UPDATE: Wildlife photographers are facing a common issue: blown-out skies and crushed shadows. A new video by renowned photographer Kilian reveals urgent tips on mastering dynamic range to save your wildlife shots.
As more photographers take to the field, understanding your camera’s capabilities is crucial. Kilian emphasizes that a modern mirrorless camera can achieve up to 14 stops of dynamic range at ISO 100, allowing for better detail retention in challenging lighting conditions. In contrast, older models typically max out at around 10 to 11 stops, leading to disappointing results in high-contrast scenarios.
This video, released earlier today, illustrates how scenes that look balanced to the human eye can often result in clipped highlights or deep shadows on the sensor. With wildlife often found in harsh lighting—like a bird perched between sun and shade—knowing how to balance exposure is essential.
Kilian explains that raising ISO can drastically reduce usable dynamic range; for instance, at ISO 6,400, your dynamic range may only be around 7 to 8 stops due to increased noise. He warns photographers that when the histogram hits the right edge, highlight detail is lost, not just hidden. This crucial tip could mean the difference between a spectacular shot and a ruined one.
The video further breaks down practical strategies for wildlife photography. Kilian advises when to expose to protect highlights in harsh light and when to adjust exposure in softer light to maintain shadow detail. He also discusses simple field tactics—like repositioning your subject into open shade or utilizing natural elements like trees to reduce contrast.
Dynamic range tests from reliable sources like Photons to Photos are highlighted as vital tools for understanding camera limits, ensuring that photographers make informed decisions in the field. Kilian encourages photographers to prioritize their subjects, even if it means sacrificing perfect exposure in the sky or shadows.
As wildlife photographers gear up for their next outing, this timely video serves as a crucial guide to navigate complex lighting situations. By emphasizing dynamic range and practical shooting techniques, Kilian makes it clear that emotional impact in wildlife photography can thrive even with clipped highlights or deep shadows.
For the full rundown and expert insights, check out the video above. Photographers in Cleveland and beyond are encouraged to implement these techniques immediately to enhance their wildlife photography skills.
