blown highlights

[Highlander71]

Very nice pic Stu, I love shot of birds taking off or landing! The highlights do stand out but not badly. You could try making 3 conversions from RAW with different exposures (perhaps 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments) and doing an HDR merge?

[momji1971]

thanks for all the help.

I tend to be super critical with my shots. Thats why it seems to stand out so much.

Good idea about the HDR merge though. Got some shots I might try! Took this one down to -2 exposure in ACR though and no information what so ever

My girlfriend will be pleased. Back to Martin Mere to have another go!

kind regards.
Stu.

[momji1971]

A saving grace of the sun is higher shutter speeds at least. One of the better shots from Martin Mere.



regards.
Stu.

[zan]

For my 2ps worth, I think you've got a really nice shot there, and I wouldn't worry too much about the odd blown-out area. Sometimes it can actually add to the 'sparkle' of an image as long as the area is small and relatively unimportant, but that decision will really come down to your own personal taste

As for how to avoid it, you're always goign to have issues if you try and shoot a black and white bird in midday light (my personal bugbear is the male eider duck, and I have found it incredibly difficult to get a good shot!). What I've found works best is if you try and wait for good low-contrast light and shoot then (e.g. on a dull cloudy day, or at dawn \ dusk-ish) when the contrast between the light and dark areas is less, and therefore easier for your camera to cope with. You may need to up the ISO a bit, and you'll still have to adjust your exposure properly, but you should be able to get a better overall picture of the bird than in harsh light. The better you get it in-camera, the less time and effort you need to put in later in pp!

[Highlander71]

I've had some shots of a duck against dark water where I underexposed by 1 or 2 stops which made the water dark but proper exposure on the duck's highlights. Don't have the shots to hand and I seem to remember I got the focus wrong and the eyes were blurred, but the exposure gave a great effect. I guess the thing to do is to use whatever available light there is to get a good shot (not always easy I admit!)

[momji1971]

thanks for the replies.

I'm will give the evening shoot a try (not an early riser and my driver is even worse! (sorry Gill))

As you say its a fine balancing act with exposure. Hopefully now winter's here and the sun is lower in the sky it will help.

thanks again.
Stu.