Monday, March 15, 2010

Assignment #1: Exposure control

"Keep it simple" definition: 
Exposure:  Amount of light exposed.

Exposure is controlled by: 
  1. Shutter speed (ex. 1/125) ... Exposes the digital sensor to light.
  2. Aperture or "F-stop" (ex. F5.6) ... The diameter of the opening.
  3. ISO (ex. 200) ... How sensitive your chip is to the light.  Higher number = more noise.

To do: Correctly expose a nature scene, without flash, using your camera meter and "Manual Mode."
You will need to set the aperture, shutter, and ISO setting to correctly expose your scene.  Hold down your flash, if necessary...although, you typically shouldn't need to do this if your scene is correctly exposed.
HINT: Often a high shutter speed should be accompanied by a low f-stop, and vice-verse. For example: F32 and 1/60 went together well for one of my photos.  For the other: F5 and 1/1000 worked well.  It all depends on your scene/lighting.

FAQs:
Q: I can't get the dial on my camera meter to line up, as you instructed in class..what's wrong? 
A: If your curser is to the left of the center...it's underexposing and not getting enough light.  So, you will need to choose a smaller number for shutter speed and/or aperture to let more light in.  Also, check your ISO...it should be between 100-400, generally speaking. (If the curser is to the right, it's overexposing and letting too much light in....so chose a larger number for shutter speed and/or aperture.)

Q: My screen just looks black and I can't get a picture.
A: There is not enough light.  Are you indoors?  Your camera can only see very strong light, like sunlight or flash.  The light in your house is not bright enough, generally speaking, for your camera to see.  So, open curtains or go outside.  Also refer to the above question.

Q: My picture looks a little blurry.
A: Was your shutter speed less than 60?  Remember, you can't really handhold your camera with a shutter speed less than 60.  Another possibility is that you or your subject was moving too much.  Also, make sure your camera is done focusing before you take the shot.  Most cameras require you to press the shutter release button down half-way to auto-focus and then all the way to take the shot.

If you are in my class and have more questions...please post a comment and I will try to answer them.

Here is a simple video on "Exposure."

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