Great Moment....Bad Light

[Solo175]

Hello,

I have a G5 Powershot.

It seems that I have an opportunity to get a great moment, but I am having difficulty in capturing this kind of shot due to bad lighting. In this instance it would be due to bright sunlight on snow being very reflective.

I could take this in better lighting conditions, but the action wouldn't be there.

Specifically, I would like to get the birds around the feeder. Background of this is pretty much white at the moment and the sun would be against my back creating a shadow.

I could park my butt in a snowbank to wait for them to come back and click away.
Camera would have to be kept warm in my coat, so I couldn't use a tripod.

Any suggestions?

Thank you so much :) .

[pradeep1]

A sample photo would be useful, but from your description...you can set up a backdrop around your feeder to cut out the white snow and sun? :confused:

[Solo175]

Well.....let's see if I can have a happy accident here :oops: . Trying to upload "Said conditions" and having a tough time of it :confused: .


Here it goes:

[Jon]

I think you're going to need a telephoto adapter, even if that was taken at full wide. Zooming in tight, the feeder will help the metering because it's closer to mid-tone and will occupy more of the frame. Otherwise, just dial in EC of 1 to 1-1/2 stops, but don't expect to see the birds very well because they'll be small.

[pradeep1]

A quick idea...since you have a G5. Set up the camera on a tripod about 2-3 feet away from the bird feeder. Focus on the birdfeeder itself and aim the camera towards the birdfeeder, but towards the tree or towards you (the window you are looking from). Then use the IR remote control to snap pictures through your window. You won't have to be close and you can capture the birds in stealth mode. If you turn off your autofocus assist lamp and all sounds, the birds won't even know you are there.

If you notice the G5 has the IR sensor on both the front of the camera and on the side (they are both on the grip). This makes it easier to point the camera away from you and still use your IR transmitter.

http://www.photo.net/photodb/image-display?photo_id=3127192&size=lg

[Solo175]

Thank you both pradeep1 and Jon,

It is pretty difficult to hide in all that snow. This is my backyard.

Here is how I shot the above posted photo, although it is reduced for posting purposes.

Shooting Mode (Manual)
Photo Effect (Off)
Shutter speed (1/500)
Aperture value 8
Metering Mode (Evaluative)
ISO speed (50)
Lens 7.2 - 28.8mm
Focal Length ( 12.7mm)
White Balance (Daylight)

Shot in Large and Superfine compression

This might be an instance where I will have to wait until spring to hide somewhere and use tripod and remote sensor. Of course I could look at a telephoto adapter ;) , as a lot of these kind of photos have to be taken from the house. It's too cold out.

Thanks again.

PS, pradeep1, your kid is really cute :) .