When using color slide film, most
folks advise you to "expose for the highlights" (to
prevent overexposing them). I am just about the only
one who teaches folks to "expose for the blacks (or
darks) when the details in the blacks (or darks) are
vitally important to the image and the white (or
highlight)areas are small and the lack of detail there
will not impact the image significantly.
In general, I add 1/3 stop of light to the exposure
suggested by Canon's Evaluative Meter when the sun is
shining at full strength and the subject is a bit darker
than the background. Here, I have added another 1/3
stop because the bird's face, which is vitally important
to the success of the image, is very dark. (If the sun
were not out, I would need +1 or more of exposure
compensation...)
Those
interested in learning my system of determining and
setting exposures quickly and easily by using
evaluative metering with exposure compensation are
invited to order a signed copy of my book, "The Art of
Bird Photography" off of my web site.. I consider
this method faster and easier to use than using
manually set exposures (with or without the use of an
incident meter). Our laminated pocket guide to
Evaluative Metering that will be available soon. This
guide will feature 60 full color images along with
suggested exposure compensations for each.
Burrowing
Owls are guaranteed on the 5-day SW FLA IPT,
possible (if time and local
conditions permit) on the 3-day IPTs.
Canon
600mm f/L IS lens, EOS 1v body.
Evaluative
Metering +1/3 stop for soft light.
