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A2 All About Exposure
See also Digital Exposure (page 57), The Nikon Matrix Meter (page 60) and Perfect
Exposure with Large Format Cameras.
INTRODUCTION
Exposure is the easiest thing to master, yet causes the most confusion.
Exposure is simple. Just add or subtract until it looks right.
You need to experiment to know how much to add or subtract in different conditions. A fear
of experimentation is what stalls most beginners. Just like sighting in a new sniper rifle, you
always make tests first so that you nail your target with your first and only shot every time.
Once you make a few tests in different conditions you'll always know how to get perfect
exposure every time. Try every possible condition in advance and you'll be prepared for
everything.
EXPOSURE MODES AND METERING
Want to know a professional secret? I always shoot in Matrix metering and Program
automatic! I only revert to manual exposure in rare cases where I really need to lock down
an exposure in changing light.
I never use center weighted or spot metering!
When I need to make something lighter or darker I use the exposure compensation control
with my camera in automatic. Every camera has a compensation control or buries it in a
menu.
HOW-TO: DIGITAL
1.) Make a shot.
2.) Look at it on your LCD.
3.) Adjust Exposure Compensation until it looks perfect.
This seems silly, but you'd be amazed how many beginners are afraid to take control and
spin that compensation dial. Usually only one or two thirds is all you need, but in some
cases like interior photos with open windows you might need to use a few stops. Don't be
timid, just adjust it until it looks correct.
Many compact cameras and some DSLRs may always be a little off. In these cases just
leave the compensation set where it works well. My Canon A70 point-and-shoot is always
left at -2/3, since as it ships that model tends to overexpose.
© 2007 KenRockwell.com 55 converted by Sándor Nagy