Recently I posted about how I use Exposure Compensation (EC) to adjust the camera’s exposure for backlit subjects. In a nutshell, when a bird is backlit (up in a tree with the source of light behind it) the camera will reduce the exposure, which makes the subject bird darker. I shared how I use a dial on my camera to increase the EC to overexpose the image, making the bird look properly exposed.
Bajadreamer has a different approach to these situations. He shared this with me:
“I take a lot fewer backlit shots than I used to. I only take them now if the subject is good (a “lifer”, good perch and pose, large in the frame). The reason for me is that no matter what technique I use, the detail is lacking compared to a well lit subject.
When I do shoot a backlit bird, I sometimes use EC. The amount is totally dependent on situation. I find that a well exposed bird is much easier to process later. Always better to process a good exposure than a bad one.
If I have a cooperative perched bird, I also sometimes use Spot Metering without EC. With Canon gear the Spot Metering only measures the reflected light from 2.6% of the frame, so I center the spot on the portion of the bird that I want properly exposed. I let the exposure go where it may. I only use spot metering when I have the camera on a tripod. I want that spot held stationary on the bird; I find that even with modern IS, it is hard for me to hold the spot still on the bird when shooting handheld.”
So here’s another alternative to using EC on backlit subjects. Give it a try and let me know what you think. Thanks, Bajadreamer for sharing your technique with us.
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