "It does not require any special effects or techniques to photograph clouds. However, it is recommended that you use either wide-angle lenses or telephoto lenses. Using a zoom lens will make the composition relatively easier."

It is not easy to get a correct reading of the available light when preparing to shoot clouds using a film camera. The picture may be underexposed (if you meter on a bright cloud) or overexposed (if you meter on the darker sky). So it is easier to use a digital camera where you may be able to see the results immediately. Agreed, some LCD screens can't be trusted very much, but it will give you a fair indication of the correct exposure.

"Just in case you are using a film camera, meter on a part of the sky or cloud that looks medium grey, not white or dark," he advises. "And if you use a polariser, you will want to block out the polarised light from the blue sky partially, to increase the levels of contrast. But here again, be careful as the clouds may be much brighter than the sky, unless of course the sky is very hazy or dusty."

When it comes to the composition of a picture, experts suggest experimenting. "Just use your imagination and have fun," he says.