UPDATE: Photographers are urged to rethink their wildlife shooting techniques as new insights on dynamic range emerge. A recent video from photography expert Kilian outlines how to avoid blown-out skies and empty shadows, a common issue for wildlife enthusiasts.
With wildlife photography at stake, understanding your camera’s dynamic range is crucial for capturing stunning images. Kilian emphasizes that the number of “steps” between deep shadows and bright highlights can significantly affect how a scene is recorded. For modern mirrorless cameras, this can mean 13 to 14 stops at base ISO, a stark contrast to older models that maxed out around 10 or 11 stops.
Why does this matter now? Many photographers are unknowingly compromising their wildlife shots. A bird sitting half in sunlight and half in shade, with a bright sky behind it, can easily exceed what most cameras can handle in a single exposure. This is critical information as many wildlife photographers gear up for fall migration season.
Kilian’s video breaks down how raising ISO reduces usable dynamic range. At ISO 100, photographers might enjoy 14 stops, but at ISO 6,400, that could plummet to just 7 or 8 stops due to noise creeping into the shadows. He illustrates this through a practical histogram lesson, explaining that hitting the right edge means lost highlight detail. Understanding how to adjust exposure can save crucial shots.
The video also reveals a striking comparison: while JPEGs offer just 256 tonal levels, raw files boast over 16,000 levels. This means shooting in raw provides ample room for exposure adjustments without compromising image quality.
As wildlife photographers head outdoors, Kilian stresses practical approaches over technical specs. He advises when to lower exposure to protect highlights in harsh lighting and when to expose to the right in softer light to keep shadows clean. He even discusses the merits of dropping ISO for slower shutter speeds to freeze motion when necessary.
Field tactics are crucial. Kilian encourages photographers to recompose their shots to tuck subjects into open shade and utilize natural elements, like trees or clouds, to manage contrast effectively. Techniques like exposure bracketing and HDR are framed as viable strategies for wildlife scenarios, not just landscapes, allowing for more dynamic results.
“Deciding what to sacrifice is key,” Kilian states. “Protect your subject first, even if it means letting the sky clip.”
Photographers are also reminded to assess their camera’s limits by checking dynamic range tests on sites like Photons to Photos, which provide crucial insight into where a camera may struggle. Kilian emphasizes that many iconic wildlife images feature blown highlights or heavy shadows, and that intentional contrast can evoke strong emotional responses.
As wildlife photography evolves, these insights from Kilian are timely and essential. For a deeper dive into these techniques, watch the full rundown in the video above.
Photography enthusiasts are encouraged to share this information immediately with fellow wildlife lovers to enhance their shooting techniques and capture breathtaking moments without compromising image quality.
