How to correctly expose birds

These values are based on the sunny 16 rule, shooting in M mode. This is 1 hour after sunrise and 1 hour before sunset.

To photograph brilliant white birds: Stop down 1 full stop.
(from the correct sunny 16 rule exposure)

For lighter than middle toned birds: Stop down 1/2 stop.
(from the correct sunny 16 rule exposure)

To photograph dark birds: Open up 1/3 to 1/2 stop.
(from the correct sunny 16 rule exposure)

To photograph black birds: Open up 1/2 to 1 full stop.
(from the correct sunny 16 rule exposure)

These are rules of thumb, so some practice will be needed. Shoot AV or M mode to ensure better control and it's a necessity to compensate based on the bird's plumage. Multi-toned birds such as Mallards are tougher to expose correctly.

NOTE: this is not exposure compensation (EV value change). You are actually changing the aperture and shutter speeds to over or under expose the subject.

Regards,
Marc

[Jimbo]

Thanks Marc. JIM

[dadipentak]

Is there an advantage to using aperture r/t EV compensation?

[Marc Langille]

Mainly for depth of field and ensure the background is out of focus. Better to shoot a clean background if possible. Less things to clutter the shot is best.

Let me know if that answers your question?

[dadipentak]

I understand using aperture to control dof but I can easily imagine situations where dof and exposure considerations might conflict so I'd be more inclined to control exposure via shutter speed (or, if reducing exposure, by going to a lower ISO.) What's the downside to that approach?

[Marc Langille]

Originally Posted by dadipentak

I understand using aperture to control dof but I can easily imagine situations where dof and exposure considerations might conflict so I'd be more inclined to control exposure via shutter speed (or, if reducing exposure, by going to a lower ISO.) What's the downside to that approach?

I don't think there is any issue with your suggestion. Controlling exposure by shutter is only an issue if it might get too low for the conditions or subject you are shooting. Other than that, it's difficult to hit 1/4000 sec. with a moderate aperture setting in bright daylight (at lowest ISO settings and it's pure white).

[dadipentak]

Ok, the bottom line is to under-expose bright white birds but how you get there may depend on a variety of considerations. The guide you provided will be useful, I think. Thanks!

[SpecialK]

"NOTE: this is not exposure compensation (EV value change). You are actually changing the aperture and shutter speeds to over or under expose the subject."


What is the difference?

[Marc Langille]

Normally EV comp is engaged/adjusted simply pressing the +/- button on the back. Note that you are normally adjusting the shutter speed when you modify the EV value, not the aperture.

Manual is directly changing the shutter speed or aperture yourself. I am simply clarifying which method is used to achieve the F stop adjustment. Thus it's a combination of shutter speed and aperture modifications, not just shutter speed.

I've tried EV comp only and had mixed results sometimes. Need to look at that a bit more....

Regards,
Marc

[tuco]

The Sunny 16 rule is a function of the time of year too for cameras with less latitude than others. One of the several cameras I shoot has no light meter built into it at all. So I'm using the S-16 rule all the time.

My experience in low winter sun (Northern hemisphere) is to adjust one-stop. In other words, make it the Sunny 11 rule. But then again, I'm near Latitude 48°N
.

[colesf]

This would be the perfect situation for either using an incident meter or just taking a spot reading of something close to gray, like grass or pavement. Having to use compensation seems like too much of a workaround, especially if overall lighting conditions are not rapidly changing.

[Ash]

Good guide Marc.

Unless already mentioned, a small point sometimes neglected if trying to shoot in an auto mode (Av/Tv/P etc.): spot metering mode should be used in most cases with focus point at the bird being captured. And the above rules can be applied with reasonable accuracy in getting good exposure.