Images a Little Flat

[wibbly]

I'm posting this in here, as I'm not sure where else to post it (I have posted it in the 5D camera thread, but it may get more exposure here)... sorry no pun intended! :bang:

I'm not sure if it's me or if my my Mk1 Canon 5D under exposes a little?

I find the images I seem to get from it are very slightly flat in my opinion and need a bit of post processing tweaking...

Here's a couple of straight out of camera images (just re-sized and uploaded to Flickr)... What's your opinion?


Test 2 @ 0EV by mrdaveyoung, on Flickr


Test 1 @ 1/3EV by mrdaveyoung, on Flickr

 

[Nod]

If the weather up there is anything like it is down here, the light's a bit flat! It's always a bit of a fine line between a bit flat and almost blown highlights anyway so if you feel it necessary, play with levels in PP to get the results you want.

 

[magicaxeman]

The first image looks correct to me with the kind of light we've been getting, it has deeper, richer tones and the oof flower in the background looks right colour wise, whereas in the second image the same oof flower looks washed out/pastel.

If your worried images need more impact try adding a touch of contrast boost in post, it works for me.

 

[Johnytuono]

Hi
On my (calibrated) monitor both shots look over-exposed not under-exposed, with the second one being slightly lighter than the first. Dull/overcast lighting will only add to the flat look. I'm sure though that the images can be PP'd to an acceptable level. Have just clicked on the images and the Flickr ones seem fine, is this happening to anyone else?
JohnyT

 

[HoppyUK]

That's flat light, and flat light is flat

If you output to JPEG, push up the saturation in picture styles a bit, maybe contrast and sharpening too. Don't go mad with it, but try a few settings. Remember to tone it back down again as you won't need it when the sun comes out. Or make similar adjustments in post processing.

Exposure variables are probably just more difficult subjects. Use evaluative mode* and check the histogram with blinkies (highlight alert) enabled. Adjust with exposure compensation as necessary.

Edit: do not use spot metering unless you know exactly what you're doing and take great care where it's reading from - or exposures will be all over the place.

 

[wibbly]

Thanks for the comments guys

I guess it just feels sometimes like I want to see more 'pop' from the images I'm taking, and just not really seeing that. Some of the images I look at on here and other sites have that lovely almost washed out look to them... Mine just look a bit dark and dingy, starting from the initial image, before any PP takes place!

I know what the camera is telling me as I mainly shoot in exposure mode, so I know where I need to be, it's just the final image that comes out of the card and onto the screen

 

[Lyonspride]

Your up from near my location, the light has been terrible lately.....

It might be worth reseting your camera though, just incase you've changed some random thing somewhere deep in the menu's. Start over on a fresh slate so to speak.

 

[wibbly]

It might be worth reseting your camera though, just incase you've changed some random thing somewhere deep in the menu's. Start over on a fresh slate so to speak.

Good idea, although I'm not one to delve too deeply into the menu system I might give that a go, thanks!

 

[Phil V]

It's going to become a mantra.

There's no such thing as bad light, just inappropriate subjects.

Come inside and pretend for a second you want to photograph that plant, how will you light it to get the effect you want?

When you're outside, you're most probably working with just the natural light, it's only good for what it's good for. Flat light= portraits, low, low contrast light= backlit portraits, light through trees for effect etc. bright low sun= great for contours in landscapes and buildings, bright high sun= reflections if you can get good sky colour. Etc.

You wouldn't usually use a massive soft box to shoot flowers, you want a harder light to accentuate the shape. There's a little you can do in post, but choosing your subject carefully will pay greater dividends.

 

[wibbly]

Thanks Phil, certainly worth bearing in mind for the future.

 

[Phil V]

Thanks Phil, certainly worth bearing in mind for the future.

Days like that, get the mrs outside for a portrait, she'll love how the flat light treats skin imperfections and signs of age.

 

[wibbly]

Days like that, get the mrs outside for a portrait, she'll love how the flat light treats skin imperfections and signs of age.

I think I'd get a slap for suggesting that, she's a bit younger than me