Need Tips for Bright Sun Shooting

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

06/18/2005 01:58:59 PM · #1

I am going to the big Father's Day car show at the zoo tomorrow, and if the heat and lugging my equipment don't kill me, I hope to have some great shots!

The biggest challenge here, though, is the darned bright sunshine (it's never cloudy and cool here unless there's a tornado coming!). Too far to use fill flash, so what are my options? Cars will be in bright sun, and some in a combo of sun and shade - any tips to offer besides a polarizer? How about the hood (I don't normally use it - I can hear the gasps out there LOL)

And Happy Father's Day to all you Dads out there!

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

06/18/2005 02:03:09 PM · #2

A hood would probably be helpful and possibly a graduated ND filter.

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

06/18/2005 02:04:50 PM · #3

Originally posted by cpanaioti:

A hood would probably be helpful and possibly a graduated ND filter.

Circular polarizer would help too.

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

06/18/2005 02:05:56 PM · #4

Originally posted by faidoi:

Originally posted by cpanaioti:
A hood would probably be helpful and possibly a graduated ND filter.

Circular polarizer would help too.

... he said besides a polarizer..... ;oP

PaulMdx

Canon EOS-1D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM

06/18/2005 02:07:36 PM · #5

Bear in mind a circ pol won't make the pics a great deal darker, because the camera will take that into consideration when metering (making the shutter longer to compensate). Try setting negative Ev compensation (-1/3 or maybe even -2/3) and use Info in review mode to check what areas are over exposed.

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

06/18/2005 02:11:59 PM · #6

Originally posted by cpanaioti:

Originally posted by faidoi:

Originally posted by cpanaioti:
A hood would probably be helpful and possibly a graduated ND filter.

Circular polarizer would help too.

... he said besides a polarizer..... ;oP

she said...:P

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

06/18/2005 02:15:33 PM · #7

Originally posted by faidoi:

Originally posted by cpanaioti:

Originally posted by faidoi:

Originally posted by cpanaioti:
A hood would probably be helpful and possibly a graduated ND filter.

Circular polarizer would help too.

... he said besides a polarizer..... ;oP

she said...:P

touchÃ©

06/18/2005 02:25:31 PM · #8

You guys are too funny LOL

Ok, CP and hood. Don't have a ND yet. I had ordered a Canon 17-85 IS lends, but as luck (bad luck) would have it, it's on backorder until July 22! So I will use my 24-70 2.8L with a monopod.

I have been using Ev compensation (I shoot something every day), but don't know the real effects until I get home, and I end up taking far too many shots. My A2 shows the effects in the viewfinder before I take the shot. But I'll be using my 20D most of the time tomorrow. Is each notch considered 1/3? The review does not help much since I shoot w/o my glasses - but then cannot see the LCD screen to review!!

Message edited by author 2005-06-18 14:26:09.

06/18/2005 02:27:56 PM · #9

Is there a bracket mode? Lot's of shots but a potential to get a good one or able at least to combine multi-images in post-production.

06/18/2005 02:30:21 PM · #10

If you shoot lot's of landscapes look into a graduated ND, sometimes it's just the sky or 1 element you want to block with the ND.

moodville

Nikon D100

06/18/2005 02:56:37 PM · #11

They usually put the cars in the shade with a lot of them by the Gazebo Grill and up near the jungle entrance. You'll find the bigger problem is getting shots of the cars without people either in the shot or reflected in the very polished surfaces of the cars. It will also probably be better if you get there early as the sun is lower and the crowds are less. Just make sure you're aware of where the sun is hitting the car and try and avoid either shooting that section or adjusting the exposure for it.

06/18/2005 03:05:32 PM · #12

Originally posted by moodville:

Hey moodville - I see you're in Kansas - guess you're in Wichita or close to it? My husband has his 32 Deuce Coupe in the show so we will be there at 7:30 am. That is when I plan to get my car shots and do the animals later :)

I did his car and my son's 53 Chevy truck with my A2 a couple of months ago and they came out remarkably well, so I plan to use both cameras. I'll get something good tomorrow!

moodville

Nikon D100

06/18/2005 03:23:13 PM · #13

Originally posted by papagei:

Originally posted by moodville:
They usually put the cars in the shade with a lot of them by the Gazebo Grill and up near the jungle entrance. You'll find the bigger problem is getting shots of the cars without people either in the shot or reflected in the very polished surfaces of the cars. It will also probably be better if you get there early as the sun is lower and the crowds are less. Just make sure you're aware of where the sun is hitting the car and try and avoid either shooting that section or adjusting the exposure for it.

Hey moodville - I see you're in Kansas - guess you're in Wichita or close to it? My husband has his 32 Deuce Coupe in the show so we will be there at 7:30 am. That is when I plan to get my car shots and do the animals later :)

I did his car and my son's 53 Chevy truck with my A2 a couple of months ago and they came out remarkably well, so I plan to use both cameras. I'll get something good tomorrow!

Yup, I'm in Wichita. If you're going to be shooting at around 7:30-8 then you should have a perfect opportunity with none of the public there. I'll be sure to look out for your husband's car. And make sure you go in and say hi to Marbles!