
Exposure Foundations
Capturing Light for digital files
Exposure Foundations is a step-by-step guide to understanding the fundamental concepts and techniques to create a good digital file. Bobbi shows you in clear, concise and easy to understand language and example images, each aspect of what makes a correct exposure. Let’s get it right at the time of creation! Spend more time shooting and less time at the computer. Every photographer needs to have this essential knowledge in order to generate a digital image with the most information for the highest quality. A great file makes great prints!
We start with exploring the three main ways to manage exposure: aperture (or f stops), shutter speed and ISO, and how combining them together controls the correct capture. The way to determine exposure is by using the light meter, either in your camera or a hand held. The camera meter has several methods: matrix, center weighted and spot and we discuss how to choose the appropriate method in different circumstances. The camera has three exposure modes: Manual, for complete control by the photographer, Aperture Priority, where the photographer chooses the f stop and the camera meter chooses the shutter speed, and Shutter Priority, where the photographer chooses the shutter speed and the camera chooses the f stop. Each exposure mode is explained and how to make the correct creative choice for the shooting situation.
We examine the histogram, in the camera, and in Photoshop, as a method to determine if the exposure is rendering a full range of detail from shadows to highlights. This is truly the way to know if you have a good and full exposure.
Everything you need to elevate your skills in creating a great digital file is here in this fun, informative and enlightening hour and a half video.
Your Instructor

Bobbi Lane is an award-winning commercial photographer specializing in creative portraits on location and in the studio. Lane's multi-faceted approach to photography incorporates over 35 years of technical experience with innovative artistic interpretation. Lane shoots primarily people on location for editorial, corporate, and advertising accounts as well as photographing "real people" and travel for stock.
As a dedicated photo educator, she brings insight and enthusiasm to her students in workshops held worldwide. Bobbi is known for teaching lighting techniques for portraits, both natural and strobe, and also for leading international photo travel workshops. Bobbi's excellent rapport and communication with her students inspires and motivates, while her straight-forward teaching style reaches students of many different skill levels. At APA's National’s 25th Anniversary, Bobbi was honored with a Special Recognition Award for Education.
Photo District News named her one of 13 of the Top Workshop Instructors.
Course Curriculum
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Start1. Intro (3:37)
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Start2. Camera Basics (2:05)
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Start3. Definition of Exposure (3:39)
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Start4. Controlling Exposure (2:40)
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Start5. Understanding ISO (3:25)
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Start6. Understanding Shutter Speeds (3:33)
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Start7. Understanding Aperture (3:15)
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Start8. Light Metering (7:41)
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Start9. Balancing ISO, Shutter Speed and Aperture (2:05)
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Start10. Exposure Modes (11:58)
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Start11. Metering Methods (3:33)
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Start12. Histograms (16:44)
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Start13. Exposure in PS (14:36)
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Start14. Review (1:41)
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that you have learned all the necessary ingredients in making a excellent exposure, you can make better prints and files. You will find you have much more flexibility and options in processing your photos than you did before this class. The truth is Exposure is the Foundation of a photograph! This knowledge is so important to photography enthusiasts of any level. So start shooting, testing, processing and you will see a marked improvement in your files. You options for retaining shadow and highlight detail are much greater and the quality of your prints will soar. Enjoy!