Hey Andy I gotta say it’s very refreshing to see a wildlife photographer on UA-cam who can actually take good photos and gives good advice instead of the most basic and obvious “tips” for wildlife photography like all the other channels. Keep doing what you’re doing because UA-cam and future wildlife photographers need youtube channels like this that are genuine.
Thank you so much, it's so nice to have the support of people such as yourself. I really hope that I can create a valuable resource for sharing my images and experience within wildlife photography!
I live in the centre of Birmingham and this video led me to discover an RSPB reserve less that 5 miles away! Felt like a safe place to shoot with a long lens. Thanks for the encouragement to take another look at the wildlife on my doorstep and begin to reconnect.
@MymbleDaughter Hey Olivia. Thank you so much. Yours is such a heartwarming comment to receive, as it serves to remind me that my videos can achieve exactly what I hoped. Thank you so much!
Anyone wanna buy my camera gear? After seeing these wonderful pieces of art, I decided to start baking cakes instead of taking flat images. Brilliant work. Stunning.
Found your channel by complete happenstance and I'm really glad. Anytime an experienced, quality photographer encourages other photographers to find their own style, it's a win. Also, love the tip on finding wildlife in your own area to shoot. Not all of us can get to the ends of the earth but there is plenty to capture in our own spheres. Learning every day. Thank you!
Andy, quite simply the best tutorial on backlighting I’ve ever seen. So many other lessons in here also e.g. persistence; practise; artistic interpretation; technical choice…can’t wait to see what you offer us next
Thank you Andy, a really great video. I've recently found your channel on UA-cam and the quality and content is brilliant for photographers looking to learn and develop. I started my back lighting journey last weekend and am already hooked. Looking forward to seeing more and putting your advice into practice 👍
This was quite the eye-opener. Thank you for giving me so much food for thought! I can only hope (and practice a lot!) to one day take pics anywhere close to yours.
I am delighted to hear that, Genevieve. It is my sincere hope that by sharing my images and my experience that I can help others to develop their skills!
So very glad to have discovered your channel, Andy. Sublime images. I'm really looking forward to whatever comes next! Thank you for sharing your expertise.
@tomklingele510 they're will get a bit of a break now as I'm in Brazil but I'm working on new videos all the time. Between mid-September and Christmas, I aim to post once a week!
Most comprehensive backlit tutorial I have seen so far!! Thanks a lot for sharing your experience Andy. Cant wait for slow shutter tutorial in coming weeks
Andy your channel is fantastic! I was having a go panning some gannets last week, stuck to 1/30th so definitely know I need to go a bit slower now. Just mid day experimentation but fun. Zero stress 😁
@teeeenyfifi always the best way, and gannets are a perfect subject to practice with. Repeatable behaviour is such a benefit, and really helps with the creative exploring. Fingers crossed that create some magic! 🤞
What a fantastic video, so full of information and ideas. I have always liked backlit and low and high key photgraphy, so I learned a lot from this. Hopefully you will create a video covering high key photography in due course. My personal favorite of the monkey was #4. Cheers, Merv.
Thanks Rob, it's proving to be a really effective way for me to share more of my work, and hopefully to create a useful resource for people looking to improve their own photography.
Thanks for another great video Andy! And to answer regarding the baboon shot, I prefer your selection that allows viewing the animals more intimately. I feel like there is more emotion and connection.
Andy - outstanding demonstration of using backlight, lots of quality tips in here. Love the tip about highlighting an environmental shot with backlit subject - that’s something I had not considered so far.
