Need Tips in Photographing White Flowers

[Lee Conner]

Originally Posted by Ross

First you need to be in PASM mode (check your manual). Select Aperature Priority mode for metering. Select Center Spot for Exposure metering. The read the white orchid. If possible set the reading 1/3 to 2/3 lower than the light meter setting. I don't see where your camera has any way to set it manually.

Lee conner 60875013

This expanation will only work if you can depress your shutter release half way down and while holding it in the half way down position it will lock the sensor for exposure. If your camera works that way, here is the way to obtain perfect exposure everytime. First , an explaination of why. The camera sensors create an exposure value equivilent to 20% gray to give a correct reading for rendering skin tone correctly. Kodak sells cards called an 80/20 card. But the perfect subsitute for that card is the palm of your hand. If you hold your hand at the flower, press the shutter down half way; Caution( it may lock focus as well ) hold the shutter down remove hand and take photo. It will be perfectly lit if all conditions are possible and met.

I used to photograph old masters for museums, some were dark and some were light, so to get the correct exposure I always used my hand or the 80/20 card to set the correct exposure.