Rock salt

[FlyingKiwiGirl]

I was doing my Project365 photo for today and picked my salt & pepper mini kava dishes to focus on. I took these on my island bench top just on dusk, the lights were on and there was a bit of ambient light coming in through the skylights above. I did not want to use my in camera flash. How could I have taken this shot to expose the rock salt better. the first one is spot metered off the bowl edge but still no luck. I was also on aperture priority.


Exif data
Camera Sony DSLR-A350
Exposure 0.05 sec (1/20)
Aperture f/6.3
Focal Length 150 mm
ISO Speed 800
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire

I wanted the salt to look like this( I think this metered off the salt, it was shot immediately after the above one)-

Exif data
Camera Sony DSLR-A350
Exposure 0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture f/6.3
Focal Length 150 mm
ISO Speed 800
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire


In the end, after trying various settings and uploading 40 plus shots, it was dark so I resorted to using the flash and this is what I got, not bright but a little of the salt showing.

Exif data
Camera Sony DSLR-A350
Exposure 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture f/8.0
Focal Length 160 mm
ISO Speed 800
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash On, Fired


I'm keen to learn so any suggestions or opinions appreciated, thanks. And because the equipment I have is the equipment I have, can I achieve what I'm wanting with just that.

[OsmosisStudios]

spot meter off the salt and use exposure compensation to get it white, but not blown out. Alternatively, use manual mode and take a series of shots bracketed to give you different exposures.

[FlyingKiwiGirl]

Thanks OsmosisStudios, that's a great help, I'll be trying it next chance I get.