Exposure problems-Please help?

[photomom2008]

Over the weekend I went to a fishing tournament trying to photograph some pictures. It was a very sunny day and I just could not get the exposue right, either the picture looked really bright and over exposed water and really dark people or the picture itself looked dark and hazy. I am posting a link to my Picasa sight and the other pictures are under the Exposure trouble file If anyone would mind looking at them and give me suggestions on what I could have done or what I did wrong. I would appreciate it very much!

From Exposure Trouble

Model: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XSi
ISO: 400
Exposure: 1/160 sec
Aperture: 25.0
Focal Length: 300mm
Flash Used: No

[archersdad]

Were you using a polarizing filter? If not, it would help.

[Digidave]

Originally Posted by archersdad

Were you using a polarizing filter? If not, it would help.

This is a good example of when a Circular Polarizing filter would be very handy. These shots have a high dynamic range & a CP filter, when used properly, would help equalize that. The metering mode you use on your camera would make a difference also. I own a Nikon, so your terminology may be different for a Canon. I would switch the metering mode to "Spot Metering" & use a CP filter. This way your camera would meter for the subject (boat & people) so they would be properly exposed. The CP filter would calm down the over exposure of the water a bit but may not be enough. It really depends on exactly how bright of a day it is & the angle that the sun is at. When using a CP filter, the sun should be 90 degrees from the angle of your shot (at your right or left shoulder). That is when it works it's best. It will work to some degree at different angles, but not quite as well.

Hope this helps a little bit.

[photomom2008]

Originally Posted by archersdad

Were you using a polarizing filter? If not, it would help.

Originally Posted by Digidave

This is a good example of when a Circular Polarizing filter would be very handy. These shots have a high dynamic range & a CP filter, when used properly, would help equalize that. The metering mode you use on your camera would make a difference also. I own a Nikon, so your terminology may be different for a Canon. I would switch the metering mode to "Spot Metering" & use a CP filter. This way your camera would meter for the subject (boat & people) so they would be properly exposed. The CP filter would calm down the over exposure of the water a bit but may not be enough. It really depends on exactly how bright of a day it is & the angle that the sun is at. When using a CP filter, the sun should be 90 degrees from the angle of your shot (at your right or left shoulder). That is when it works it's best. It will work to some degree at different angles, but not quite as well.
Hope this helps a little bit.

I did not use a polarized filter. I have one that is a "Massa" brand but it doesn't seem to work on my 100-300mm lens, actually when I have used it it does not seem to make a difference much at all. Someone told me that it was not a very good brand. Are there different types of polarized filters that would make a difference or is there something that I need to do different to make the auto focus work with my lens? Thank you both for your response and suggestion on the polarized filter. Which filter do either of you use? I am just learning so I am not really familiar with the filters. Any help is appreciated. Thanks again.
Digidave thank you for the suggestion on spot metering. I will give that a try also.

[archersdad]

I try to save money whenever I can but the glass Massa uses is not very good and I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole. I have seen quite a few reviews that commented on how much they soften the focus when used. Also, make sure it is a circular polarizer and not linear.

[photomom2008]

Originally Posted by archersdad

I try to save money whenever I can but the glass Massa uses is not very good and I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole. I have seen quite a few reviews that commented on how much they soften the focus when used. Also, make sure it is a circular polarizer and not linear.

Thank you. I did by the filter cheap, wasn't sure what kind to buy or anything about them at all. I definately will read product reviews from now on. It did seem that when I put it on the 100-300 lens, it wouldn't focus. You could here it and see it trying but it would never work. Thanks again for the help! I appreciate it.

[candleman]

your problem isnt filters its your metering.

which metering mode were you using?

this is a high contrast situation, so its almost impossible to expose for both the reflaction on the water AND the dark silouette.

[photomom2008]

Originally Posted by candleman

your problem isnt filters its your metering.

which metering mode were you using?

this is a high contrast situation, so its almost impossible to expose for both the reflaction on the water AND the dark silouette.

I had it set on Evaluate Metering.

[autofocus]

Candleman is right. This is a very tricky exposure situation. Like snow shots and beach shots you have very, very bright reflected light which will fool your meter every time, and make your subject be under exposed. What you normally want to do in these situations is bump up your exposure (EV) by a stop or two. Unfortunately, in doing that you would have totally lost any detail in the water. Spot metering off the fishermen probably would have been your best hope to get it right

[fletch]

Originally Posted by candleman

this is a high contrast situation, so its almost impossible to expose for both the reflaction on the water AND the dark silouette.

Bingo.

You will never be able to get this shot exposed as you want it due to the light. Could you find another vantage point where the sun is at your back. This would even out the light and make it possible to have the water and the people within the same exposure range.