I'm gonna get this right if it kills me (Tree Swallow)

OK, it's back to the "blown out white" issue and EC. I took these shots this evening just as the sun was slipping behind the mountain. This is my third go 'round with the Tree Swallows in this exact location. The first two resulted in clearly blown out whites. I purposely shot these as fully front view as possible to maximize the white breast.

First off, I used the flash with the Better Beamer on all three images. I had Flash Compensation set at -1. I am pleased with how the eyes turned out with the flash and beamer.

The first image was shot in Program mode with f/6.3 and EC at -1/3. The second was in AV mode with f/5.6 and EC at -1/3. The third was also in AV mode with f/5.6 and EC at -2/3.

Personally, I like #3 best. I feel the white are good in #1 and #2 but that extra -1/3 makes a big difference in #3. But I'd like to hear from others. As I said in the title, I am going to get this right if it kills me. PRACTICE. PRACTICE. PRACTICE.

Please let me know what you think.

You definately got it right on the third shot. I think it is the perfect blend of pulling out the detail in the eye area and not blowing out the whites.

You'll get it. #3 looks good. It's all about the background. The darker it is with that white in the sun the more negative you need to go. So if you had shot that same bird and moved around so that the background was darker you would have had to go -1 or more. Most birds are not this extreme but birds with white and a darker color on them too are challenging.

clivingston wrote in post #3192072
You definately got it right on the third shot. I think it is the perfect blend of pulling out the detail in the eye area and not blowing out the whites.

Thanks Chris. As I continued to study the three images (and others I didn't post), I could see other subtle differences. Compared to what I posted previously, I think the whites on all three look good. But that said, I would go with #1 as my second choice. The whites under the chin look just a little better in #1 (AV 6.3) than #2 (AV 5.6).

morehtml wrote in post #3192108
You'll get it. #3 looks good. It's all about the background. The darker it is with that white in the sun the more negative you need to go. So if you had shot that same bird and moved around so that the background was darker you would have had to go -1 or more. Most birds are not this extreme but birds with white and a darker color on them too are challenging.

Thanks for the tips Allen. There have been (are) very helpful. As I said above, I think all three look better than what I had previously but I agree #3 looks the best. I was going to take a few shots at EC -1 but just as I made the change, the bird flew off.


Any other comments would be appreciated.

EdV wrote in post #3193183
Thanks Chris. As I continued to study the three images (and others I didn't post), I could see other subtle differences. Compared to what I posted previously, I think the whites on all three look good. But that said, I would go with #1 as my second choice. The whites under the chin look just a little better in #1 (AV 6.3) than #2 (AV 5.6).


Thanks for the tips Allen. There have been (are) very helpful. As I said above, I think all three look better than what I had previously but I agree #3 looks the best. I was going to take a few shots at EC -1 but just as I made the change, the bird flew off.

Any other comments would be appreciated.

No I think you got it exactly right at -2/3! Good shots!

All three are better than anything I have of this bird. But I have more trouble with the irridescent blue than the whites.

#1 looks good enough in the white feathers to me and catches the eye beautifully.

Beautiful capture

I personally like #1 the best! All three seem to be good shots to me

Mike4BekA wrote in post #3193855
I personally like #1 the best! All three seem to be good shots to me

Thanks, Mike. #1 is not bad at all. I just think #3 is just a little bit better. It's nice when you have multiple good images to choose from.

As an aside, I notice your signature says camera and kit lens and saving for a Macro. A Macro was the first thing I wanted after buying the Rebel XT and kit lens. Now about 7 months later, I have all the gear in my signature but still no macro lens. I think I am going out this evening in search of wildflowers with my 50mm f/1.8 and Kenko Tubes.

morehtml wrote in post #3193606
No I think you got it exactly right at -2/3! Good shots!

Thanks, Allen. Appreciate it.

canonloader wrote in post #3193664
All three are better than anything I have of this bird. But I have more trouble with the irridescent blue than the whites.

We'll have to team up. I'll do the blues and you the whites!

BTW, interested trade you have brewing there for a 5D. Are you GM for the Brewers or just an ol' fashioned, wheelin' dealin' horse trader? BTW, I am noodlin' in the back of my brain between a 30D and 5D. I kinda like the crop factor on the 30D. And I am used to it with the XT.

racketman wrote in post #3193765
#1 looks good enough in the white feathers to me and catches the eye beautifully.

Thanks. As I said in the previous note, I like #1 a lot too. I just think #3 is a bit better in the whites. All three are better than what I had previously.

calicokat wrote in post #3193823
Beautiful capture

Thanks.

Very sorry to read about your cat. We and our five cat household offer our condolences.