jam Loc: Beaufort, NC

I have been trying to shoot some at a track competition. The sun is behind the runners as they cross the finish line. I just have not been able to get the shoots right. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Toby

If available on your camera, increase the Exposure Compensation until you get the proper light level on the athlete. This adjustment basically tells the camera I don't care what you think the settings should be I want more light (or less). I believe you must be in manual or aperture or shutter priority to do this.

jam Loc: Beaufort, NC

Thank you

birdpix Loc: South East Pennsylvania

You will need to spot meter directly off the athlete OR, if you are metering in Matrix or Evaluative, dial in +1 to +2 stops of exposure compensation. This is available in Aperture or Shutter priority or fully automatic. It is not available in manual as you are expected to make the adjustment yourself in that mode.

The fundamental problem is that you are backlit and the meter is being fooled by the bight sun in the background into thinking the exposure needs to be lower. If you spot meter, the camera doesn't see the background and your exposure will be more accurate. If you are using one of the Evaluative (Canon) or Matrix (Nikon) metering systems then Exposure Compensation tells the camera to override the meter reading by the amount you dial in.

Good luck!

jam Loc: Beaufort, NC

Thanks to everyone