Pelican

PDRJohn

Going true my computer to update to windows 7, and came across this guy. Though I'd share, maybe get tips for shooting white birds in bright sun.

Canon 50D
f/5.6
1/2000
ISO-250
Cropped

IMG_0305 crop.jpg

PGM

I shoot a lot of egrets in the spring, have my camera set to evaluative metering, then decrease the exposure by half a stop or so, and then check my camera's histogram to make sure the highlights are captured--i.e. the histogram drops to 0 before reaching the right edge (and the left one too). If I just use the camera's evaluative meter reading and don't make any adjustments to exposure, my white egrets come out too white, just like your pelican did. And though it is not always possible, I try to shoot mainly in the early to mid morning and later in the afternoons, especially on those bright beautiful sunny days. I am not a pro, and one book I have really learned from is "National Audubon Society Guide to Nature Photography, Ditigal Edition," by Tim Fitzharris. Best, Pam

Harryb

Trying to capture white birds in bright light can be very challenging. I normally use matrix metering and aperture priority when I'm shooting.

Matrix metering will estimate what you are shooting and then apply the appropraie exposure to its estimate. White subjects will often "fool" the camera's metering system. To correct this you need to make exposure adjustments. With Nikon cameras you would adjust the ev settings to a negative value. I will usually use at least a negative adjustment of at least a third of a stop. There have been times I have to adjust as mush as a stop and a third.

Before I start going for keepers I will take a couple of "test" captures and review the histogram and "blinkies". On cloudy or overcast days you have to stay conscious of changes in lighting as the sun goe into and out of the clouds. Also you want to consider the possibilites in a scene. If you have a white subject against a darker BG how will your exposure settings chnage if it suddenly takes off and isn't against the darker BG anymore?

As you gain experience you will be able to make these adjustments almost automatically.

PDRJohn

Thank you both. I will keep practicing.

PGM

PDRJohn wrote: »

Thank you both. I will keep practicing.

Me too!

korandoke

a difficult bird to correctly exposed with Zen oily feathers.

Best regards,
Korandoke