Anytime you can combine button copy
and airports, we all win.
/self-professed roadgeek.
Originally Posted by
fwoomp
I've tried, but don't seem to be sufficiently quick on the draw (and I've only attempted this as a passenger). I could do it if we pulled over, obviously, but that first one was clearly taken while driving.
So, my question is, have any tips for successful road sign photography?
If you're shooting through a windshield, use a circular polarizer. If you can't attach one, then the best bet is to drive/face north (if you're in the northern hemisphere), or out of the direction of the sun. Driving east during sunsets, west during sunrises...same as any other photography, unless you prefer contrast. Mid-day can be the best overall, since you're working with a mostly two-dimensional object.
Windshields reflect a lot of glare, although some models of vehicles give more than others. Objects on the dashboards (especially light-colored papers) will reflect back on windshields, and thus, your image. If there's any advantage to a cloudy day over a sunny one, it's that the dash reflection is naturally mitigated.
On the other hand, if the sign layers have a reflective coating (modern sheeting which "amplifies" lighting to increase visibility from great distances) you can get unwanted overexposure, so you might want to stop-down a little during sunrise/sunset conditions. Painted signs or overcast days don't have this issue.
At 45-60 mph, I suggest using a shutter speed of at least 1/500s, unless the sign(s) are at a considerable distance. I use 1/640s at roughly f/4.5-7.1 (ISO 200), if it's medium-cloudy, can go up to 1/800 for clear days. Naturally, if the sign is closer, and/or travelling faster, you'd need a faster shutter speed. If you're stuck in traffic, you can obviously use slower speeds.
Probably not best to use a prime lens and set it to Shutter Priority mode, because you'll wind up with a bunch of blurry and/or overexposed f/1.8 moments if you wind up on a winding road where the light source is constantly changing direction. Since sign gantries, panel overheads, skylines, natural beauty, architecture, et al are sometimes part of the desired shot, you'll probably prefer an 18-55mm zoom lens over a fixed lens; although if conditions are quite the same, fixed with a Manual setting will work.
Keep in mind that windshield glass has a gentle green tone to it, so colors might have to be adjusted in post-processing. It's really tough - or even impossible - to remove glare, although sometimes playing with Curves can help a little. A/C defrost vents positioned by the corner of the cowl of the dash also tend to cause glare. Shoot gently up, if you need to avoid it. And lastly, you'll probably always have to adjust the angle of the shot later on in image editing software. It's a rare shot in which I can leave at 0.0 degrees and be happy with it.
Be careful; it's okay to miss a shot because there's traffic in front or alongside of you; obey local laws and customs and pay attention, yada yada.
You'll usually get your best shots (and safest) by parking and actually getting out of the car.
