Exposure Foundations

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.