From today's trip to the zoo.

[Grumpy John]

A couple of bird images from my trip to the zoo today.

#1
Exposure Time: 1/320 sec
F Number: F 8
ISO Speed ratings: ISO 125
Focal Length: 188 mm
Metering Mode: Evaluative



#2
Exposure Time: 1/250 sec
F Number: F 14
ISO Speed ratings: ISO 1250
Focal Length: 200 mm
3Metering Mode: Evaluative



#3
Exposure Time: 1/250 sec
F Number: F 14
ISO Speed ratings: ISO 500
Focal Length: 135 mm
Metering Mode: Evaluative

[Isac]

Good variety of subjects John. I'd have chosen spot metering for all of these, especially the last which is a bit blown. Have you tried bracketing?

[Grumpy John]

I'm not happy with the results I get from spot metering. I need to play around a bit more with it.

[Grumpy John]

Good variety of subjects John. I'd have chosen spot metering for all of these, especially the last which is a bit blown. Have you tried bracketing?

I tried spot metering on the elephant in the shade, Don't know what the hell happened there, was focused on his eye.

File Name: E:\Users\John\Pictures\Photoholics\A Day At The Zoo_0056.jpg
Make: Canon
Model: Canon EOS 7D Mark II
Software: Adobe Photoshop Camera Raw 9.1.1 (Windows)
Date/Time: 2019-01-01 10:53:38
Exposure Time: 1/125 sec
Exposure Program: Aperture priority
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
F Number: F 8
Max Aperture: F 2.71
ISO Speed ratings: ISO 125
Flash: Flash did not fire [off]
Focal Length: 98 mm
35mm Equivalent:
Metering Mode: Spot
GPS:



I had to retrieve this image from the Recycle Bin

[Grumpy John]

Good variety of subjects John. I'd have chosen spot metering for all of these, especially the last which is a bit blown. Have you tried bracketing?

Thanks for your feedback Isac, it is always appreciated.

My first effort with the dodge tool.

[Isac]

With the elephant shot it just looks underexposed. That's all I can glean from it. Spot metering should have given you the correct exposure. Either your shutter speed was too fast or your aperture setting was to high. Sometimes I forget to look at the exposure metre reading in the viewfinder before I take a shot and I can get a result like you did - underexposed.
I rarely use the D&B tool, but I know it's widely used. I feel on occasions, it can add a grey look to whites and it has a tendency to lose detail. Instead I create a duplicate of the image and do a "channel split". I then select the R.G or B grey scale image that has the best detail and overlay that onto the original. Then I adjust the opacity and mode to get the best detail. If you want a tut, let me know. It's something I discovered while playing around and it works great on most occasions.

[Grumpy John]

Exposure comp was at 0.

[Isac]

No I'm really confused! Up to you, but I would reset to factory and start again - that's not the result you would expect.

[Grumpy John]

I have deleted the original CR2 files off the card, but I am using Recuva to try and reclaim them. If I am successful I will post the full EXIF data from DPP4.

[HansE]

It is a continual learning curve. I feel like a novice with my new camera. I do however try not to include man made things in any animal/bird pictures if possible.

[Grumpy John]

"I do however try not to include man made things in any animal/bird pictures if possible. "
I couldn't agree more Hans. This exercise was more about re-learning the camera .