We are going to start a new series to help you get better images when you are taking photographs. Here are the only 5 things you need to know to get better images…
- Exposure
- Light
- Perspective
- Focus
- Composition
In each of the next five tips blog posts we will go into more depth about one of them. So let’s get it started with exposure.
The exposure of a photo determines how light or dark an image is. Cameras mainly use three settings to determine the exposure of a photograph; aperture, ISO and shutter speed. Even in automatic mode, or on a cell phone, the camera is determining those three things behind the scenes.
The light meter within your camera is the best way to determine if your exposure is correct. If you are shooting in manual you will see your light meter below the image in the viewfinder, or along the bottom of your touch screen.
We find that we prefer to shoot just a little over exposed (meaning just to the right of center in the light meter). This gives our images a bit of an airy, light feel. But this is something that is personal and you can decide for yourself how you like to expose your images.
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If you are shooting in auto mode, the camera determines all of this for you without showing you the light meter. If you are just starting out with manual mode, take a photograph in automatic first, then check the settings on that photo to get a feel for what you might want your settings to be. But remember, the person behind the camera is the artist and what the camera might think is “perfect” might not be so perfect for you, your style and your situation.
Join us next time to chat about light! And if you have any questions or are interested in a personalized camera class, give us a call at 832-573-3731!