Is This Shot Possible? - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

01/22/2007 02:25:09 PM · #1

This hawk has been in my neighborhood and each time I get a shot at it it's always backlit.Short of a major flash unit or getting between it and the sun is there any hope of getting a good shot?

p.s. This is not the subject of a challenge.

Bruce

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

01/22/2007 02:26:41 PM · #2

Use spot metering on the bird. The sky will blow out but since you want the bird properly exposed that's ok.

If you can't meter on just the bird then use exposure compensation to make the bird come out right.

scarbrd

Leica M10

Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux M Aspherical MF - Black

01/22/2007 02:27:17 PM · #3

Switch to manual exposure and overexpose +2 stops to compensate for the white sky. You can also bracket several exposures.

Or if you want to stay in Program or Automatic, you can use the exposure compensation setting in the camera.

tryals15

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

Carl Zeiss Planar T 50mm f/1.7

01/22/2007 02:27:35 PM · #4

Slow your shutter speed down... Either with spot metering or manual controls...

renefunk

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

01/22/2007 02:28:30 PM · #5

Originally posted by tryals15:

Slow your shutter speed down... Either with spot metering or manual controls...

absolutly

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

01/22/2007 02:30:28 PM · #6

Had it on spot meter and was in the process of exp bracketing when a "helpful" motorist stopped and put down their window to tell me there was a hawk up there.The bird lost it's patience after that.

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

01/22/2007 02:31:41 PM · #7

Originally posted by Blind_squirrel:

Had it on spot meter and was in the process of exp bracketing when a "helpful" motorist stopped and put down their window to tell me there was a hawk up there.The bird lost it's patience after that.

But did the spot (bird) fill the frame? If not, the bright sky will still influence the exposure.

Message edited by author 2007-01-22 14:33:22.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

01/22/2007 02:33:41 PM · #8

I was in ap priority aiming at the point where the bird meets the tree.

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

01/22/2007 02:33:45 PM · #9

Originally posted by Blind_squirrel:

Shoot the motorist!

Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO M.Zuiko

01/22/2007 02:34:59 PM · #10

Now there' a thought!

Brad

Olympus OM-D E-M1

01/22/2007 02:40:27 PM · #11

One of two ways:

Manual exposure mode, meter the ground or foliage below where there is no bright sky, set the camera to that, point back up and shoot away.
or
Aperature or Shutter priority mode of your choice, again meter the ground or foliage below where there is no bright sky, lock the exposure with your thumb, aim back up and click away.

It's how I always do wild birds and works well.

Message edited by author 2007-01-22 14:42:40.