I knew this would be a problem

Ever feel like your images lack depth? This could be why. Quick video from Alabama Hills, California where I share a problem I ran into while trying to take an image at sunrise.
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[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

I appreciated the insight here - while I'm used to explaining how the camera handles exposure and dynamic range and such, describing the camera as capturing tonal values and that can lead to the issue you described (tonal value of the foreground similar to the midground) is wonderful! Something else to keep an eye out for when composing images or wondering where the depth went in camera!

[@robertgrenader858]

Been in almost the same spot, took almost the same image, and had the same depth issue. Sunrise on the eastern Sierra with the colors of alpen glow is magical.

[@heyx-dan]

Thanks a lot for this great tips !!! By this comment I would like also to say a big THANK you for all the valuable tips and tricks you are sharing. I've learned so much great things through your videos !!!

[@petermcginty3636]

Thanks Todd. I have been shooting in monochrome (but RAW keeps the colour data) for the las tfew weeks to try to improve my composition skills. I kept thinking to myself, "Gee, it is really hard to compose in B&W sometimes.". Your video probably explains why it is hard at times. Thank you.

[@dominey]

Lol - yep. In my experience, more often than not, if an image doesn’t look decent in BW, it ain’t gonna work in color (unless there’s a lot of color contrast).

[@macimages4215]

I was just there in the Alabama Hills and you haven’t lived until you see the sunrise on those mountains. I use that BW mode all the time. Really helps seeing the light in the scene.

[@dominey]

So true. One of these years I hope to get just the right balance of light and atmosphere

[@macimages4215]

@@dominey I just arrived as the last of the clouds were disappearing from the recent storms. Maybe next time I’ll get better atmosphere instead of a blue bird sky.

[@sircookson]

Your highlight rolloff on your videos are so flattering. You have any tips to give me?

[@rgarlinyc]

"Use the black and white mode". Yes, that's got to be a solution. Thanks Todd. I shall surely give it a try!

[@ryantanakaphoto]

Great tip about using b & w. Hope your photography goes well out there.

[@ConnorCrosby]

I appreciate you making videos like this. Very helpful info to keep in mind. Thanks!

[@dominey]

Glad it was helpful :)

[@aklivn49]

...how do you fix it in camera? Exposure, ISO, or?

[@joenogueira2801]

I use a hand held spot meter - old habit from my film days...

[@emeregildo100]

Hi Todd, how about using a Reverse Graded ND filter in order to lower the exposure on the foreground. Could that be a solution?

[@dominey]

Potentially. I could try the same in LR/PS but I suspect it would look a bit too “blended” and HDRish.

[@34Media]

great idea cheers mate

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

That’s a trick I’ll have to try.