What's the best way to deal w overexposed shots? I usually adjust the levels (gain). I just wanted to see if anyone had a better method. Thanks.

I'm not a DP...

But

* use less light
* use a gel (or two)
* iris down
* fix it in post

?

Reshoot.

I'm not a DP...

But

* use less light
* use a gel (or two)
* iris down
* fix it in post

?

I'd say those would all be potential answers. I'd add "Use to scrim (or two)", as an addition to "use a gel". Of course if the problem is bright daylight have to handle it at the camera. I'm no DP either. I just got the chance to watch a really good one work.

This is in post production, so he's already shot it.

This is in post production, so he's already shot it.

I guess I should have mentioned I was referring to post... I shoot often times outdoors in extreme conditions so not much time to reshoot :)

In post, there's not much you can do... >100% white is lost to you mathematically :(

10-4

I guess I should have mentioned I was referring to post... I shoot often times outdoors in extreme conditions so not much time to reshoot :)


Does your camera have zebra, or some other way to know you're over-exposed?

I do have zebra, and I do use it. My shots aren't that overexposed... sometimes I just wish I had the aperture closed a bit more. I shoot on the boat a lot and the lighting changes with the sun and clouds. Not too big of a deal.

Try pulling up your scopes (under the views or windows menu) and seeing where the whites and blacks lie according to the numbers. If you can get the blacks to touch the 0 and the whites to stay just touching or under the 100 line.

That should give you an idea of whether your whites are actually blown out or not. A color corrector will allow you to pull the whites back and hit the 0 with your blacks, then adjust your mids to taste. Little moves though, like Jodie Foster in contact ;)