metering

[holty]

want to try and get some buzzards which are local to me
whats the best way to meter for them as the last time i used matrix and single spot focus the birds came out as a silhouette
do i use spot or centre weighted
i will be shooting up towards them as they soar

thanks

 

[Box Brownie]

Just dial in a +2 exposure and should get the sort of details in the bird you seek.......yes, depending on the sort of sky might look over exposed.

For my such shots I find + EV of 1.5 to 2 works and using centre weighted meterimg mitigates for the sky.

 

[Nod]

It sounds like the buzzards are resident so opportunities will be frequent, so experiment a bit! Spot meter and dial in some EC - start with +2 stops and adjust to suit your tastes. Then try to remember to a) set it back to your usual setting, b) the amount of EC you used so you can just dial it straight in next time and c) see a) to make sure!!!

 

[holty]

thanks for the reply's

 

[Westfield]

You could also try manual exposure by taking a reading off an object of similar shade and colour. I've just been trying my hand at some Terns in flight and the background is constantly changing from blue to white sky to dark trees. A manual exposure means I don't have to worry about a changing meter reading due to the changing background.