how do I make this elephant look better?

[Darkhound]

I am going on safari soon, and am looking for some tips from you wildlife experts.

First off, I didn't take the pictures below, and I don't think it is bad -- it's ok. But I will be in the same location soon (canoe safari) and hope to get better versions.

In my opinion, the elephants are too dark, and the background is too bright.

1) I can't really do HDR since I will be moving on the canoe (and the elephant will be moving).

2) Can I use a ND filter for the sky portion? It is only a sliver though, and if I get closer to the elephant, the filter may cover the elephant, making it even darker.

3) Position myself so the elephant isn't backlit?

4) Try to take the picture more towards dusk/dawn?

What else could I try? Any tricks or tips? #3) and 4) I can try... but anything else?

Thanks so much!


http://www.smugmug.com/photos/22318684_Wmcro-L.jpg
http://jodean.smugmug.com/photos/28897750_YcBGf-L.jpg

[Harryb]

First off, I didn't take this picture, and I don't think it is bad -- it's ok. But I will be in the same location soon (canoe safari) and hope to make a better version.

The elephant is too dark, and the background is too bright.

1) I can't really do HDR since I will be moving on the canoe (and the elephant will be moving).

2) Can I use a ND filter for the sky portion? It is only a sliver though, and if I get closer to the elephant, the filter may cover the elephant, making it even darker.

3) Position myself so the elephant isn't backlit?

4) Try to take the picture more towards dusk/dawn?

Any other suggestions? 3) and 4) I can try... but anything else?

Thanks!


First it would help if we knew what camera you were shooting with and also the exif data for the shot.

Anyhow if you have a backlit subject against a light background you need to do a positive EV (exposure value) adjustment. You'll blow out the background but you will get better exposure on your subject.

Its always better to shoot with the light if possible and early AM and late afternoon light is the best light you can get.

Alot of this stuff is covered in this tute (http://dgrin.smugmug.com/gallery/1958634).

[Darkhound]

I'll probably be shooting with the Canon 450D by then, with a 100-400mm L.

One suggestion from the tutorial is to use fill-flash. That might be a good idea if I'm in range, but I don't know about lugging all of that on a canoe. I'll consider buying one though...

[PineapplePhoto]

I'll probably be shooting with the Canon 450D by then, with a 100-400mm L.

One suggestion from the tutorial is to use fill-flash. That might be a good idea if I'm in range, but I don't know about lugging all of that on a canoe. I'll consider buying one though...

I am not sure if I would want to flash at an elephant.... :huh

Either way, use spot metering and meter at his forehead? :thumb

[Mark Edell]

Don't forget that a little bit of Post Processing goes a long way! I just did a bit of shadows and highlights and a bit of saturation.

http://markedell.smugmug.com/photos/253511126_7mnpb-L.jpg

[raptorcaptor]

#4 Shoot at Dusk or dawn.

The quality of the light is much softer, but you should practice shooting at those times before your trip!