Going Flat Out
Jul 01, 2024
By Steven Reid
One of my favourite tips from my DLSR days can be revitalised for today’s Mirrorless world.
When shooting a DSLR most people would “chimp” to check the image’s exposure, but few would stop to consider what they were looking at. When shooting RAW the histogram and highlight/shadow warnings on the back of the camera are coming from a JPEG file embedded within the RAW. This means that the actual RAW file will contain a greater dynamic range with a little more latitude for retaining highlights and shadows than the warnings would suggest.
So how does this relate to modern mirrorless cameras? Well with simulated exposures visible in the EVF (Electronic View Finder) we are basically chimping all the time and not many photographers are actually considering what it is they are looking at…
So if your EVF is displaying a histogram or the super useful real-time shadow and highlight warnings, you have to ask your self what is being clipped the RAW file or the EVF. To test this, change your image/colour profile to see what affect it has on your viewfinder.
For me personally I have found it best to shoot with a flat or low contrast profile to push my RAW files as hard as I can. I find my self doing this the most in aviation photography as I try to get as much detail as I can in the shadows whilst pushing my highlights right up to the clipping point.
Did you know our blogs are written exclusively by photographers inside the Accelerator? We'd love for you to come and see what COAP Online is all about.
Not yet part of the Aviation Photography Accelerator?
Start this month for £19
Every month the whole community locks onto one Focus Subject and learns it live with our pro instructors. You also get instant access to everything we have ever made: 30+ workshop replays, 150+ tutorials, four pro masterclasses, and The Merge, our private community of 500+ aviation photographers.
Cancel any time. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Included with the Accelerator
Exclusive gear discounts at Clifton Cameras
Everyone inside the Accelerator qualifies for exclusive pricing on cameras, lenses and accessories through our retail partner, Clifton Cameras. The saving on a single purchase can cover several months of the Accelerator.
Discounts available across
Get a free tutorial to your inbox every week!
Subscribe toĀ our mailing list to receive a fantasticĀ aviation photography tutorial to your inbox every Tuesday!
We hate spam as much as you. We will never sell your information, for any reason.
