Blown out highlights when shooting water moving

[silverbirch]

More good advice, and equipment to buy :-). I think a decent tripod is a must, as the one I have doesn't hold the camera steady enough to change settings without altering the view (it was cheap before I had a DSLR). I looked at the Cokin system after advice about a similar photo but think the tripod is more important, as I like to photograph flowers with extension tubes also.

Perhaps I need to bracket more shots, especially with water.

Will seek out a PS tutorial for layer mask - still very much a beginner with PS.

Thanks for all the advice, much appreciated.

[cyber3d]

I don't think you can do a true HDR image of flowing water. it has to be a non moving subject.

[silverbirch]

Originally Posted by kirbinster

You almost have it, it does not mean focus on the highlight, it means meter on the highlight. Thus, rather than use matrix (evaluative on Canon I think) metering you should spot meter of the bright area. This will prevent the white from being over exposed, but may leave the other area dark - you need to try and then check the histogram. You then might have to add some exposure compensation to get a better exposure. The problem you may have is that your camera (all cameras) only have a certain dynamic range and it might not be possible to capture the full range of light that your eye can see. Thus, your choice as the photographer is to decide which part of the image is more important to accurately capture.

Thanks - have been reading about this and have had a little try ... beginning to get my head around it I think. I get the bit about different metering, now just need to practise it.

I'm aware that most of the shots I'm not quite satisfied with were taken on pretty bright days. Strange - a few months ago I wouldn't have even worried about it :-)

Having a DSLR and Photoshop has made me way more fussy about my images, and about trying to get it right in camera also.

[ErikUngerPhotography]

You have few options.

A) Go at better light. This means when the sun is low or it is an overcast day. This is your best option. There is nothing that can truly replace shooting in the right light.

B) Polarizing filter. This will reduce the glare. That being said, you can still tell if an image is shot midday in bad light.

[silverbirch]

Originally Posted by ErikUngerPhotography

You have few options.

A) Go at better light. This means when the sun is low or it is an overcast day. This is your best option. There is nothing that can truly replace shooting in the right light.

B) Polarizing filter. This will reduce the glare. That being said, you can still tell if an image is shot midday in bad light.

Yes - I've ;earned by trial and error (as well as by reading) when the better times are for better light. Does that make sense - I hope so. Just need to drag myself out of bed for some morning light :-) but I'm sure it will be worth it.

Thanks for your help.