btrfly 2

[Todd]

second verse same as the first

[Taallyn]

It looks like you tried to backlight this one. However, you've blown the highlights on the flower by exposing for the butterfly. I think I might have tried to use my flash for some fill light. It might have evened out the dynamic range a tad and let you get both the flower and the butterfly better exposed. The sunlight will still have come through the wings if done properly.

[subrataofkris]

I agree with Taallyn, in addition to this, I feel the crop is too tight.

[Todd]

Originally Posted by Taallyn

It looks like you tried to backlight this one. However, you've blown the highlights on the flower by exposing for the butterfly. I think I might have tried to use my flash for some fill light. It might have evened out the dynamic range a tad and let you get both the flower and the butterfly better exposed. The sunlight will still have come through the wings if done properly.

well I guess I will have to find another opp. to try again although they are few and far between I shall try again thanks for the help. Sorry but are you saying (and please forgive me ) I should use the flash when faceing into the sun??????on a shot like this?

[Nicole]

Originally Posted by Todd

well I guess I will have to find another opp. to try again although they are few and far between I shall try again thanks for the help. Sorry but are you saying (and please forgive me ) I should use the flash when faceing into the sun??????on a shot like this?

I'm not sure how it will work on a butterfly in particular, but yes, it will let you light up the subject while still keeping the colours of the background intact. I use the flash in the sunlight quite often, just to even everything out so that things get a better overall exposure.

[Todd]

OK thanks Nicole I will have to try it nxt time

[Taallyn]

Yeah, I had the same reaction the first time I saw someone talking about using flash in sunlit shots too. However, when you think about it it does make sense. As good as the sun's light is, it will still cause problems like sharp, dark shadows on faces that obsure details or extreme dynamic ranges that can blow out highlights and clip shadow details. Flash used in those cases will even out the light. Sun cast shadows won't be as dark, dynamic range between your shadows and highlights will be closer so details don't get blown/clipped it etc. Flash allows you more control over lighting even in broad day light to get what you want. Some flashes are strong enough at close distances to "overpower" the sun.

As an example, look at any behind-the-scenes features on any DVD movie. Notice the huge number of lights, reflectors, diffusers, etc. they use even when the action is outdoors. It is the same with still cameras. You are trying to make an image out of light. Sometimes the available light is enough, some times it needs help. That is where flashes come in ... as well as reflectors and diffusers, but those add whole new wrinkles to things. Bright lights aren't always the best. It can be falling in the wrong places. A flash can help you add light to shadowed areas to bring out hidden details or even out the exposure.

Read your camera manual's flash section. It might have suggestions on how to use it in different situations. I recently got the Nikon SB600 flash. Magic Lantern actually has a book about just the Nikon Speedlight system. So, flash photography is more encompassing than just using it in a poorly lit room. The Stobist website is another resource for lighting/flash photography although generaly more advanced than I need right now.

Photography is a "conversation with light" as I heard a professional photographer put it. A good conversation is two-way. That means sometimes you have to add or subtract light from the scene to get what you want out of it.

[Todd]

Originally Posted by Taallyn

Yeah, I had the same reaction the first time I saw someone talking about using flash in sunlit shots too. However, when you think about it it does make sense. As good as the sun's light is, it will still cause problems like sharp, dark shadows on faces that obsure details or extreme dynamic ranges that can blow out highlights and clip shadow details. Flash used in those cases will even out the light. Sun cast shadows won't be as dark, dynamic range between your shadows and highlights will be closer so details don't get blown/clipped it etc. Flash allows you more control over lighting even in broad day light to get what you want. Some flashes are strong enough at close distances to "overpower" the sun.

As an example, look at any behind-the-scenes features on any DVD movie. Notice the huge number of lights, reflectors, diffusers, etc. they use even when the action is outdoors. It is the same with still cameras. You are trying to make an image out of light. Sometimes the available light is enough, some times it needs help. That is where flashes come in ... as well as reflectors and diffusers, but those add whole new wrinkles to things. Bright lights aren't always the best. It can be falling in the wrong places. A flash can help you add light to shadowed areas to bring out hidden details or even out the exposure.

Read your camera manual's flash section. It might have suggestions on how to use it in different situations. I recently got the Nikon SB600 flash. Magic Lantern actually has a book about just the Nikon Speedlight system. So, flash photography is more encompassing than just using it in a poorly lit room. The Stobist website is another resource for lighting/flash photography although generaly more advanced than I need right now.

Photography is a "conversation with light" as I heard a professional photographer put it. A good conversation is two-way. That means sometimes you have to add or subtract light from the scene to get what you want out of it.

Wow thanks that is great advice. Now if I can put it into practice Ill be good to go. Thank you very much!

[Taallyn]

Anytime. I'm reading some good advise here too. Just glad to give some back.