Coping with bad light.

[Jeff Wilson]

I'm really interested in how you guys handle the generally poor lighting available during an outdoor event. I attend a number of car shows during the summer, where the cars are around from 10AM until 3PM, so I'm left shooting during the worst possible time of day.

I usually use a CPL and the sunny 16 rule as a starting place (exposed 1/3 to 2/3 stop under). Recently, I've been trying to use fill flash to compensate a bit for the harsh light but I'm still disapponted with my results.

Example:

http://www.jw-photo.com/events/pictures/_MG_2138.jpg

Recommendations?

[John Thawley]

In this case, I might have shot the other side of the car.... you've shot the side that's in the shade.

My appraoch is to do what you're suggesting though, shoot under.... but the next step is Photoshop. Not a lot you can do about the glare... but there is a lot more to be had from this photograph. You've shot under, now selectively bring it back up.

We face this same situation all the time.... races tend to start at 12:30 - 1:30pm. We have a few variations through out the year... but for the most part, we're dealing with glaring hoods and windshields.

JT

[Jeff Wilson]

Thanks for the input, John. Shooting the opposite side was much worse unfortunately. The backgound was....unpleasant. ;)

The problem I encounter with shots like this, in post, is that bringing the shadows up makes the reflections more pronounced. I haven't yet mastered the art of controlling stray reflections in post.

I'll work on another, brighter, version and post it up for more suggestions.

[Todd Corzett]

in post, is that bringing the shadows up makes the reflections more pronounced

Using curves or the shadow and highlight tools allows you to bring-up just dark areas without touching the highlights. For static shots... you can also take multiple photos with different exposures and overlay them in post. You can also shoot in RAW and do multiple processes (same idea as multiple shots).

-Todd...

[Jeff Wilson]

Lighter using highlight/shadow and curves on a new, hide all mask, layer then selectively unmasked it back in.

I'm not sure that I've gone far enough, but the reflections on the doors are bothering me:

http://www.jw-photo.com/events/pictures/_MG_2138l.jpg