Could use some guidance: So I have read how, I have watched videos on how but for some reason my brain just doesn't want to hold on to the information. I took this shot of a white lily...

gtilford Loc: Woodstock, Ontario, Canada

So I have read how, I have watched videos on how but for some reason my brain just doesn't want to hold on to the information. I took this shot of a white lily this past Sunday and I am still not able to get the amount of detail in any shot whether flower, bird etc that I would like. Does anyone have a simple way or explanation of how to achieve more details captured in my white images?

Thanks for any and all input

(Download)

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Spot meter on the white???

MountainDave

When I am shooting a light object against a dark background, I typically reduce the exposure. 1/3 to 2/3 a stop usually does the trick. Conversely, if I'm shooting a dark object against a light background, I increase exposure.

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

I'm not very good at PP. But I find that if in LR I run the highlights slider all the way to the left, then back off to where I like it, it helps. That combined with clarity tends to do the trick for me.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

AzPicLady wrote:

I'm not very good at PP. But I find that if in LR I run the highlights slider all the way to the left, then back off to where I like it, it helps. That combined with clarity tends to do the trick for me.

Same in PSE.

Don, the 2nd son Loc: Crowded Florida

Manipulating the "highlight sliders" in Post processing works for me too, when shot in RAW especially. Spot metering and under-exposure help greatly as well. Bracketing exposures is another trick worth working into the "field work" agenda. I have also carried a check list to help me remember while on a "shoot.' If I can remember the list

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gtilford wrote:

So I have read how, I have watched videos on how but for some reason my brain just doesn't want to hold on to the information. I took this shot of a white lily this past Sunday and I am still not able to get the amount of detail in any shot whether flower, bird etc that I would like. Does anyone have a simple way or explanation of how to achieve more details captured in my white images?

Thanks for any and all input

There is, as you ask for, an actually simple way. Simple however does not equal quick-and-easy.
"How do you get to Carnegie Hall ?"

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

gtilford wrote:

So I have read how, I have watched videos on how but for some reason my brain just doesn't want to hold on to the information. I took this shot of a white lily this past Sunday and I am still not able to get the amount of detail in any shot whether flower, bird etc that I would like. Does anyone have a simple way or explanation of how to achieve more details captured in my white images?

Thanks for any and all input

What the previous replies (Longshadow, MountainDave, AzPicLady, Architect1776, Don, the 2nd son) wrote can all work. I use all of those but I am using Ps and ACR. Theoretically they all accomplish the same thing. Another way that I use in Ps is adjust the Levels Tool. Good luck. And your water lily / lotus looks pretty good as it is.

Toment Loc: FL, IL

I can't get the EXIF from this photo. DOF is determined by f stop. F11 will give more DOF than f2.8.
Detail in this photo is very good. I can count the legs on the fly. Hope this helps.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Some people learn best by building a foundation first. Instead of "trying spot metering" or "trying adjustments in post-processing," first learn the definition of exposure and then learn the definition of dynamic range.

For some, the "why" is important to understanding how and when.

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Linda From Maine wrote:

Some people learn best by building a foundation first. Instead of "trying spot metering," first learn the definition of exposure and then learn the definition of dynamic range.

For some, the "why" is important to understanding how and when.

Thaz how you get to Carnegie Hall.

MosheR Loc: New York City

gtilford wrote:

So I have read how, I have watched videos on how but for some reason my brain just doesn't want to hold on to the information. I took this shot of a white lily this past Sunday and I am still not able to get the amount of detail in any shot whether flower, bird etc that I would like. Does anyone have a simple way or explanation of how to achieve more details captured in my white images?

Thanks for any and all input

If this is the result you want, I did it using the NIK Collection filter known as the "Detail Extractor." It took about ten seconds, start to finish.

(Download)

gtilford Loc: Woodstock, Ontario, Canada

MosheR wrote:

If this is the result you want, I did it using the NIK Collection filter known as the "Detail Extractor." It took about ten seconds, start to finish.

This is closer to what is actually seen with the naked eye when looking at the lily in the water. That collection is available in DXO is this correct, I currently use NX Studio to manipulate my raw photo to a TIFF which I then use Topaz DeNoise on if it is needed and then I use Affinity Photo to do any other manipulation. I have downloaded DXO Photo currently to try on my laptop as Affinity photo will not work on the laptop. The advantage of using the laptop is that it has a touch screen and I am thinking fine edits maybe simpler with the pen instead of the mouse. Thanks for the input

gtilford Loc: Woodstock, Ontario, Canada

MountainDave wrote:

When I am shooting a light object against a dark background, I typically reduce the exposure. 1/3 to 2/3 a stop usually does the trick. Conversely, if I'm shooting a dark object against a light background, I increase exposure.

I have been trying this but am still not quite happy with the detail I see in white subjects thanks for the input

gtilford Loc: Woodstock, Ontario, Canada

Longshadow wrote:

Spot meter on the white???

This is one of those things I have read about but keep forgetting to put into practice in the field. Thanks