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BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Photo Exposure Troubleshooting

Photography Question 

Frank P. Luongo 		 

Exposure and Backlighting


 
 
At sunset, when shooting a backlit scene - AND you want detail in the highlights and the sky - where do you meter from? If you meter from the darker areas, won't you blow out the highlights? I uploaded a photo as an example.


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November 18, 2004

 

Bob Cammarata 		  Meter for the background, and let the shadows in the foreground fall where they may (even if they silhouette). This will be the lesser of two evils.
A deep blue sky with the sun at your back can be your best friend. The reflected light values of the bridge and of the distant sky, will be close enough to render both with detail and color. (You should still meter the sky, though.)
If the sun is in front of you, or if the sky is LIGHT blue - and you meter the bridge - your sky will wash out completely.


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November 18, 2004

 

Frank P. Luongo 		  Thanks, Bob.


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November 19, 2004

 

Victor J. 		  Since no one of us is with you at the time and since the situation or lighting changes by the second why not bracket? And record what you are doing so you'll hopefully remember for the next time you are in a similar situation. Vic


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November 28, 2004

 
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