Andy, I was pointed in your direction by Adam Juckes this morning and boy am I glad he did. What an amazing video. Wonderfully presented and explained. Now spending the rest of my day watching the rest of your stuff! Thank you 🙏🏼
One of the best videos I have had the pleasure to view to date. Not too many photographers on youtube share tips not only on light but how to achieve the eye catching beauty of backlit images. Thank you
I enjoyed and admired your backlit images a lot, Andy. And your comments. I think that many of my images may be too bright for them to be as expressive as yours are. I definitely need to work on this aspect and experiment... - A warm thanks from Norbert
@JulianLane Hey Julian, my apologies for the slow response, but I've been travelling back from Brazil. Yes, of course, no problem! First thing to say is that whatever works best for you individually is the right way to go. For me I like to simplify, to streamline my work as much as possible. So when I shoot I commit 100%. I don't follow subjects through light and into shade, I prioritise and will only shoot in very specific situations. I set my ISO, I set my aperture and then, by shooting in Manual I only have to rotate the command dial, making tiny adjustments to shutter speed to maintain the correct exposure, backed up by my viewfinder Histogram. I focus on the shutter button, not back button, so I'm left with one thing to do. Likely, when the subject is in the light, however much light, my exposure is accurate. If I shot in AV I would be forever adjusting the exposure compensation, depending on the amount of light on the subject. That would slow me down, would be less accurate, and would involve more fingers pressing more buttons.
@christophercann3831 Hey Christopher. Not yet. In the absence of a video (I'm travelling a LIT in the first 5 months of 2025!) aim to shoot between 1/10th-1/20th sec, work with repeatable behaviour wherever possible and I promise that I'll get to it at some point in the near future! 👍
I will be delighted if you find it useful. Even one gem of beneficial information can help to unlock certain aspects of photography, so thanks again for your kind comment!
Hi Andy, what a fantastic video. I have always loved backlit, low key and high key photography so this video was of particular interest to me. Hopefully you will create a video covering high key in due course. My personal favorite of the monkey was #4. So much to learn here. Cheers,Merv
@@andyparkinsonphotography Andy you are really too kind! With your background & immense standing in the world of nature photography (I can’t see anyone with as many accolades as yours), your benevolence in imparting your knowledge, coming from your stature is really highly appreciated. Giving back to the community is your highest reward! ❤️
Wonderful video - I am a relatively new photographer, mostly birds. I have accidentally captured a couple of quasi-decent backlighted images, but this video really made me think and start to understand the how and why. FYI, I like Baboon #2 - my birding photo buddies have commented that I seem to like slightly underexposed images. Not sure why.
Hi Richard, it's a common misnomer, I think. They're talking about the OVERALL scene where, typically, if you're shooting in backlight, you'll likely be shooting with negative compensation (if in Aperture priority or AV), hence why people mistakenly refer to it as underexposing. You're not underexposing, you're exposing correctly FOR THE SUBJECT! 👍
Hi Andy A great video on "contre jour" which I have posted on our photographic club page as there will be many who are interested to see this. I found it very instructive and helpful and luckily had a suitable photo to post with it.
@@andyparkinsonphotography ok mate, I do love a bit UA-cam, when you can find something worth watching and you've certainly done that. Glad to see it's all worked out for you and your family.
@dalesutton1284 I think it'll become a really useful way for me to share my images and my experience and hopefully simplify something that is so often overcomplicated! 👊
An excellent tutorial, Andy. I experiment with backlighting every now and again but the way you combine backlight with wide angle, letting the backlight draw attention to the subject is something I haven't tried yet. Thank you so much. One question - how much do you recover shadow detail on the animal? Is it something you do often or do you largely let the image speak for itself (knowing the compromises you need to make at the time of shooting).
Critiquing your own images is one of the most difficult but most important aspects of photography. We all need to unload the emotional attachment to images and it is not an easy process which time and effort.
What an explanation. I am a big fan of backlit photography and try often to position for that. Just a question, would you opt for spot metering or matrix while shooting backlit. Thank you
Quality content as always Andy! Really nicely and easily explained. As for the baboon, i would go with #1 the others seem to start losing the quality in the highlights. But again, everybody has their own style and their ideas of what they want to show in the picture. Can we cut down the week to 2 days or so…looking forward for the next one!
