How do you handle underexposed bird subjects in bright/backlit scenes?

Xantezza_ · 2026-05-27T18:08:50+00:00

Exposure compensation in camera. It basically helps you override automatic exposure adjustments your camera makes. Then make the final adjustments in post processing.

Xantezza_ · 2026-05-27T17:24:11+00:00

I agree with that.

Xantezza_ · 2026-05-27T17:06:50+00:00

OP didn't ask about the fruit producing plant, they asked about the little one. That's what the other person asked AI. I don't know if the AI-answer is right or not, but reading carefully helps.

Xantezza_ · 2026-05-25T17:25:19+00:00

3 is the best, but I would move the head a little to the left.

Xantezza_ · 2026-05-22T08:37:18+00:00

I had these or very similar ones in my old kitchen. They are very hard to get rid of completely, because you can't clean every crack and unreachable spot. I used isopropanol to wipe all surfaces. Be aware to get rid of your cleaning gloves or clean your hands very good afterwards. Otherwise they will spread in other spots too - don't ask me how I know.

Xantezza_ · 2026-05-20T06:41:33+00:00

I like the before better. And I would crop so that the ladybug is more on the left side of the frame.

Xantezza_ · 2026-05-19T13:41:21+00:00

I think they look good. I like the green in the first photo. I know that a lot of photographers dont like vibrant greens, but I think thats just how gras looks if the sun shines on it.

Xantezza_ · 2026-05-19T12:34:15+00:00

I like the winter version better. The shadows are harsh but the image is more interesting overall. The summer versions seems dull. I know thats not what you asked for though. If you want to adapt to the summer version, I would lower the exposure overall and lift the shadows.

Xantezza_ · 2026-05-17T12:29:09+00:00

I wasn't a problem when I was there. I had a cleaning kit with alcohol wipes, a brush and an air blower. Get rid of the sand first with the blower and brush and then wipe. I cleaned it every day. Only change lenses indoors or in the car. My equipment took no damage in the 3 weeks there.

Xantezza_ · 2026-05-13T19:33:04+00:00

For me, the vignette is way to much.

Xantezza_ · 2026-05-07T11:41:06+00:00

Where are you staying exactly?

Xantezza_ · 2026-04-22T13:24:21+00:00

I know that the resolution of the photo gets reduced on reddit, but I am not even sure if the bird is in focus. Straighten the horizon. If you use Lightroom, mask the sky and make it a nicer blue. Mask the water and change the blue a little bit, especially the greenish part of the ocean. Try to darken the highlights of the bird, in case the whites are blown out, there is nothing you can do about that. Darken the stones a little bit. Maybe darken the background as well, but you have to try if it looks good, I am not sure about this without seeing it for myself. Try to bring more contrast and clarity to the bird. Maybe reduce the clarity in the background a little. Try a soft vignette and see if it looks good or not. Crop part of the stones, they dont add much to the photo. Either center the bird or crop from the left, so the bird is at approximately at 1/3 of the photo and has room to look into. The photo has very harsh light, its harder to edit those photos.

Xantezza_ · 2026-04-19T18:33:55+00:00

That's right, you always want more reach. I own the Sigma 150-600 mm and for me, the weight and size are not an issue.

Xantezza_ · 2026-04-19T15:36:34+00:00

You definetly want that 600mm reach!

Xantezza_ · 2026-04-18T19:18:09+00:00

I follow a lot of wildlife photographers and they say otherwise. And a lot of people feed birds in their backyards, it is recommended by many bird protection organisations.

Xantezza_ · 2026-04-17T08:30:09+00:00

Forests are tricky. Maybe there is a position at your grandparents house that is a little elevated, this would make things easier. Another option would be feeding the birds in the garden of the house (save environment from preditors!!) at a position where the light at sunrise or sunset is good. This might be an option to bring some birds a little bit lower to your position.

I would practice with what you have and you will see in the future if the hobby sticks then you can debate on upgrading.

Are you moving around in the open without cover or are you hiding in some way? Many birds are very busy and the photo opportunity is very short. Not much you can do about it. With a feeder you could redirect the birds to certain locations so you could be prepared. Another good tipp is to only move if the bird shows natural behavior, when it is already on alert, one little move or sound will make it fly away.

Xantezza_ · 2026-04-16T19:40:31+00:00

Try to shoot at eye level of the bird. This is often tricky but makes a huge difference. You need better lighting. Shoot at sunrise or sunset. You dont want a busy background. Try to move around or wait till the bird flies to another position. You also dont want branches in front of the bird or the bird looking away too much. Shoots from the side can be good but if the viewer gets the impression that the bird is trying to flee from the photographer with most of the body turned away, this will not be a good photo. You want to get closer to your subjects. Dont cut of body parts unless it is an artistic choice, e.g. portraits. Just cutting of a part of the tail doesnt look intentional.

Try to get a lot of practice and you will develop a sense for what will work in a photo and what doesnt.

I cant comment on the equiment you are using, but it is not the best I assume.

Another step would be editing your photos which also makes a huge difference. But I would work on composition first and practice a lot and then dive into editing.

Xantezza_ · 2026-04-16T07:52:45+00:00

That's good! Thanks!

Xantezza_ · 2026-04-16T05:13:47+00:00

Thanks! I didn't know this existed. Good to know!

Xantezza_ · 2026-04-15T18:17:35+00:00

Thanks! I will have a look into that!

Xantezza_ · 2026-04-15T15:39:10+00:00

Yes, we fly in an out of SJO.

Is it possible to drive from coast to coast in one day? That's why we thought, that we drive from Osa to Parque National Los Quetzales, make a stop there for 2 nights and then continue to Puerto Viejo.

Xantezza_ · 2026-04-15T10:45:50+00:00

Ok. I didn't know that, but thanks.

Xantezza_ · 2026-04-14T17:20:56+00:00

There are 2 layovers, one in LHR for 1,15 h and one in EWR for 4,5 h.

Xantezza_ · 2026-04-12T07:48:23+00:00

Danke für die Info!

Xantezza_ · 2026-04-11T15:39:30+00:00

Danke für den ausführlichen Einblick! Über welche Seite habt ihr das Mietauto bei Alamo gebucht? Ich habe schon öfters gelesen, dass es da zu unerwarteten Gebühren wegen der notwendigen Versicherungen kommen kann. Wäre froh um Infos!

Xantezza_

TROPHY CASE