Over-exposed sky...

[Chatty721]

Hey, I was wondering if there was anyone out there that could help me in correcting this! I like the picture and the pose and I would really like to use it in the kids proofs but, the sky is just too blown out. Help?

 

[dxqcanada5]

Once the exposure goes beyond the dynamic range of the sensor the data is lost ... so that over exposed sky is just a blob of white data.

 

[Geaux]

Did you shoot this with a polorizer? If not, that would probably help. Other than that.... pick a different time of the day. Looks like this was shot at noon lol

 

[Chatty721]

Nope, no polarizer. I have one though! Thanks for the tip! I'll throw it on next time! The picture was actually taken at 3. I tried playing with it a little, and this is what I got. Please tell me if it looks completely rediculous!

 

[misstwinklytoes]

I'm on my laptop, which I haven't used, but once since I bought it a couple years ago.... so I don't know if it's me, but the kid looks pretty underexposed and his eyes are really dark. Also, you chopped him at the wrist. Maybe it's not the best one to put in the proofs?

 

[JeffieLove]

Did you shoot this with a polorizer? If not, that would probably help. Other than that.... pick a different time of the day. Looks like this was shot at noon lol

Date Time Original 2011:02:19 15:46:32

It was shot at 3:46:32 on 2/19/11

 

[mix1983]

I have to agree with the above. Were you shooting on Auto?

EDIT: Nevermind you were on shutter priority. It looks like the camera simply didn't choose the right balance and over-exposed the sky and under-exposed the dark clothing.

 

[JeffieLove]

My take on it...

I used the channels to select everything that was less than 50% gray (basically selects the darker areas) to lighten up mainly his face...
Did a crop obviously and that's about it..

His eyes aren't in focus and in portraiture that is very important. It gives you the connection with your subject. Just because they are standing in a cool pose and looking at the camera, that doesn't mean there's a connection and it's an awesome picture. These are things I have been told and personally still struggle with myself. I shoot young kids (generally ages 6 and under) so it is a LOT harder because they DON'T stop moving. When you have an older person who is able to comprehend and hold a pose for more than 3 seconds, it's not THAT hard.

So, main thing to work on is that you need to expose your subject NOT your background, and you need to make sure you are getting the eyes in sharp focus AND get some light in those eyes! They look like black holes!

 

[JeffieLove]

I have to agree with the above. Were you shooting on Auto?

EDIT: Nevermind you were on shutter priority. It looks like the camera simply didn't choose the right balance and over-exposed the sky and under-exposed the dark clothing.

He was on aperture priority according to the exif I get.

Here is the exif I am getting:

Date Time Original 2011:02:19 15:46:32
Exposure Time 1/1250
F Number 1.8
Exposure Program Aperture priority
ISO Speed Ratings 100
Metering Mode Average
Flash Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length 50
White Balance Auto white balance
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XTi

 

[enzodm]

Fill-in flash is an option to give more light to the subject. However, looking at this picture (there is some sunlight on the back neck) it seems like you were more or less against sun, a difficult situation. (+ JeffieLove comment on focus, of course).

 

[Josh66]

Yeah, expose for the sky and use fill flash.

 

[KmH]

+3. The shot needed fill lighting, either from strobed (flash) lighting or a reflector.

Strobed light would allow making the background darker than the subject.

 

[quiddity]

would you normally shoot wide open portraits?

since there is little in the way of background for dof wouldnt it make sense if you close it down some

 

[lyonsroar]

Exposure Time 1/1250
F Number 1.8
Exposure Program Aperture priority
ISO Speed Ratings 100
Metering Mode Average
Flash Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length 50
White Balance Auto white balance
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XTi

Whoo. f1.8. Why?

You could always do a composite, one photo exposed for the sky and another exposed for the kid, then smush em together in post. Just a thought...

 

[Chatty721]

Thanks for the tip! That's a great idea! I never think of these things when I'm shooting! :/ Blech!! Thanks for all your help! I'll leave it out this time! And next time I'll *try* to remember everything lol!