blown highlights

[carlyfan]

Hi!
Here is a photo of my cousin that I took a while back. She was playing in a sprinkler and I love her expression, so I really want to try to save this picture. I made it B&W so the person in the back was less distracting. (she had a bright green shirt and orange water bottle) But do the blown highlights really kill it? I'm guessing there's not much I could do in PP because it's so blown out in so many places. I really wish I had been shooting in RAW, but I wasn't. I do try not to shoot in direct sun, but in this case, I could either get this shot or none at all.



EXIF
Camera Brand: Canon
Camera Model: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XT
Date Taken: 2010:06:20 14:46:53
Exposure Time: 1/250 sec.
Aperture Value: 4.34 EV (f/4.5)
ISO Speed Rating: 200
Flash Fired: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode.
Metering Mode: Pattern
Exposure Program: Normal program
Focal Length: 50.0 mm

Thanks!
Lisa

[MrJones]

don't be afraid of blown out areas in your photos. i know many photographers will tell you to "stay between the lines" but I actually like blown out areas where it actually works.
the main attraction in this photo is her expression which turned out great.
the actual problem is the guy in the background which is annoyingly in the way but what can you do...

[autofocus]

Hey, what you are doing here is capturing a candid moment in time which can be priceless..you already know it's not perfect, but it's better than losing the moment. You certainly cannot setup every shot you take, and you'll always wind up with some shots like this..and they can be special keepers for you.

[edbayani]

rather have a blown highlight than miss the moment.

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by autofocus

Hey, what you are doing here is capturing a candid moment in time which can be priceless..you already know it's not perfect, but it's better than losing the moment. You certainly cannot setup every shot you take, and you'll always wind up with some shots like this..and they can be special keepers for you.

Originally Posted by edbayani

rather have a blown highlight than miss the moment.

In total agreement. Not every photo has to be "perfect". I have loads of photos of my kids that are blown out, a little OOF, whatever....and I love them.

[carlyfan]

Thanks so much you guys!