Australia Day (eve) 2008

[Merkyone]

A few shots here from Australia Day eve. I don't think I nailed these, so I am keen to hear your comments.




How can you take decent photos in these light conditions? The sky was bright, with the foreground/subjects in shadow. The sky looks overexposed but I'm at a loss as to how to avoid this, without requesting they move the stage to a different location!




As above. Maybe a faster shutter speed?




Does the angle work? (it had better, there is no way I can take it from directly in front). I'm new to photography at night, I'd appreciate any tips you could offer.




Does this work? Have I got the exposure right?


Thanks again,

Adam

[gstark]

How can you take decent photos in these light conditions? The sky was bright, with the foreground/subjects in shadow. The sky looks overexposed but I'm at a loss as to how to avoid this, without requesting they move the stage to a different location!

Adam,

It depends.

First of all, you need to understand that sometimes the conditions will work against you, and you then need to make a decision as to what are the important elements in the image and expose accordingly. If that means that the sky will be blown, then you have to learn to accept that and move on.

That said, there is much that can be done to mitigate against uncomfortable shooting conditions. In this first image, it seems that you are fairly close to the subjects. In this case, the use of fill flash techniques will do much to help you get an image that I suspect will be more to your liking.

For this image, I would be taking an exposure reading based upon the ambient conditions, and setting my camera accordingly. Without any further intervention, that would lead to significant underexposure of your subjects. This is where your on-camera flash comes into play. Pop it up, turn it on. Maybe dial it down a half stop or so. Maybe not.

Experiment with this technique and your gear, and see what works for you.

The technique is simple, and it works. In many and varied situations.

Cheers.

[Merkyone]

Maybe I just need some more experience to know when to pack it up and leave or accept that my photos will be of sub-optimal.

Thanks Gary, for some reason I didn't think of that. I might need a bigger flash though, I think I captured that from around 20 metres away. Funny how you never think of these things in the heat of the moment!

[gstark]

I might need a bigger flash though, I think I captured that from around 20 metres away.

From 20 metres, yes, probably.

Funny how you never think of these things in the heat of the moment!

Ahhh ... but I do.

That's where a couple of hundred years of experience comes into play. You learn to recognise difficult conditions, and can adjust your technique to suit.

[Merkyone]

I really appreciate your comments Gary, I really enjoy photography and want to learn all the ins and outs!

[zafra52]

Very interesting! What I would like to know is where would you like to nail the poor fellows?

I prefer the landscapes; the guys are too ugly. The first landscape is sensational and I love the colours.

[gstark]

I really enjoy photography and want to learn all the ins and outs!

Same here.

I still have heaps to learn, and that's a good thing. It means I'm still alive. Many have asked.

where would you like to nail the poor fellows?

What a pertinent question: it's only a few days till Easter, and I just happened to be at the Cross last night.