Hey folks, I'm planning a spotting trip to Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) soon and I'm a bit worried about the overcast weather. It seems like it's always cloudy up there! Any tips on handling those typical gray skies while spotting? I've got a Canon 90D and usually shoot with a 70-200mm lens. I'm thinking of bumping up the ISO, but I don't want to end up with too much noise. Do you guys adjust white balance a lot in post for these conditions? Also, any specific spots around SEA that work better in overcast conditions? I'm keen to get some sharp shots without everything looking too dull. Appreciate any advice you can throw my way!
Spotting at Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) - Handling Overcast Days?
Yeah, Seattle's clouds can be a pain for spotting. I'd say definitely bump up the ISO, but keep it moderate to avoid noise, maybe around 400-800. For the white balance, I usually adjust in post since the auto settings can struggle with gray skies. As for spots, try the parking garage for some elevation, or the Angle Lake Park area. Both work pretty well even when it's gloomy. Also, shooting in RAW gives you more flexibility to tweak those dull shots later. Have fun!
Yeah, Seattle's clouds can be tricky, but they also give a nice diffused light that can make the colors pop if you get it right. I usually start with ISO 400 and see how it goes. You can push it a bit if needed, but noise is always a tradeoff. For white balance, I shoot in RAW and tweak it later. As for spots, the Future of Flight Aviation Center is a good spot. Also, the cell phone lot can work well, especially for arrivals. Good luck!