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Metering Green Heron


debbie_ferrell_smith

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I have had several opportunities to photograph a Green Heron. Most are are in morning hours or late evening on sunny days. With matrix metering my slides show no detail on the face, almost washed out and the colors on the body of the birds are much less brillant than what I am actually seeing. I believe they are over exposed, so I have tried spot metering the birds body. These show more detail, but the background goes black and the light brown area around the bill is still brilliantly light. How does everyone else get correct exposure on these little guys?

 

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Thanks

Debbie

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As you've noticed, these little guys are quite contrasty when lit by the sun at low angles. This isn't a problem unique to green herons, golden eagles, for instance, have nearly bare skin at the base of the bill which is very reflective.

 

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You could try bracketing in this light, using your spot meter, then pick the exposure which seems like the best compromise between taming the brilliant reflection around the face with the photon-sucking darker green back.

 

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Another possibility is to shoot them on an overcast day. I think that light's very flattering for this species, and for the marshes in which they live.

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As Don said, pick your light better. Shade or overcast is perfect for most birds.

 

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For metering, I have found that the bird's back is a bit darker than a mid-tone, so, if you are spot metering, take that reading and close your aperture about 1/2 stop. This will not correct for bright sunlight, just get you close to the right exposure. If you are using matrix or other full-frame metering, it is important that the bird and the background be in similar light to avoid the excessive darkening you describe.

 

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Regards,

 

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Frank

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Try Fuji Astia or another film that is noted for lower contrast results. Then bracket a bit to see how it works best for you. If you can shoot when the birds are lit by high overcast the sky will act as a giant reflector & help cut contrast. Or, try fill flash & shoot from the side rather with the sun behind you.

Good luck

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