Ep. 41 How to Solve Backlit Photography Challenges: A Deep Dive

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Episode Overview:

In this week’s solo episode, Kevin tackles one of the most common challenges in photography: how to correctly expose a subject in front of a bright background, such as a child standing by a window. Kevin shares his 55+ years of expertise to break down this issue with actionable solutions for photographers of all levels.

Key Topics Discussed:

1.The Backlit Problem:

•Why cameras struggle to expose for both a bright background and a darker subject.

•Examples of challenging scenarios, from windows to caves.

2.Seven Solutions to Backlit Challenges:

•Exposure Compensation: Adjust your camera’s settings to brighten your subject.

•Spot Metering: Use precise metering to expose for your subject’s face.

•Auto Exposure Lock (AEL): Lock exposure on your subject and recompose.

•Reflectors: Bounce light onto your subject for natural illumination.

•Using Flash: Balance natural light with flash, including on- and off-camera techniques.

•HDR Photography: Merge multiple exposures to capture both highlights and shadows.

•Photoshop Techniques: Combine two images to perfectly balance foreground and background.

3.Mirrorless Cameras: How their real-time exposure previews simplify manual adjustments.

Special Announcement:

Kevin introduces exciting updates to his Photography Masterclass, now celebrating its 10th intake. With enhanced creativity modules and a new focus on black-and-white photography, this one-year course is the ultimate journey for passionate photographers. Limited places are available—visit GoHSP.com for details.

Key Takeaway:

Mastering backlit photography is about prioritising your subject and making creative choices. Whether you use exposure compensation, flash, or post-processing, there’s a solution for every photographer.

Links & Resources:

•Photography Masterclass Details: GoHSP.com

Got a Photography Question?

If you have a burning question about (virtually) anything to do with photography, click on this link. You can record your question onto your device (phone, laptop, etc) and if picked, I will play it during the show. https://www.tog-talk.com/voicemail/

Looking for courses

Want to find out about my live, in-person workshops, check out the Hampshire School of Photography website:

https://www.hampshirephotoschool.com

Hampshire Photography Network

A free Facebook group for amateur photographers who want to connect, collaborate and grow together.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1222685165227144

Contact me

You can contact me by leaving a message via this link: https://www.tog-talk.com/contact/