[dogdots]

This is a terrible picture. She let it be known to me she didn't like her picture being taken. I would like some help on what to do when taking pictures towards a clear, sunny sky.

[Markulous]

There are a couple of ways/tools:

Metering Mode - meters for Average or Centre. Here your camera is set on Centre: exposure correct in the middle but overexposed around the edge. Set it on Average and it'll be closer to correct for the sky but underexposed on bird

Exposure Compensation - allows corrections to the metered information

Exposure Lock - allows reading to be taken and then 'locks' info into camera until shot taken

It's worth reading up how to achieve each of those on your camera and then experiment!

BTW, I rather like your shot - it's an unusual pose and the burned sky suits

[chrisa]

Add to the above if you can shoot in RAW to allow more adjustment afterwards.

Spot metering could be worth a try too if you have a suitable subject for it.

Also if you can move your position

[silver]

the problem isn't the metering,. it's the tonal range you are trying to capture,. choose a different background or try flash,. something like 'better beamer' can help - at least a lot of birders use somthing similar

Sil

[dogdots]

Wow....so much info-Thanks. I will have to try it all out. Question tho...what is "better beamer"?

[silver]

'better beamer' - Google Search it's a plastic lens that extends flash range

Sil

[dogdots]

Sorry...never thought to google it...I will read up on it. Thanks.

[Boofers]

still a great capture,,,I have a few shots that this happened to, (really a lot) and would have eight more of the same shot come out exposed proper. I must have been doing something wrong to end up with such good pictures and some that seemed to be burned out but looked really cool. I use a filter or polerizer now and still shoot the same and I can tell a difference,,,for me it works,,or I'm saying that people make different photographers with their own styles that might be very hard to change. Exposurer compansation also made a big improvement for my style....

[dogdots]

Boofers I took so many shots of this bird cleaning herself. I do have one with a feather in her mouth, but still the rear view. I use a filter on my lens, but seems like I need something more. Pictures taken towards the sky really takes some work.