URGENT UPDATE: Wildlife photographers are facing a critical challenge with blown-out skies and empty shadows in their images. A new video by renowned photographer Kilian reveals essential dynamic range fixes to enhance wildlife shots, emphasizing the immediate need for improved techniques as photographers head into peak shooting season.
Today, October 15, 2023, the latest insights from Kilian shed light on the importance of understanding dynamic range—how much brightness your camera can record. This knowledge is crucial for capturing stunning wildlife images that reflect the true beauty of nature, especially when dealing with harsh lighting conditions.
Kilian’s video clearly defines dynamic range as the number of “steps” between deep shadows and bright highlights that a camera sensor can effectively capture. Utilizing a modern mirrorless camera, he demonstrates how sensors with 13 to 14 stops at base ISO offer greater flexibility compared to older models, which generally max out at about 10 to 11 stops. The implications are significant: photographers can achieve smoother tonal transitions, making their wildlife subjects appear more lifelike.
The video illustrates the challenges faced when photographing wildlife in contrasting light. For instance, a bird perched between bright sunlight and deep shade can push many cameras beyond their limits in a single exposure. Kilian emphasizes that raising the ISO can reduce usable dynamic range—dropping from a potential 14 stops at ISO 100 to just 7 or 8 stops at ISO 6,400 due to noise interference in shadows.
He cautions photographers to pay close attention to their histograms. A histogram that hits the right edge indicates that highlight detail is lost, a critical lesson for anyone aiming to preserve detail in their images. Additionally, Kilian compares the tonal levels of JPEGs—only 256 levels—to raw files, which can exceed 16,000 levels, highlighting the advantages of shooting in raw format for more flexible post-processing.
Practical advice for photographers is also a key focus of the video. Kilian advises exposing to protect highlights in harsh light, suggesting adjustments to exposure settings to avoid clipping. He introduces techniques such as exposure bracketing and HDR, which can be particularly useful in wildlife scenarios when the subject remains still.
The video urges photographers to make conscious decisions on what to sacrifice in their shots instead of striving for a “perfect” histogram. Sometimes, protecting the subject may mean allowing the sky to clip or deep shadows to fall nearly black. This mindful approach can enhance the emotional impact of wildlife imagery, where contrast can evoke strong feelings.
Kilian encourages photographers to familiarize themselves with their camera’s limitations by consulting dynamic range tests on websites like Photons to Photos. This proactive strategy can help avoid disappointment in the field.
As wildlife photography continues to evolve, understanding these dynamic range principles is more crucial than ever. Many beloved wildlife images feature blown highlights and deep shadows, and recognizing this can lead to more intentional and powerful compositions.
For a complete rundown of these urgent tips and more, watch Kilian’s full video now. Stay tuned for ongoing updates as wildlife photography techniques continue to develop.
Alex Cooke, a Cleveland-based photographer and meteorologist, emphasizes the importance of these insights for both seasoned and novice photographers alike. With this critical information at hand, wildlife enthusiasts are better equipped to capture breathtaking images that truly reflect the natural world.
