Friday
Apr082011
Photo of the Day - Zebras and Wildebeest
Friday, April 8, 2011 at 09:05AM 
Running Zebras and Wildebeest, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. March 2011
Nikon D3x, 200-400mm, 1/40 @ f/7.1, ISO 125
Friday, April 8, 2011 at 09:05AM
Reader Comments (3)
Andy,
How did you expose for this picture given how strongly backlit it was? And how is the Zebra so sharp at 1/40?
Great questions. Let me tackle them separately.
When I shoot these types of shots (blurred panning), I always switch to shutter speed priority mode. I may or may not put some exposure compensation in, depending on my subjects. Remember that the exposure on the subject(s) is what matters, not the exposure on the background or anywhere else. I love backlit or side lighting scenarios when there is dust involved, as the light comes through the dust and adds another dimension to a photograph. I don't think I added any exposure compensation on this shot, though.
The way to get sharp shots at slower shutter speeds is to move your lens with the subject. You have to follow your subject, otherwise you will end up with a really blurry image.
I hope this helps!
Killer, unique image, Andy.
- Chris Kayler