Some tips on shooting moving objects in the sky.

[scottbergerphoto]

I learned quite a bit this past Saturday. This was my first attempt to shoot radio controlled planes. Here are some of the things I learned about shooting fast moving objects in the sky:
1. Be prepared to toss 50-75% of your shots.
2. Hazy skies make objects moving through them look out of focus.
3. Don't use ISO 100. (oops!)
4. If the object takes up less then 1/3 of the viewfinder, don't bother unless its just to record a moment.
5. IS is your friend.
6. Shooting against darker areas of the sky or trees, makes it easier for the camera to lock focus.
7. Shoot Manual Exposure and meter off the sky without the sun in the picture.
The pictures are at: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=32518
Regards,
Scott

[Scottes]

I'll throw in a couple of my own experiences from shooting osprey all day...


If you're not so good at panning or tracking...

...use evaluative mode and check your histogram to adjust EC to get the subject exposed correctly. Shooting dark osprey on a bright sky meant evaluative +1/3 EC to +2/3 EC. But if you shoot partial and the subject slips out of the circle then your exposure could be useless.

...try for a high shutter speed, even if it means higher ISO. Most of my ospreys were up at 1/1000 - sure you don't get the cool panning effects, but at least you get the shot.

...set for a decent aperture - if you can't pan or track quickly enough to keep up with the moving subject then the increased depth of field may save a shot.


And if this is you first time (or 3rd or 5th) then shoot RAW - you might be able to save a shot or two.


As to using evaluative mode... this method lets you compose the subject rather than requiring you to bullseye it all the time. If you use evaluative with EC then the subject could be in the center or off in the corner and you'll get the same exposure since the camera averages the entire scene.


And to clarify Scott's point #6 it's contrast that helps - a white object on a dark background will focus faster, as will a dark object on a bright background.

[scottbergerphoto]

...use evaluative mode and check your histogram to adjust EC to get the subject exposed correctly. Shooting dark osprey on a bright sky meant evaluative +1/3 EC to +2/3 EC. But if you shoot partial and the subject slips out of the circle then your exposure could be useless.


As to using evaluative mode... this method lets you compose the subject rather than requiring you to bullseye it all the time. If you use evaluative with EC then the subject could be in the center or off in the corner and you'll get the same exposure since the camera averages the entire scene.

Thanks for sharing your experience. I opted to shoot with manual exposure because I knew that the planes would make up only about 1/3 to 1/2 the viewfinder. The lighting was very even, so I metered off the sky without any direct view of the sun, checked the histogram and adjusted.
Scott

[dn7elson]

...try for a high shutter speed, even if it means higher ISO. Most of my ospreys were up at 1/1000 - sure you don't get the cool panning effects, but at least you get the shot.

I just visited an exotic butterfly exhibit while at the botanical gardens yesterday and took a number of shots of the fluttering critters. I wish that my keeper percentage were as high as 25%. I did manage to get most in focus and with a reasonably good exposure, but did not give enough thought to the speed of their wing flap and eratic movements. Shots at 1/400 were for the most part blurs, not even artistic ones :D . Shooting at 1/1000 would have yielded much better results.

[Scottes]

Yes, butterflies are a little more maneuverable that RC planes or Ospreys. :)

Butterflies can be a bit tough - my first couple shoots were down around 25% keepers, easily.

I think one key to butterflies is slow movement - don't scare them. If you scare them, wait a minute - they might come right back to the same spot.

The other tip I'd have is for flash - get a Lumiquest UltraSoft or Softbox and shoot in manual mode. Just check the histogram to make sure that you're getting a good exposure, and definitely lean towards underexposed. Many of the butterflies have bright spots which are easy to blow out. If you have a manual-capable flash like a 550EX it's a dream, but a 420EX can be tricky because it has no controls whatsoever and you have to rely on ETTL.

And finally go for DoF rather than shutter speed. If they're flapping that much you'll almost never get a decent shot so ignore the movers and shakers. But if one sits still then shutter isn't important and you'll want to get DoF.

[dn7elson]

I think one key to butterflies is slow movement - don't scare them. If you scare them, wait a minute - they might come right back to the same spot.

Unfortunately, it was essentially a greenhouse exhibit with no less than 30 others at any time, about 1/2 of them children trying to chase the butterflies....none of those puppies were going to stand still long :D

Many of the butterflies have bright spots which are easy to blow out.

The only one that I really had problems with was one with an irridescent blue top of wing. Had to catch them in the air, because they closed the wings when they land and just sit there like a clam shell. Outside is a nice brown pattern, but nothing like the blue tops. With the greenhouse having translucent glass wall and ceiling, lighting was more than tricky.

And finally go for DoF rather than shutter speed. If they're flapping that much you'll almost never get a decent shot so ignore the movers and shakers. But if one sits still then shutter isn't important and you'll want to get DoF.

Essentially what I did for the ones that would "sit and display", and these came out fine. Just couldn't get those blue buggers to open their wings without flying :cry:

[Scottes]

Just couldn't get those blue buggers to open their wings without flying

ROFL - I've been to butterfly houses 5 times and I've got a single shot of one of those with open wings. Blue Morpho, I believe. They're tough to get with open wings!

[dn7elson]

Blue Morpho, I believe. They're tough to get with open wings!

That's the one. My wife had better luck with the G2 and caught a couple as they landed. I spent most of my time trying to pan them as they flew and wondered where the went as they made an 180 degree turn just as I triped the shutter :oops: