“Good Exposure is Like a Pie. Or a Pantry.” is my attempt to explain the whole exposure balance triangle of aperture, shutter speed and ISO. I think a lot of us get that whole relationship. But identifying the proper balance on your camera and taking a picture on those settings is another question.
See the Meter Display in the picture above? It looks like one of those number lines I used in first grade while learning to add. This picture, by the way, came from my 7D user manual. Thanks, Canon!
To measure exposure, with the camera set to manual, aim it at your subject and press the shutter button down half-way. Your Meter Display will show you something like the image above.
The arrow in the middle of the bar is perfect exposure, as your camera sees it. The exposure indicator, under the meter display, indicates what a picture taken in the given conditions will look like in relation to perfect exposure.
On Canons, if your exposure indicator is to the right of balanced exposure, your photo will be overexposed. If the exposure indicator is to the left of balanced exposure, your photo will be underexposed. Nikons, I believe, are just the opposite.
Each number on the Meter Display represents one stop, and each line between numbers is 1/3 stop.
So, reading this display tells us the the photo will be overexposed by two-thirds a stop. (Now, some people who know their cameras well know that they will get better shots if they always under or overexpose by a 1/3 stop or two. But that’s way too much info for this post!)
What do we do next, now that we know that we need to bring down exposure by two thirds stop? Well, here’s where that whole balanced exposure triangle comes in. These are the options:
- Reduce the aperture from 5.0 to 5.6 or 6.3. This will bring more of the background into focus, which may or may not work for your image.
- Increase shutter speed from 1/160th of a second to 1/200 or 250. I hardly ever mind having to increase shutter speed – it makes for better focused photos.
- Increase ISO to 200. Going from 100 to 200 usually isn’t a big deal. Depending on your camera, however, you might need to watch out for digital noise if you go much higher. Note to self: watching Duke vs. Butler is not the time to write a post.
Given those choices, I would usually adjust the shutter speed. How do you do that?
Well, it depends on the camera. On my 7D, I use the Main Dial behind the shutter button to adjust shutter speed. To adjust ISO, I press the ISO button and then spin the Main Dial. And to adjust aperture, I use the Quick Control Dial on the back of the camera.
What do you think? Does shooting in manual sound any less intimidating now? I hope so!
Notice up above how the first step in this process is to aim your camera at the subject. Does it matter where on your subject you aim? Oh yeah, baby. That’s what evaluative vs. spot vs. partial metering is all about. Want to hear more?
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Absolutely! Please do tell about metering…I am all ears!!
Wouldn’t raising the ISO overexpose the photo further since it makes the camera more sensitive to light?
Ooops! Uh, yeah. I knew something was wrong with that when I wrote it! That’s what I get for typing while watching basketball! Thank you so much!
ooh, ooh! Yes – I want to hear more! I’ve been trying to figure out the metering thing and just haven’t gotten the hang of it yet… maybe I’m just making it too difficult. But I’m determined… I’m thinking it’s one of the big keys to making awesome exposures in “horrible” noon sun (like Dee’s from the Natural Light Workshop).
Thank you for such a clear explanation of the hands-on, how-to of setting exposure on your camera. As you mention in your first paragraph, I have understood the exposure triangle for quite some time now, but it really didn’t “click” for me as to how to apply it to my camera. This was just what I needed and came at just the right time. So practical and clearly explained.
At first I was a little intimidated to work in manual mode. I read a few tutorials, but they just confused me. Eventually, I just had to jump in and experiment with my camera. It was the best teacher of them all. However, I wish I would’ve seen this tutorial first. It would’ve eliminated some misunderstandings.
You are so right, Cortnie. The camera is the best teacher!
The light bulb just went on. I was never sure, when “they” talked about adjusting f/stops for proper exposure, if they meant the aperture or shutter speed or what. Yay, now know what those tick marks on the meter are. Thanks!
~ingrid
ingrid´s last [type] ..Reaching Out
Yay, you got it!