Here’s an example of using exposure compensation to get the look you want. These plants were at the edge of a pond at Fraser Foreshore Park in Burnaby, BC.

I had the camera on a tripod, and took several shots, dialing in more and more negative, or minus, compensation with each shot.

EV – 0.7

EV – 1.3

EV – 2.0

EV – 2.7

EV – 3.3

EV – 4.0

All DSLRs should be able to do this, and many pocket cameras. Check your manual if you don’t know how to use these controls. It’s usually a button with a +/- sign on it. On my Nikon DSLRs it’s right next to the shutter button (that’s how useful it is!), and on my teeny pocket Canon, it’s right on the back next to the movie button. On some cameras, it’s unfortunately buried in a screen menu.

Enjoying the imminent onset of autumn? Are you nuts?

Nope, I love autumn. The coolness, the colours, the crisp and crunchy sound of leaves underfoot.

Autumn is a great time to view and photograph wildlife. Animals are active, knowing winter is coming, with some stocking up for the leaner months ahead, others migrating.

Here on the west coast of Canada, autumn also brings the iconic salmon back to local streams and rivers. It’s the season streamkeepers anticipate with hope for strong, healthy returns.

Belted Kingfisher

Autumn Stream of Dreams