No, never, it's far too variable, IMHO. I always use Matrix metering, though now, as I shoot mirrorless with the Z9, I shoot Manual 100% of the time! 👍
Love your work. In relation to the backlit baboons, I prefer an image that allows some of the subject to be discernible, rather than a silhouette. This type of light is my favourite to work with. Sadly, we don’t have many baboons in Northern Ireland, well, not that type😳😳
@@njs12706 🤣🤣 I think the Irish hares would be a good subject, especially if they favour higher ground where the rising/setting sunlight will be stunning!
Hi Andy, very informative video with great examples. I try my best to get it right in camera but I sometimes end up slightly underexposing the image more than I'd like or vice versa. And since I am using a DSLR, it is a bit challenging to get it exactly right in camera. I then end up adjusting the exposure as per my liking in Lightroom Classic. I was just wondering if underexposing by one stop in Lightroom would give me the same effect as underexposing by a stop in camera while taking the shot or are they somehow different? Thanks!
One thing I would say is that if you underexpose too much in camera, and then have to lighten it in post-processing,then you will introduce noise. You won't if you overexpose, a little, and then slightly darken in post. 100% try to move to mirrorless if and when the finances allow it. It will revolutionise your photography and massively accelerate your learning! 👊
I've always favoured/used matrix metering, approximating my exposure by assessing the amount of light/dark in an image and determining what kind of result I am trying to elicit. Spot/Centre weighted I always felt was too variable to be reliable.
Honestly, your images are mesmerizing. I was always afraid to shoot with backlighting but after looking at your work, I am making a U-turn :) Wonder if all those images were handheld or do you use tripod? TIA
Thanks so much Zon, that means a great deal! Foes/badgers/swans etc are always with a tripod, mountain hares always handheld/resting on the ground. It always depends on the species!
Certainly. I ALWAYS use Matrix metering, in every situation, as both Centre weighted and Spot are too inconsistent. Try to assess the amount of light and dark within the frame, and set your exposure compensation accordingly. Or try Manual, which I use 100% of the time! 👍
Very good explanation Andy, Have learned a lot with your video. I've seen many talk about manual mode + auto iso, or fully manual. What are your preferences over these 2 settings? I've personally worked with both but would like to hear from you.
I use fully manual all the time. Firstly, I commit to the very best photographic possibility, I don't move lazily between light and shade. I set my ISO, I decide on my aperture, then as the opportunity unfolds I just change the shutter speed accordingly. I shoot mirrorless with a histogram in the viewfinder to maximise my exposure accuracy 👊
@@andyparkinsonphotography Thanks. I will fully commit myself from now on to go fully manual. Love your channel and your photography. Thanks for the inspiration to a young generation such as mine and beyond. love from Brazil.
Hey Andy I gotta say it’s very refreshing to see a wildlife photographer on UA-cam who can actually take good photos and gives good advice instead of the most basic and obvious “tips” for wildlife photography like all the other channels. Keep doing what you’re doing because UA-cam and future wildlife photographers need youtube channels like this that are genuine.
Thank you so much, it's so nice to have the support of people such as yourself. I really hope that I can create a valuable resource for sharing my images and experience within wildlife photography!
I live in the centre of Birmingham and this video led me to discover an RSPB reserve less that 5 miles away! Felt like a safe place to shoot with a long lens. Thanks for the encouragement to take another look at the wildlife on my doorstep and begin to reconnect.
@MymbleDaughter Hey Olivia. Thank you so much. Yours is such a heartwarming comment to receive, as it serves to remind me that my videos can achieve exactly what I hoped. Thank you so much!
Yes! Please continue producing more videos! Such a level up compared to 99% of all the “UA-cam-photographers” out there who only produce nonsense!
Thank you so much for your kindness and support!
Anyone wanna buy my camera gear? After seeing these wonderful pieces of art, I decided to start baking cakes instead of taking flat images. Brilliant work. Stunning.
🤣🤣 it's all about the light, no matter what you photograph, if the light is stunning, so the image will likely be! 👊
Found your channel by complete happenstance and I'm really glad. Anytime an experienced, quality photographer encourages other photographers to find their own style, it's a win. Also, love the tip on finding wildlife in your own area to shoot. Not all of us can get to the ends of the earth but there is plenty to capture in our own spheres. Learning every day. Thank you!
@ZumJane42 Thanks so much, Denise. Comments such as yours really make me believe that I'm on the right track with my channel. Thank you!
Andy, quite simply the best tutorial on backlighting I’ve ever seen. So many other lessons in here also e.g. persistence; practise; artistic interpretation; technical choice…can’t wait to see what you offer us next
I can't explain how much it means to me to receive comments such as yours Rik, thank you!
Thank you Andy, a really great video. I've recently found your channel on UA-cam and the quality and content is brilliant for photographers looking to learn and develop. I started my back lighting journey last weekend and am already hooked. Looking forward to seeing more and putting your advice into practice 👍
@paulwhitehouse4803 That's brilliant to hear Paul, and I'm delighted that my channel is serving its primary purpose!
you are the most underrated wildlife Photographer n youtube, your work is art
@@princedeol4570 thank you for that incredibly kind comment. Hopefully, as I am new to UA-cam, more people will find my channel over time! 🤞
Thank you for showing your works - they are different ....... impactful, stunning, mesmerising...... your photography is at another level....
Thank you so much. That is an incredibly kind comment to make!
Stunningly beautiful photographs. Looking forward to watching your future videos.
Thanks very much Glenda, the next video will be posted in about 10 days as I'm currently in Brazil 🇧🇷
Beautiful images. I love the hares and the robin in particular. Thanks for the quality advice. ❤❤❤❤❤
My pleasure Chris, thanks for the kind words of support!
This was quite the eye-opener. Thank you for giving me so much food for thought! I can only hope (and practice a lot!) to one day take pics anywhere close to yours.
I am delighted to hear that, Genevieve. It is my sincere hope that by sharing my images and my experience that I can help others to develop their skills!
This is a video that should watched over and over.
I'm delighted that you enjoyed it Robert!
Thank you sir for the great advice and tips!
@nathanfrisby3133 and thank you, Nathan, for the kind words. They are greatly appreciated!
I’m off to Finland next month to photograph brown bears, hope I get the opportunity to put some of these tips into practice
Good luck, have fun, and I hope that you capture some magic! 👊
So very glad to have discovered your channel, Andy. Sublime images. I'm really looking forward to whatever comes next! Thank you for sharing your expertise.
Thanks, Bill. I'm delighted that you found it too and that you took the time to leave such a kind and generous comment!
Thank you for sharing this great information. I look forward to seeing more videos from you!
I'm really looking forward to sharing my next video in about 10 days. After I get back from Brazil, I will endeavour to post them weekly!
@@andyparkinsonphotography Wonderful!
Watched all 3 since day one and cannot wait for the next one. My new Tutor!!!!
Thanks for the support, Owen, I'm happy to be so! 😊
@@andyparkinsonphotography Keep up the good work the videos are excellent!
Thanks Andy for this wonderful video, explaining the principles of backlighting! I've subscribed to your channel and look forward to your next one.
Thanks, Paul, that's very much appreciated. I'm in Brazil currently, so I'm hoping to post the next video in about 10 days!
Very good discussion of back lighting. Great images. Good advise on practicing new techniques . I look forward to your episode each week.
.
@tomklingele510 they're will get a bit of a break now as I'm in Brazil but I'm working on new videos all the time. Between mid-September and Christmas, I aim to post once a week!
Most comprehensive backlit tutorial I have seen so far!! Thanks a lot for sharing your experience Andy. Cant wait for slow shutter tutorial in coming weeks
Thanks, Akshay, that is great to know. I'll be sure to do the slow exposure tutorial sooner rather than later, I have some new images to share!
Andy your channel is fantastic! I was having a go panning some gannets last week, stuck to 1/30th so definitely know I need to go a bit slower now. Just mid day experimentation but fun. Zero stress 😁
@teeeenyfifi always the best way, and gannets are a perfect subject to practice with. Repeatable behaviour is such a benefit, and really helps with the creative exploring. Fingers crossed that create some magic! 🤞
Which of course I am 100% certain that you will!
What a fantastic video, so full of information and ideas. I have always liked backlit and low and high key photgraphy, so I learned a lot from this. Hopefully you will create a video covering high key photography in due course. My personal favorite of the monkey was #4. Cheers, Merv.
Excellent video!
Thanks, Joe, much appreciated!
Great tips, thank you.
@@andriesjansevanrensburg9816 Thank you, Andries!
Another fantastic video Andy. So great to see you sharing lots of your stunning images in this way.
Thanks Rob, it's proving to be a really effective way for me to share more of my work, and hopefully to create a useful resource for people looking to improve their own photography.
Thanks for another great video Andy! And to answer regarding the baboon shot, I prefer your selection that allows viewing the animals more intimately. I feel like there is more emotion and connection.
@@mikearcher6239 my thoughts exactly. This is something that I prioritise in my work.
Andy - outstanding demonstration of using backlight, lots of quality tips in here. Love the tip about highlighting an environmental shot with backlit subject - that’s something I had not considered so far.
I'm delighted that you found the video useful!
You rarely come across great wildlife photography tutorials like these on UA-cam. Great content Andy! ❤
Thank you so much, Vasura! 👊
Andy, I was pointed in your direction by Adam Juckes this morning and boy am I glad he did. What an amazing video. Wonderfully presented and explained. Now spending the rest of my day watching the rest of your stuff! Thank you 🙏🏼
😁 a massive thank you to Adam for the recommendation and to you for the kind words and support! 🙏
Beautiful insights...looking forward to more great content!
Thanks, Tabish. I'm looking forward to creating more!
One of the best videos I have had the pleasure to view to date. Not too many photographers on youtube share tips not only on light but how to achieve the eye catching beauty of backlit images. Thank you
Thank you for the exceptionally kind words. They are so very appreciated!
Tankegang you for an ineresting lesson. Inspiring 😊
Thank you, Robert. I'm delighted that you enjoyed it!
Very well presented with excellent advice again. The badger at the end with the late sun was my favourite.
@relichunter7984 undoubtedly one of my favourite subjects, and one that I need to revisit soon!
I enjoyed and admired your backlit images a lot, Andy. And your comments. I think that many of my images may be too bright for them to be as expressive as yours are. I definitely need to work on this aspect and experiment... - A warm thanks from Norbert
Thank you, Norbert, enjoy the process of exploring with your photography and maybe adjusting the way that you shoot!
As usual a class presentation by a class photographer .. Different league ..
@enmark5 man, that is such an awesomely kind thing to say, massively appreciated!
Great and useful video, Andy! Let’s hope these tips will materialize with the macaws this afternoon. 😊
Michaël.
😊 Thanks, Michael, we can hope!
Fantastic as always Andy, certainly my favourite form of lighting and lots of great tips! x
Thanks Jane, I really appreciate that x
Amazing advice and stunning images to illustrate your point. If I managed to take just one image as good as any of these, I would die happy!
@SkylarkFields so often it is the ability to create the right opportunity. You got this!
Wonderfully clear and amazing! Thank you so much. Loved your recommendation for learning by shooting locally.
@kvsonyt thanks so much, Sreeni. I really appreciate your kind feedback!
Beautiful done, Andy. Thank you for sharing your work with the YT community. Safe travels, mate.😊
👊
Excellent Andy and again inspiring to improve my own photography and think a little more outside the box 👌👍
@paulcbennettphotography7959 I am so honoured to hear that people are finding them useful. It is my only goal!
stunning images, you know your stuff...subscribed
Thanks, Colin, that made me smile! 😊
Outstanding video - thank you very much for making it! I find your videos consistently to be superior, and inspirational. Keep up the great work!
