What kind and model of camera are you using? The basic problem I see is what is called "blown highlights". This basically means the lightest areas of an image are so overexposed that they lose detail. Digital cameras have an inherant problem with dynamic range. That is, they just can't give results of subjects with both dark and bright areas to a degree even near what our eyes can. If your camera has manual exposure capability then decrease the exposure by either using a faster shutter speed or a larger F-stop number or a combination of both and this may take some experimentation. If your camera doesn't allow for manual setting but does have a readout of what exposure values it is about to set automatically then move your camera a little from side to side and/or up or down until the display shows the LEAST amount of exposure and then take the photo. Another possible fix is to get a decent photo editing program and adjust brightness and contrast settings. Sometimes this will help some and sometimes even a good editing program can't rescue a badly over or underexposed subject. If your camera has what is called spot metering then by all means us it and put the spot over the brightest area of the scene, assuming the brightest area is the most important as it obviously is in your posted example. Hope this answers some of your questions and hasn't confused you even more.

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Gosh, thanks ever so, Ralph! I'm using a Dimage Z3. I just haven't had the confidence yet to attempt manual exposure. Reckon I'll have to take that leap next time I come across a heron or egret. 8-]

You didnt confuse me at all. Your explanation was very clear. Much as I LOVE photography, I have a real problem, as a rule, grasping all the technical aspects, no matter how many explanations I read. Part of this, I suppose, is due to being an extremely visual learner.

ICA,
Sophie ^i^

Sophie, if your camera has manual then by all means experiment with it! I think you will be amazed at the results once you get the feel for what you're doing and a feel for what needs to be done in situations where bright areas are the main interest. Mind you, exposing for bright areas will definitely render dark areas underexposed but if those really aren't the main interest then it doesn't matter. Sometimes a happy medium can be found that works out nicely. I would suggest trying to find stationary subject such as white, pink or yellow flower against a darker background as opposed to the heron, which you can't control his movements, and experiment with the manual mode to see how decreasing the exposure will greatly enchance the details of the flowers. Hey, it's a digital camera you're working with so just go out and shoot your self silly and learn from it.

Here is a link that might be useful: My photo galleries

I second Ralph's experimenting with manual...I did it yesterday with my FujiFinePix E500...I did not take a photo without the manual setting and was amazed at the differences in the manual mode, EV & Fstop settings, I've had it since Dec last year...A whole new way of shooting and experimenting as long as you don't need 'right now' but then again, if your not in a hurry...I had to pay attention to adjusting the stops going up or going down, then pay attention to see what made the pic(after downloading...Haaaa, patience, my dear...LOL). For me learning is trying the different ways in an orderly fashion, REPEATEDLY AND make connect with what adjustments you had done...Anyway sorry for being so long winded, just wanted to encourage you...Actually I put cam back in the manual mode today to reenforce or see if I could remember what I'd learned yesterday...Take your camera off auto and have fun experimenting!

AND Ralph, your words inspired me to do just what you suggested...Thanks!

juanital

Learning Never Stops...

Juanital, I always try several different settings, then forget which I used for which pics. I must've packed the owner's manual, so I'm just doing trial and error right now. You're right. It's amazing how much difference it makes! There I was thinking the AUTO function was good enough for most shots. HA!

ICA,
Sophie^i^

juanital, I'm glad I said something to inspire or encourage you to try something new. One reason my 'ancient' film cameras are collecting dust is because with digital you can shoot and experiment and get crazy until the cows come home and guess what? You'll be amazed at what you capture and it won't put you in the poor house with film developing. There's never been a better learning tool for photography than digital imaging. Feedback is instantaneous. Make a screw-up? Just delete it!

Another suggestion on using manual. I don't know what shows in the displays of your or sophiemae's cameras but on my Canon 10D SLR the exposure information is superimposed on the image that shows on the screen. If I take a photo that looks overexposed all I have to do is review the image, take note of the exposure and then readjust from that. If either of your cameras don't have the exposure information available for review then it will be a little difficult setting just the right manual exposure the first time but you'll soon get the hang of how much more or less exposure you want. I would suggest a starting point of manually exposing (either under or over depending on what results you want) by one f stop or one shutter speed adjustment at a time. If that doesn't get the desired result then go another f stop or shutter speed adjustment. Just have some fun and see what you get. Remember, other than batteries, it's virtually costing you nothing to shoot your brains out!

Here is a link that might be useful: My photo galleries

Good advice from Ralph. Also try changing the 'speed' setting (that's the ISO setting, not shutter speed). Usually the default is 100, but if you can go to a higher setting, this can give you a WIDER exposure latitude - that is, you get better details in the WHITE and BLACK (shadow) areas (through 'low contrast). Some cameras also allow THIS contrast range to be adjusted.

Some cameras also allow you to 'bracket' exposures - they will take 3 photos together - one darker, one normal, and one lighter. So you may have to drag out the manual, make a cup of coffee, and go away to a quiet corner.