Tough lighting experiment

[Coastal Flyer]

Back corner of this pond was in deep dark shadow while just two feet away in bright sunshine. I tried to capture both and nearly got it. Any suggestions on how to improve?

Thanks,

CF

[payn817]

The best would probably be to wait until a better time of day. Perhaps if you have a flash that is powerful enough, you could use it as fill.

[Loupey]

CF, in a situation like this when you are dealt a challenging set of circumstances, it is sometimes "better" to go with the flow and not against it.

For example, I might have shot from a lower vantage point and post processed it harsher to accentuate the darkness. Start with the lightness of the lower left corner to make the image go to dark/black in the upper right corner.

Key is to always experiement. Situations like this are prime opportunities to try something different.

[Coastal Flyer]

Loupey,

Thanks very much for the comments, I appreciate it. I choose the perspective on this shot due to the lighting coming through the leaves of the lilies. At a lower angle that lost something thus was stuck with a pretty harsh environment. But, I know what you mean and appreciate the suggestion.

CF

[GB1]

I really like the forground and middle ground. The background lighting trails off though, seems to add too much contrast in comparison to the bright leaves at the bottom. I think I'd crop out the top of the photo.

The leaves and their reflection is very soothing.
GB

[Coastal Flyer]

GB1,

Thanks for the comments. I couldn't decide on this shot. I had similar feelings as you have expressed but it was worth the effort to try and capture this drastic light change and see what it could become.

Thanks again.

CF

[Loupey]

Hey, CF - with your permission, I'd like my hand at editing your image to see if there is any room for additional manipulation.

[GB1]

Also, a graduated Neutral Density (ND) filter might have worked to even out the contrast. They're expensive btw, about $80-$100, but if you take care of it it'll last a lifetime.

GB

[Coastal Flyer]

Loupey,

Ply your magic! I look forward to seeing what you can do.

CF

[Loupey]

CF - I love, love, love strong harsh lighting.

So here goes. I'm sure it's a bit too much for many. But I think you get the idea.

[drg]

This looks like the classic situation for using multiple exposures and a tool like HDR in Adobe Photoshop or other Dynamic Range expansion methods to get the wider range needed with this much contrast and lighting variation.

Definitley shoot RAW if you can. A tripod and bracketing about +/- 1.5 stops at least should give you enough 'range' to assemble a well balanced photo. Lily ponds are always great subjects when the light is 'right'. Usually about 5 minutes a day :skep:.

Often if shot in RAW, a single image can be 'processed' twice, once for highlight and once for midtones and shadows (or appropriate combo for midtones) and then combined.

Best of shooting!

[Coastal Flyer]

Thanks very much for the comments and suggestions. Sounds like fun times ahead to experiment with all you have provided.

Thanks again.

CF