Thanks Will, I really appreciate that!
Brilliant video Andy - such amazing advice and brilliantly delivered
Thank you so much, Adam. I really do appreciate the support!
Wow..!! Andy, great work and perspective. Hope to see more of your incredible approaches!!!
@Nishant.photographs plenty more videos coming, my friend, I have a lot of experience and images to share!
Brilliant mate. Keep em coming. 👍🏻
@craigmaisfield3247 will do mate. Thanks always for the support and encouragement. It means a lot!
Andy, Another great video with stunning photos to illustrate. Thanks for sharing!
@Jonathantuba thanks for your kind words and your support. They're both so very appreciated!
Superb video Andy, understand light is everything.
It's a very good place to start!
Great video as usual
Thank you so much, Sreejith! 👊
Very useful tips. Images look awesome. Thanks for the upload.
Thank you, I really appreciate that!
Amazing photography and advice again, I liked the new addition of humour!
🤣 I'm trying! 🤣
Fantastically useful, thank you
That's great to know, Julian. Thank you!
@@andyparkinsonphotography can you explain why you don't simply use the exposure compensation button instead of changing the shutter speed?
@JulianLane Hey Julian, my apologies for the slow response, but I've been travelling back from Brazil. Yes, of course, no problem! First thing to say is that whatever works best for you individually is the right way to go. For me I like to simplify, to streamline my work as much as possible. So when I shoot I commit 100%. I don't follow subjects through light and into shade, I prioritise and will only shoot in very specific situations. I set my ISO, I set my aperture and then, by shooting in Manual I only have to rotate the command dial, making tiny adjustments to shutter speed to maintain the correct exposure, backed up by my viewfinder Histogram. I focus on the shutter button, not back button, so I'm left with one thing to do. Likely, when the subject is in the light, however much light, my exposure is accurate. If I shot in AV I would be forever adjusting the exposure compensation, depending on the amount of light on the subject. That would slow me down, would be less accurate, and would involve more fingers pressing more buttons.
Awesome info Andy keep it coming please
@@IngolfurDavid will do my friend 👊
Great video
Thank you!
Thank you for a fantastic UA-cam channel, with lots of outstanding photos and good advices.
Thank you so much!
'Quite Superb'...Many thanks Andy.
Massively appreciated Brian, thank you!
Thank you for the learning section 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 amazing backlight pictures!
Thanks, Chris, that's very much appreciated!
Any update on the slow shutter speed video? Very keen to learn about the technique !
@christophercann3831 Hey Christopher. Not yet. In the absence of a video (I'm travelling a LIT in the first 5 months of 2025!) aim to shoot between 1/10th-1/20th sec, work with repeatable behaviour wherever possible and I promise that I'll get to it at some point in the near future! 👍
Another excellent and instructive video Andy with such helpful tips and advice, quite apart from your amazing wildlife photography.
I really appreciate that, Richard. Thank you so much!
Awesome pictures and crystal clear explanation, thank you very much.
I will be delighted if you find it useful. Even one gem of beneficial information can help to unlock certain aspects of photography, so thanks again for your kind comment!
Beautiful photography 🤘🏿
Thank you so much, Patrick
Thank you very much for this great video. Very educational. well done. (pic number 2 was my favorite one of the four options.)
Thank you for the response, it's always interesting to hear which particular version people connect most with. My favourite is #2 also!
Another fantastically informative piece 👍
Massively appreciated!
Excellent photos. I love those slow shutter images, it brings the image to life.
Thanks Jennifer, they're not everyone's cup of tea, but I've always liked them!
Amazing video. Just hit the nail on the head!! Much appreciated!!
Thank you, Himanshu. I'm delighted that you enjoyed it!
Hi Andy, what a fantastic video. I have always loved backlit, low key and high key photography so this video was of particular interest to me. Hopefully you will create a video covering high key in due course. My personal favorite of the monkey was #4. So much to learn here. Cheers,Merv
Thanks, Merv. I'm delighted that you found it useful! Good to know that your eye was drawn to #4 as well!
