Blown Highlights

[GerryNick2]

Hi All

My passion at the moment is photographing fungi in situ. and try to capture their natural colours for later ID. I use a Canon EOS 30D and EF 24-70mm f2.8 L USM lense for this subject matter. Aperture priority, usually f16 and a slow shutter speed, tripod mounted.

One of the problems I encounter is loss of image data in the highlights. A recent example was of a Fly Agaric, I experienced considerable clipping in the white flecks on the cap which spoilt an otherwise nice shot.

Any tips or advice in avoiding this would be welcomed.

Gerry

[dustyshadow]

Take your images using RAW and that will enable you to correct blown highlights.

[GerryNick2]

Hi Dusty Shadow

I do shoot in RAW and use RAW Essentials Premium for conversion, whilst you can make some minor adjustment to overexposure or clipping in highlights you cannot bring back whats not there in respect of image detail. The question is what do I need to do to avoid the clipping in the first place.

Gerry

[dustyshadow]

Originally Posted by GerryNick2

Hi Dusty Shadow

I do shoot in RAW and use RAW Essentials Premium for conversion, whilst you can make some minor adjustment to overexposure or clipping in highlights you cannot bring back whats not there in respect of image detail.

Gerry

Try underexposing the image in the first place before you take the shot, keep an eye on the histogram to avoid clipping.

You can also try lowering the contrast in in RAW Essentials.

[Alan]

Hi Gerry

Set your exposure compensation to underexpose the shot. With pale fungi start with something like - 1.0 (minus 1.0). Try a shot at that and check your histogram. You want to be aiming at a curve that is not cut off both sides. Referre to your manual about histograms if you don't know what they are. If that's too much at - 0.1, and the image is too dark, re-set it to something like - 0.7 and so on.

Hope this helps

Alan

edit: ^^ what dustyshadow says ^^

[Boddie]

The 30 D illustrates blown highlights on the shooting information graphic on image playback

[carlj]

I always shoot with -0.6 exposure compensation and rein in the highlights, so to speak. That way, I rarely if ever, blow too many highlights. A little lost is no hardship though.

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by Boddie

The 30 D illustrates blown highlights on the shooting information graphic on image playback

yeah blinky highlights is a great tool - i think all canon dslrs have it - great for newbies and occasionally useful for even the hardened pros

[GerryNick2]

Thanks for the advice.

Will give it a a go this weekend.

Gerry

[DaiTheDragon]

Why not use a neutral grey card and set custom white balance.

dai