Wildlife and Back Lit / Blah Skies

Chasrich posted a topic thread that got me to thinking, such a dangerous thing! Anyway I decided to add a topic with some comments and ideas on how I approach the subject matter.

There are times that I really like to have a subject back lit .... although I never prefer "Blah" skies to shoot against ... sometimes you just have to make the best of it.

Below are some examples with exif data notes for each image. I shoot wildlife in "Manual" mode almost 100% of the time, because I like to be in control of the settings. I have friends that are very accomplished wildlife photogs that shoot in Aperture Priority ... so there is no right or wrong method. Practice and getting used to light conditions will help you learn what settings to start with.

Couple of rules of thumb that I use ...
Back lit bright sky = Shutter speed up (faster) - ISO down
Blah / Dishwater Skies = Shutter speed down (slower) - ISO up



Great Blue Heron (very back lit)
Exposure Program = Manual
Shutter Speed = 1/800
Aperture = f/5.6
ISO = 500 (too high in my opinion)
Focal Length = 700mm (Canon 500mm lens w/ 1.4 tc)
Metering Mode = Evaluative
Exposure Compensation = None
Flash = None
Tripod Used



Eagle Praying (very back lit)
Exposure Program = Manual
Shutter Speed = 1/320
Aperture = f/5.6
ISO = 320
Focal Length = 700mm (Canon 500mm lens w/ 1.4 tc)
Exposure Compensation = None
Metering Mode = Evaluative Flash = None
Handheld



Juvenile Bald Eagle (blah & back lit)
Exposure Program = Manual
Shutter Speed = 1/1,000
Aperture = f/4
ISO = 1,000
Focal Length = 500mm
Metering Mode = Evaluative
Exposure Compensation = None
Flash = None
Handheld



Tufted Titmouse (blah)
Exposure Program = Manual
Shutter Speed = 1/500
Aperture = f/5.6
ISO = 500
Focal Length = 500mm
Metering Mode = Evaluative
Exposure Compensation = None
Flash = None
Handheld



Sandhill - Deer (blah & sun directly overhead)
Exposure Program = Manual
Shutter Speed = 1/160
Aperture = f/5.6
ISO = 640
Focal Length = 700mm (Canon 500mm lens w/ 1.4 tc)
Metering Mode = Evaluative
Exposure Compensation = None
Flash = Fired
Tripod Used

Thanks Bob... This addresses the problems I faced two days ago. I was so excited about seeing signs of Spring coming I forgot some of these basics. Fantastic shots by the way. Thanks again for this post.

Great post. A shooting lesson in a shoebox. Thanks.

Great photos, and GREAT TIPS !!

Thanks for the tips! By the way.... LOVE the photos!