High-contrast scenes, especially common in mountainous landscapes, can be challenging to expose correctly. With the Sony Alpha 7R V, you can leverage its impressive nearly 15 stops of dynamic range to capture stunning details. Watch as Alpha Collective member Scott Kranz shares a step-by-step guide to confidently exposing these scenes:
How To Expose High-Contrast Scenes With The Sony Alpha 7R V
Step 1: Compose Your Shot
Begin by composing your image in the viewfinder or on the screen. Ensure you have framed your scene as desired.
Step 2: Set Your Aperture
Determine the depth of field you want for your shot and adjust your aperture accordingly. This will control how much of the scene is in focus, from foreground to background.
Step 3: Lock In ISO
If there’s no motion in your scene, set your ISO to 100. This will minimize noise and maximize image quality while taking advantage of the camera's dynamic range.
Step 4: Use Custom Zebra Settings
To eliminate guesswork, activate a custom zebra setting with a lower limit of 109. This helps you identify the exact point where highlight clipping starts when shooting in RAW, ensuring you capture all necessary details. (You can learn more about zebra patterns in this YouTube video.)
Step 5: Adjust Shutter Speed
With your aperture and ISO set, adjust your shutter speed. Slow it down until zebra patterns appear on the highlights. This indicates potential clipping.
Step 6: Check The Histogram
Observe the histogram to ensure it is pushed to the right edge without clipping. This placement maximizes detail capture in both highlights and shadows.
Step 7: Fine-Tune Shutter Speed
Dial back the shutter speed a few clicks to prevent highlight clipping while preserving shadow details. This fine-tuning is crucial for achieving balanced exposure.
Step 8: Capture Your Shot
Once satisfied with the settings, take the shot. By following this method, you can confidently expose high-contrast scenes, capturing all the nuances and details the landscape offers.
By using this technique, you can ensure that your images preserve highlights and protect shadow details, resulting in breathtaking photos with rich contrast and depth. Experiment with this approach and witness the transformative impact it can have on your photography.
Learn more about the Sony Alpha 7R V HERE.
See more of Scott Kranz’s work on his Alpha Universe Profile and on Instagram @scott_kranz.
See more videos like this one on the Alpha Universe YouTube Channel.
