Shooting trees from below

[EJC]

I was reminded of a problem I have by Mad Aussie's post this morning Silhouette
What should you do to capture tree canopies from below. In this photo I liked the gnarly branch silhuette and the orangey red flowers. But the photo isn't nearly as interesting as the image I saw. Would it have been better shot with a wide angle lens, compiled as an HDR or is it the seeing in 3D and capturing in 2D problem? What would improve this photo?

1/125, f9 ISO 320, 28-135 mm lens @ 28mm on a Canon40D

Thanks
EJC

[tirediron]

This is actually a very difficult image to capture successfully because of the significant difference between the light level under the canopy and the sky. The first thing I would do would be to plan the shot for very early in the morning on a clear day, and use a CPOL. This will get you the darkest blue in the sky, and give the smallest exposure difference between sky and foliage. Then, I would spot meter several different points and average the exposure for them, and shoot a series using bracketing, probably in 1/2 stops, 3 under and 3 over. (You're likely going to need a tripod, since you can expect long exposure times unless you crank the heck outta the ISO). An HDR Merge might work, but in an image like this you'd have to be careful to avoid the 'cartoon' like quality often associated with HDR - good luck.

[jjeling]

Generally, If Im shooting the canopy from the ground, I like to use a wide angle lens. I try to leave the ground out of the picture, but try and keep the trunks of the trees in to give a size reference. If your shooting with a telephoto lens, its always better to shoot with you back to the sun, without any or some clouds in the sky, never full cover. A CPOL helps, A LOT, but itsnt totally necessary.

[Mad Aussie]

I think HDR is the way to go for this seeing as you aren't after the silhouette ... you want the colour.

The dynamic range here is huge so I think HDR is the only way.

I would have also used a flash for at one of the shots.

[EJC]

Thanks for the advice guys! I hadn't thought of using flash and getting the trunk in is a good idea too.
cheers
Ted

[jjeling]

Be careful when using your flash. Remember, generally your flash is really only effective inside 15 feet. Beyond that, the flash is pretty much useless, so if those branches are any more than 20 feet away, you should reconsider a new flash or moving on to a new shot. Personally, I dont believe you would need a flash. I would just wait until the sun is going to be in the right spot for the picture. Another thing you should consider is, think about how long the picture is going to be there.
This is the main reason I avoid sunset pictures. You can take a sunset picture almost every single night. If you mess it up the first time, wait and try it again the second, or third time. Practice makes perfect, but I would not get so frustrated over one shot that you remain too focused on it. IMO, I would continue to shoot elsewhere and think about how you might compose and expose this shot. When it occurs to you, go back to this place, or places like it and try it again.