Balancing Sky and subject exposure

3 years 6 months ago #700155 by Khelm
Recommendations for balancing exposure.  This particular day was over cast.  I normally like overcast when focusing on black and white photography because the overcast sky becomes good contrast and negative space.  however, I am trying to figure out the best way to properly expose images when I don't want the high contrast B&W photos.  Thanks for your suggestions and tips.  See photo below.




Attachments:
,
3 years 6 months ago #700687 by Esseff
Following. Could do with some tips here myself.


,
3 years 6 months ago #700714 by Nikon Shooter
Balancing exposures not the solution here.

This shot needs a horizon tweak and is overexposed some.
Try dialling in an EV of say -0.7 to start with. In any case,
your histogram is your best friend prior to SR.

Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
,
3 years 6 months ago #700731 by Khelm
Thanks for the suggestion NS.

I didn't concern myself with the horizon since I was trying to focus on the sky/subject.  Also, I didn't edit in Post since I am not using this image for any reason other to ask this question.  Even so, I should be more aware when taking the photo.

I recently got a Fuji XT3 and have a histogram on screen.   I am still a bit overwhelmed by the different functions, options, etc, etc.  Part of slowing down when taking photos I guess.

Thanks again


,
3 years 6 months ago #702004 by Ozzie_Traveller
G'day mate

Back in film days, the instructions in the box often had a small sketch of the camera pointing downwards -maybe 20degrees- to avoid a false reading from a super-bright sky. It is a pattern for exposure that I more-or-less follow today as well

My Panny system is preset for 2 things ... i) a smallish focus point size (it is about the size of the opening square in the rear sculpture), and ii) metering (centre-weighted, occupying a circle about 1/2- the width of your pic above

If I were shooting the above scene, it would be metered from the wiggley tree trunk & its green leaves, and either a half-press of the shutter button -or- a press of the AEL lock button, before moving the camera up-down-left-right for compositional purposes

Then in pp if needed, I would select the sky and darken it a bit (again if needed)

Hope this helps
Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/

Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/

,
3 years 6 months ago #702060 by Khelm
Is it better to expose for the brighter areas and then adjust the darker areas in Post? 

I guess I want / am trying to do as much in camera.  

You're recommending metering then recomposing?


,
3 years 6 months ago #702150 by Nikon Shooter
I teach to protect the whites at all costs and the safest
way to do it is using your best friend: the histogram.

Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
,
3 years 6 months ago #702153 by Ozzie_Traveller
G'day khelm

to follow my post above - yes
to follow NS's post above -yes also

a) go to your camera menu setup options and switch 'on' the Histogram option. This will show you a generalised sort of image inside your photo that indicates its overall exposure state. If you have an EVF you will see it -before- you take the photo, if you use a traditional SLR with OVF it will show on the LCD screen -after- you take the photo

b) from film days, the old saying was (and NS implies it is still the same today) "expose for the bright-bits and leave the shadows to look after themselves". While this will not always work (ie- no rule is universal) it does respect the scene overall (look at NS's image of the wine-coloured leaves from several days ago)

c) there will be some scenes where you -want- the skies to dominate - so you expose for them. Also there will be other scenes where you have something else that is the most important - so you expose for that item

Composition is another matter - and here you align the camera / lens to concentrate the viewer's attention onto the main subject - as per usual

Hope this helps
Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/

Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/

,
3 years 6 months ago #702160 by Nikon Shooter
Phil's replies drive me crazy.
  1. they are so well constructed that I am ashamed to have to use a translator
  2. waaaay longer than mine, it is obvious that he is a far better typer than I am
… one day, though, one day… :P

Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
,
3 years 6 months ago #702176 by Khelm
Thanks Ozzie and NS I appreciate all the posts and tips!


,
3 years 6 months ago - 3 years 6 months ago #702273 by Ozzie_Traveller

Nikon Shooter wrote: Phil's replies drive me crazy.

  1. they are so well constructed that I am ashamed to have to use a translator
  2. waaaay longer than mine, it is obvious that he is a far better typer than I am
… one day, though, one day… :P



Ah mate .... but you're far better looking  :)
Phil

Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/

,

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Latest Reviews

The Olympus Pen E-P7 is an affordable micro four thirds mirrorless camera with 4K video capabilities, a 20.3MP sensor, and 121 focus points, making it a solid entry-level camera for beginners.

May 13, 2024

The Panasonic G9 II is a 25.2-megapixel micro four thirds camera with numerous features that make it punch out of its weight class, like 779 AF points, 5.8K video, and weather sealing.

May 10, 2024

The Fujifilm XT5 is a 40MP mirrorless camera capable of 6.2K video at 30p. With those specs, it’s an ideal choice for photographers needing a camera to pull double duty for imaging and video.

Apr 25, 2024

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024
Get 600+ Pro photo lessons for $1

Latest Articles

Auto white balance is a camera setting that adjusts the color temperature of your images automatically. It often works well, but you should know a few tips to fix problems it might cause, too.

May 24, 2024

The Canon EOS 5D Mark III might be more than a decade old, but it still has the chops to be a quality camera for photographers in 2024.

May 23, 2024

Starting a photography business can be a daunting task. There is a lot to do, and many mistakes can be made. This guide helps you minimize mistakes and maximize your success!

May 21, 2024

The Canon 6D Mark II might be an older DSLR, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a good option for 2024. In fact, this budget-friendly camera is a powerhouse for stills and videos.

May 21, 2024

In this guide to the bokeh effect, you’ll learn what bokeh is and the factors involved in creating it. You’ll also explore some beautiful example images to spark your creativity with bokeh!

May 16, 2024

Upgrade your kit in 2024 with the best intermediate camera on the market! The question is, what camera fits the bill? We’ve got three top options for you to choose from in this buyer’s guide.

May 15, 2024

The best photography jobs right now are a mix of tried-and-true gigs like wedding photography and new jobs highlighting AI’s capabilities, travel, and videography.

May 15, 2024

The Olympus Pen E-P7 is an affordable micro four thirds mirrorless camera with 4K video capabilities, a 20.3MP sensor, and 121 focus points, making it a solid entry-level camera for beginners.

May 13, 2024