"Once upon a midnight dreary…"

[c.j.]

"While I pondered, weak and weary…"


These guys are hard to capture. The bright Arizona sun makes for such a huge light/dark difference with the bird.

Any tips from you pros out there would help.

Shot yesterday August 9

Canon Digital Rebel XT
Canon Lens EF 300mm 1:4 L IS
Canon Extender EF 1.4x II

[Loupey]

I suppose there aren't that many cloudy days out there.

I would shoot dark birds in early AM or late PM when the sky won't be so harsh to shoot against. The bonus will be that the low angle lighting will light the bottom side of the bird while providing side lighting to bring out the texture of the feathers.

[Bevb]

CJ you didnt mention what metering you used or your aperature settings, but I would of tried using spot metering if you have it, or even partial metering helps when the background is so bright, otherwise compensation of about -1 worth a try.:thumbsup:

[paulnj]

I would suggest the other way when metering the whole sceen PLUS 1 EV and try to get the sun behind you if possible.

Not too shabby considering that a black bird against blue sky is not an easy subject for the camera to get right.