To be honest, I'm not 100% sure if image is a Nazca (formerly Masked) Booby or Blue-footed. It was captured in the Galapagos Islands on Artie's latest trip. Camera: Canon 5D, ISO 400, Lens: 500mm F/4.0 with 1.4 converter, Exposure 1/2500 F/8 with -1/3 comp. Time 11:48 a.m.
I think you nailed the exposure. Whites show detail up and down the image.
In Artie's Digital Basics he shows a sample histogram of a white Swan against a MT BG in early morning light, his EV was - 1/3. White against Middle,..the -1/3 seems to be a nice reference point.
Nice exposure and beautiful image to produce such texture in a white subject this large in the frame against a MT BG,.. you are on the right track young Jedi,.. great eye as well.
Last edited by Jeff Cashdollar; 08-09-2009 at 12:03 PM.
Hi Dean, I agree with Jeff. The techs look great. It's a great exposure in mid-day lighting. Very nice image, and I think it could be even lighter if you wished. The whites have so much detail. Nice job!
Thanks Jeff/Ron for the reassurance. In the myriad choices of PS menus, I start doubting if I'm really making progress or not. Truth is, I struggled with those whites. Although the original capture had no blinkies, bringing detail to that broad white belly (who are we talking about here?) took a targeted combo of curves, exposure reduction and selective color adjustments. Is there a better/easier way to tone down wild whites?
Nice job "no blinkies" going forward use the sunny 16 (22) rule as a reference point as as well, if it is sunny and like or same time of day.
There is some good info in the education forum addressing whites and tonality. Linear burn comes to mind, but browse the forum and tell me what you find and we will go from there - nice work on a difficult subject.
looks great to me, dean!! only thing i wish for is a little less room on the left and a little more on the right. bird looks too centered. give it some room to look into. fine job with the exposure. i might evict that little green patch in the lower left.
Hi Dean Love the image Was thinking the same thing as Harold Bird is centered ... the little crop will help !! One fine image Really nice at any time of day !!!
Regarding the whites try taming with selective color, make a layer and multiply Works like a charm !! Lots of times there are no blinkies but whites have no detail, showed Artie that a while back and that is what he uses.
Thanks, all, especially for the "add layer and multiply" advice on whites, Alfred. Even after only two postings, I've learned a significant couple of lessons on whites and subject placement.
Nazca Booby Chick
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