I’m shooting Robbie Knievel – Metering Mode Advice Needed!

[texaskev]

I’ve shot several motorcycle jumps and motorsports in general. But on June 12th I’m shooting Robbie at 11pm at night. Not sure how much light will be available. I’m guessing that I’ll have a brightly lit guy (in white leather jump suite) with a black background. I’m only going to get one crack at this so here is my question:

- Evaluative Metering or Partial Metering?

I’ll be in AI Servo and automatic AF Point mode.

Many thanks for any advice!
Kevin

[HutchPhoto]

Kevin I can't help you out there Sorry. Where is he doing his jump?

.

[amitch]

One focus point, the one on the rider. And of course use RAW.

[Semmonka]

I would go to manual mode. Meter the ambient just before the event if you want some detail on BG. You will need hi ISO. Use fill flash to make the rider pop more.
I think in manual mode you will get consistent exposures.
Also I would use only cross type AF points as they are more sensitive

Just remember to post the results

[texaskev]

Originally Posted by HutchPhoto

Kevin I can't help you out there Sorry. Where is he doing his jump?

.

He's jumping 3 trucks end to end in Austin Texas on June 12th at 11pm at a huge bike ralley that is held every year. Should be a good show!
http://www.txcn.com/sharedcontent/dw....1c84eac2.html

Thanks for everyones advice.

[HutchPhoto]

Thanks Kevin!

I will do my best too get out there too see this.


.

[PhotosGuy]

- Evaluative Metering or Partial Metering?

I wouldn't expect the light at that time will be changing? Find something white in the scene near where he'll be, shoot it & chimp the histogram to the right. Something like this ref's white shirt:
Need an exposure crutch?

I’ll be in AI Servo and automatic AF Point mode.

I don't trust that. With my 20D, I'd switch the camera to Custom Function 13-1 to put point selection on the Multicontroller (Joystick), & life with AI Servo becomes a lot easier. It only takes a fraction of a second to set the point you need.
OTOH, if you're a long way away & don't have a long tele lens, I might set the focus & then switch to manual focus.

Use fill flash to make the rider pop more.

This would work. You'll be surprised at how far it will reach out at f/2.8. BUT, I'd run a test beforehand & only use it on manual because, believe it or not, it's possible that you could overexpose with it on auto.
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