Hi Andy, this is a reference video of outstanding photography technique. So grateful to you for sharing. Many thanks!
@GalleryWildUK thank you so, so much, it is such a pleasure to receive such positive feedback!
@@andyparkinsonphotography Andy you are really too kind! With your background & immense standing in the world of nature photography (I can’t see anyone with as many accolades as yours), your benevolence in imparting your knowledge, coming from your stature is really highly appreciated. Giving back to the community is your highest reward! ❤️
Wonderful video - I am a relatively new photographer, mostly birds. I have accidentally captured a couple of quasi-decent backlighted images, but this video really made me think and start to understand the how and why. FYI, I like Baboon #2 - my birding photo buddies have commented that I seem to like slightly underexposed images. Not sure why.
Hi Richard, it's a common misnomer, I think. They're talking about the OVERALL scene where, typically, if you're shooting in backlight, you'll likely be shooting with negative compensation (if in Aperture priority or AV), hence why people mistakenly refer to it as underexposing. You're not underexposing, you're exposing correctly FOR THE SUBJECT! 👍
Awesome video and beautiful shots…great tutorial thx
Thank you so much, I'm delighted that you enjoyed it!
Amazing images and great explained.
Thanks Philipp, much appreciated!
Wonderful, Andy. Very inspiring.
Thank you so much, Kerry!
Absolutely mind blowing work. Thank you
Thank you so much, TJ!
Hi Andy A great video on "contre jour" which I have posted on our photographic club page as there will be many who are interested to see this. I found it very instructive and helpful and luckily had a suitable photo to post with it.
Fantastic, thank you so much Chris, I hope that it will be of use!
I loved this video. So beautiful, so inspiring. Thank you for making it.
Thanks so much, Dale. I'm really happy that you enjoyed it!
Brilliant video, very informative thanks
Delighted to hear that it was helpful Neil!
Well explained Andy , an interesting and entertaining watch👍
Very much appreciated, Dale, I hope that life is treating you well! 👍
@@andyparkinsonphotography ok mate, I do love a bit UA-cam, when you can find something worth watching and you've certainly done that.
Glad to see it's all worked out for you and your family.
@dalesutton1284 I think it'll become a really useful way for me to share my images and my experience and hopefully simplify something that is so often overcomplicated! 👊
An excellent tutorial, Andy. I experiment with backlighting every now and again but the way you combine backlight with wide angle, letting the backlight draw attention to the subject is something I haven't tried yet. Thank you so much.
One question - how much do you recover shadow detail on the animal? Is it something you do often or do you largely let the image speak for itself (knowing the compromises you need to make at the time of shooting).
Thanks, Dave, I'm really glad that found it interesting!
Critiquing your own images is one of the most difficult but most important aspects of photography. We all need to unload the emotional attachment to images and it is not an easy process which time and effort.
Very true. I often struggle with the emotional attachment aspect, favouring particular images, which I usually notice more flaws in at a later date!
Wow images.. Thanks for inspiring
Thank you, Santosh!
congrats turning 75!!!
@@elangwenev 🤣 cheeky! xx
What an explanation. I am a big fan of backlit photography and try often to position for that. Just a question, would you opt for spot metering or matrix while shooting backlit. Thank you
Many thanks, Vibhash. I use matrix metering 100% of the time. Spot metering, I find, is far to variable in the results that it gives!
Quality content as always Andy! Really nicely and easily explained. As for the baboon, i would go with #1 the others seem to start losing the quality in the highlights. But again, everybody has their own style and their ideas of what they want to show in the picture. Can we cut down the week to 2 days or so…looking forward for the next one!
Will definitely get quicker when I'm back from Brazil! 👊😊
Fantastic video😊 Do you use spot metering to get the right exposure for this?
