This high-key shot would not have worked with any auto-exposure mode, as the background was changing too fast to make any adjustments. Just moments before, I shot the same bird against dark trees and foliage and the exposure was the same. I didn't do anything to this image in PS other than a very minor crop and added the copyright sig. On this particular day, I didn't use any metering at all, just went with "sunny 16", which gives me a starting point of 1/1600th at f/5.6 (shooting wide open with the 400mm/5.6). From that base, I know that I have to adjust at least a stop in each direction for white or dark birds. In this case I ended up with 1/3200@f/5.6. I also used fill flash (580EX II w/beamer) to help with the underside.
Note that there has been no sharpening applied, so the image is a little soft. Only intended to show the exposure results.
50D, EF400mm/5.6
Manual mode, f/5.6@1/3200, ISO 400 AWB
AI Servo autofocus using back button, HH, 580EX II manual mode at 1/4 power w/BB
HI Kerry - on the right track with the exposure - certainly helps with a changing BG.
You mentioned its a little soft - Agree - also you must have been using HSS flash mode? You loose the ability to freeze motion in HSS due to the constant flash of light for the exposure time - this could also be some of the softness you are talking about.
Hi Kerry,
I like the captured flight angle with the raised wings and semi-banking turn...agree with Mr. Peters' assessment...I would also open up the eye and selective sharpen it...:cool:
Hi Kerry Perfect set up for manual metering !! With the bird in the same light it stays constant !!! ... btw with the shutter speed and the flash setting I'm sure it had no effect on the exposure !!
Hi Al, I'm sure you are absolutely right about the flash! Not much chance for it to do anything here and the lack of catch light in the eye is a good clue. Still working on how to use the flash most effectively...
Assignment - Manual mode
