Nature Squirrel with Disability

Rupert · 08-05-2010, 09:04 AM

Poor little guy only has one nut.....looks like he lost one down the fence to his left!

I shoot a lot of Squirrels, since I spend a fortune feeding them daily. Here I saw he was partially lit by very bright sunlight, so I moved to Spot metering and centered in the bright area. Would this have been your selection? It almost looks like a flash shot, but wasn't. Any other recommendations appreciated.
Regards!
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Adam · 08-05-2010, 09:23 AM

I think you did a great job here with the exposure, but wouldn't spot metering normally underexpose in this case?

Rupert · 08-05-2010, 09:30 AM

Well, that is what I was thinking afterward....which is when I generally get around to thinking.

I did notice in the EXIF that I had exposure set at +0.3, but that is a small step? I metered on his belly, but it is possible that it picked up the shadows instead? How accurate is the metering on the focus point? Generally I use CW or Spot and mostly have decent results with the K20D.
Regards

Adam · 08-05-2010, 10:08 AM

The +1/3 likely accounts for it in this case, as his fur isn't all that bright. From my experience, spot metering is quite accurate, and I almost always use that setting.

Adam
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jezeks · 08-05-2010, 01:43 PM

nice shot,
I think it was a good decision to measure as you did and with the combination of +1/3 it worked really well. I like very much how the subject stands out against the dark background.
As for the criticism - a little sharper image (the eye especially) would be great and the shadow on the ear is a bit distracting to me.
Nice one.

Rupert · 08-05-2010, 07:00 PM

Originally posted by jezeks

nice shot,
I think it was a good decision to measure as you did and with the combination of +1/3 it worked really well. I like very much how the subject stands out against the dark background.
As for the criticism - a little sharper image (the eye especially) would be great and the shadow on the ear is a bit distracting to me.
Nice one.

Thanks for the comments! I do a lot of Squirrel shooting, and for the most part, there is little time to make good decisions, like those available in a Studio setting.....I guess what I really mean is that a lot of shots require some educated luck.
Yes...the shadow on the ear, it is somewhat distracting, but I did leave the limb in the shot as a "source" object causing the shadow. When I metered on the belly, I left my focus point there also, instead of moving to the eye.....it was a mistake....I make a lot of those! Still, it is fun,and that is always my main motive!
Best Regards!

08-05-2010, 09:04 AM	#1
Rupert Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 25,123	Squirrel with Disability Lens: DA50-135 Camera:* K20D Photo Location: Texas ISO: 200 Shutter Speed: 1/350s Aperture: F4 Poor little guy only has one nut.....looks like he lost one down the fence to his left! I shoot a lot of Squirrels, since I spend a fortune feeding them daily. Here I saw he was partially lit by very bright sunlight, so I moved to Spot metering and centered in the bright area. Would this have been your selection? It almost looks like a flash shot, but wasn't. Any other recommendations appreciated. Regards! [IMG][/IMG]

08-05-2010, 09:23 AM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	I think you did a great job here with the exposure, but wouldn't spot metering normally underexpose in this case? Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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08-05-2010, 09:30 AM	#3
Rupert Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 25,123 Original Poster	Well, that is what I was thinking afterward....which is when I generally get around to thinking. I did notice in the EXIF that I had exposure set at +0.3, but that is a small step? I metered on his belly, but it is possible that it picked up the shadows instead? How accurate is the metering on the focus point? Generally I use CW or Spot and mostly have decent results with the K20D. Regards

08-05-2010, 10:08 AM	#4
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	The +1/3 likely accounts for it in this case, as his fur isn't all that bright. From my experience, spot metering is quite accurate, and I almost always use that setting. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

08-05-2010, 01:43 PM	#5
jezeks Forum Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Prague Photos: Albums Posts: 85	nice shot, I think it was a good decision to measure as you did and with the combination of +1/3 it worked really well. I like very much how the subject stands out against the dark background. As for the criticism - a little sharper image (the eye especially) would be great and the shadow on the ear is a bit distracting to me. Nice one.

08-05-2010, 07:00 PM	#6
Rupert Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 25,123 Original Poster	Originally posted by jezeks nice shot, I think it was a good decision to measure as you did and with the combination of +1/3 it worked really well. I like very much how the subject stands out against the dark background. As for the criticism - a little sharper image (the eye especially) would be great and the shadow on the ear is a bit distracting to me. Nice one. Thanks for the comments! I do a lot of Squirrel shooting, and for the most part, there is little time to make good decisions, like those available in a Studio setting.....I guess what I really mean is that a lot of shots require some educated luck. Yes...the shadow on the ear, it is somewhat distracting, but I did leave the limb in the shot as a "source" object causing the shadow. When I metered on the belly, I left my focus point there also, instead of moving to the eye.....it was a mistake....I make a lot of those! Still, it is fun,and that is always my main motive! Best Regards!