Followed this one for ages, eventually caught up with it and managed to grab this shot. Would have liked a nice single tone background but i was happy to get a profile of the PBF. Does show however how difficult they are to see in their enviroment of dead bracken and fallen leaves.
Thanks John. Yes the bracken is a bit bright to say the least. I had spot metered for the butterfly as i didnt want to lose any detail in the whites but the bracken has acted like reflectors and hense the highlights. Can you suggest the best way to meter the light in the same circumstance? Any ideas most welcome.
Nice shot given the circumstances, looks like you were up against some harsh light there. They really are little gems, we only seem to get a few of the Small Pearl-bordereds here in the Forest of Dean. At least you know where they are and can return for another session!
Paul
No I can't really but what i do is have the camera on low contrast in bright conditions- or with contrasty subjects. With your shot the underwing is in the shade and that is exposed perfectly. matrix metering might give you more of an average,but it doesn't always work with me.
Now here's the interesting bit ! As you were on a tripod you can take another shot when the butterflyhas gone ( If it did ) and expose for the bracken or take two or three at different settings. You can then try and blend the two together afterwards. Its complicated but worth a play if you can't get the lightness down. I've done it a few times on flowers and its good fun.
It wouldn't be too hard to darken up the highlights in this shot though. Some of the Photoshop boys could explain it better than I.
Cheers
John
Discussion
4 repliesD80; Sigma 150, 1.4 TC
Tripod
f10
1/50
ISO 100
The bright bracken is a bit eye grabbing but a good profile.
Great aren't they ?
Cheers
JohnR
Regards
Paul
Nice shot given the circumstances, looks like you were up against some harsh light there. They really are little gems, we only seem to get a few of the Small Pearl-bordereds here in the Forest of Dean. At least you know where they are and can return for another session!
Cheers,
Lewis.
No I can't really but what i do is have the camera on low contrast in bright conditions- or with contrasty subjects. With your shot the underwing is in the shade and that is exposed perfectly. matrix metering might give you more of an average,but it doesn't always work with me.
Now here's the interesting bit ! As you were on a tripod you can take another shot when the butterflyhas gone ( If it did ) and expose for the bracken or take two or three at different settings. You can then try and blend the two together afterwards. Its complicated but worth a play if you can't get the lightness down. I've done it a few times on flowers and its good fun.
It wouldn't be too hard to darken up the highlights in this shot though. Some of the Photoshop boys could explain it better than I.
Cheers
John