Exposure

UNDERSTANDiNG Exposure

Exposure refers to the amount of light that your film/sensor is “exposed” to. A correct exposure should (if black and white) have both good black and white parts showing in the image. This is referred to as the contrast in your image. If a photo is underexposed (not enough light), your image will be dark. That is why cameras have a flash. If a photo is overexposed (too much light) it can be very bright and white.

When you under expose a photo, you are not letting enough light into the sensor. This cause the photo to look very dark and you lose detail. Controlling the amount of exposure in your image can change the effect/feeling you get from an image. This means you can do a controlled UNDER exposure to make your image have a dark cold, dangours, or sad feeling to it.

Underexposed - Unintentional

Underexposed - Intentional also know as 'Low Light'

When controlling your exposure you get an even balance of light and darks.

Correct Exposure

When you over expose a photo, you are letting to much light into the sensor. This cause the photo to look very white and you lose detail. Controlling the amount of exposure in your image can change the effect/feeling you get from an image. This means you can do a controlled OVER exposure to make your image have a light happy, fairy tale feeling.

Overexposed - Unintentional

Overexposed - Intentional also know as 'High Key'

How to control your exposure

Exposure is a measurement of the amount of light hitting your camera’s sensor and determines how light or dark your picture looks. It can be controlled by shutter speed, aperture and ISO. Making adjustments to any of these not only affects your exposure but also the look of your photo.

Your camera can usually solve all your exposure needs using Auto modes. However, learning how the different elements affect your photos will give you the confidence to take manual control. The resulting images will then stand out from the rest.

These videos below explain how to use the aperture, shutter speed and ISO settings to get the right exposure and effect for your photo.

Where to find it on your camera

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