No, never, it's far too variable, IMHO. I always use Matrix metering, though now, as I shoot mirrorless with the Z9, I shoot Manual 100% of the time! 👍
And I have the Histogram in my viewfinder to back up my observations through the live viewfinder!
Love your work. In relation to the backlit baboons, I prefer an image that allows some of the subject to be discernible, rather than a silhouette. This type of light is my favourite to work with. Sadly, we don’t have many baboons in Northern Ireland, well, not that type😳😳
@@njs12706 🤣🤣 I think the Irish hares would be a good subject, especially if they favour higher ground where the rising/setting sunlight will be stunning!
It would be great if you could also show how you edit the photos.
Thanks, Sam. I definitely will be sharing how I process various images in upcoming tutorials!
Can't wait, love your photos.
@sam11985 thank you so much!
Subscribed!
Thanks for the support, Debra!
Hi Andy, very informative video with great examples. I try my best to get it right in camera but I sometimes end up slightly underexposing the image more than I'd like or vice versa. And since I am using a DSLR, it is a bit challenging to get it exactly right in camera. I then end up adjusting the exposure as per my liking in Lightroom Classic. I was just wondering if underexposing by one stop in Lightroom would give me the same effect as underexposing by a stop in camera while taking the shot or are they somehow different?
Thanks!
One thing I would say is that if you underexpose too much in camera, and then have to lighten it in post-processing,then you will introduce noise. You won't if you overexpose, a little, and then slightly darken in post. 100% try to move to mirrorless if and when the finances allow it. It will revolutionise your photography and massively accelerate your learning! 👊
@@andyparkinsonphotography noted. Thanks!
Do you meter on the highlights?
I've always favoured/used matrix metering, approximating my exposure by assessing the amount of light/dark in an image and determining what kind of result I am trying to elicit. Spot/Centre weighted I always felt was too variable to be reliable.
Honestly, your images are mesmerizing. I was always afraid to shoot with backlighting but after looking at your work, I am making a U-turn :)
Wonder if all those images were handheld or do you use tripod? TIA
Thanks so much Zon, that means a great deal! Foes/badgers/swans etc are always with a tripod, mountain hares always handheld/resting on the ground. It always depends on the species!
Please could you advise me what metering do you choose with backlit photos ? Thank you
Certainly. I ALWAYS use Matrix metering, in every situation, as both Centre weighted and Spot are too inconsistent. Try to assess the amount of light and dark within the frame, and set your exposure compensation accordingly. Or try Manual, which I use 100% of the time! 👍
Thank you kindly
Great video
Thanks Steve
Very good explanation Andy, Have learned a lot with your video. I've seen many talk about manual mode + auto iso, or fully manual. What are your preferences over these 2 settings? I've personally worked with both but would like to hear from you.
I use fully manual all the time. Firstly, I commit to the very best photographic possibility, I don't move lazily between light and shade. I set my ISO, I decide on my aperture, then as the opportunity unfolds I just change the shutter speed accordingly. I shoot mirrorless with a histogram in the viewfinder to maximise my exposure accuracy 👊
@@andyparkinsonphotography Thanks. I will fully commit myself from now on to go fully manual. Love your channel and your photography. Thanks for the inspiration to a young generation such as mine and beyond. love from Brazil.
@herbalist8783 Thank you, I'm actually in Brazil at the moment, in the Pantanal! 🇧🇷
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I think Baboon #3 looks good, but if I was in this situation I would panic and just put random settings in the camera. 😂
🤣 hopefully, by watching my channel, I will be able to share information in such a way that you remain calm in such situations! 🤞
Thanks, hopefully your videos will help.
Baboon #2 and #3.
Thanks for your feedback!
Baboon #3
Thank you!
Boon 4 -
@CharleyHarley01 thank you for your Boon feedback! 🐒
baboon 1
Thank you, it's always good to hear the preferences of different people!
Baboon 4
Thank you!
babbon no1 i liked best
Thanks for letting me know Hal, much appreciated!