how to choose the proper exposure

I already posted a similar question, but ended with more questions then answers.

 

But i do realize that i need to learn how to use my D80's meter correctly. I am

 

posting a picture that i think that is well exposed (to my taste) and another

 

one that i am not sure if it is well exposed. I just have struggled to learn

 

when to choose the proper ISO, shutter and aperture. so please can you give some

 

help or point me to a place that can teach me into a better depth. Thank you all

 

for your time and help

 

 

 

Herman jr

this is the one that i like in overall

this is the one that i am not sure about exposure being correctly

On the top of this page, there is a clickable thingy called "learning". Please peruse the

information there as you like.

 

With the two pics you are asking us about the viewed exposure. If you took either one

picture as shown, you could get the same result (+/- a few percent) from either frame;

just make a darker or lighter print. The original exposure does not matter that much at all.

 

 

Besides original exposure, there is the printing/showing process also! Both have to match

your desired effect. Just loosen up and for best results as a beginner (I assume you are),

use the program mode on your camera (and shift the combined speed/aperture reading to

get he DOF/frozen action effect that you want) and enjoy to learn composition first and

foremost. Exposure is a minor problem with these pics ... And that ultimately depends on

your taste anyway.

Can't add a great deal more. The second photo may be a bit underexposed but that can easily be fixed with a tweak of Curves. When in doubt, I would sooner underexpose as blown highlights are gone forever. There are a great many good advice sites now but learning is really about experimenting with a bit of trial and a lot of error; eventually the errors get less.

 

If you set your camera to spot metering and check all over the subject you will see the available options. Skill is deciding which are the most important, that is what your camera does in Auto mode. When faced with a subject, I say to myself, which is most important shutter speed or aperture? If the subject is moving or I am handholding in poor light then shutter speed comes first. The correct speed depends on the lens size and how fast the subject is, or could, move. eg a 300mm lens with somebody running would mean around 1/500 minimum. That is just experience.

 

Secondly, I think about aperture to give the desired depth of field. Do I want a clear or blurred background and what is the depth of clear focus which is required? eg if someone is lying down and you want their head and feet in focus you will need a small aperture to give maximum depth; but if you just want a head and shoulders shot without any clear background use a larger aperture.

 

Adjust ISO to give the lowest possible setting which will allow you to obtain the best shutter speed and aperture. It can take me a couple of minutes to decide so if I need a quick action shot I usually take one at semi auto mode before I start my thinking time. Then, if I am too late or get it wrong, at least I have something in the camera at an average setting. Professionals do this without any thinking time.

 

Don't forget to check the histogram after taking a shot, but don't rely on it totally.

 

My failures are getting less - but I've still got a lot to learn.

Either of the two photo's are properly exposed. Just relax a bit and expose to your liking, your not making photographs to please expert photographers, you do it because you enjoy it. Basic exposure is just how light or dark you want the photo. Enjoy the learning process and go to the library, or search internet resources to learn more about controlling the camera. The best way to learn is keep taking photos and practicing. Have fun!

Of the two Herman...the second is more useable.

 

Look to learning how to create a corrected white balance prior to shooting. Also try reducing the camera contrast and saturation when shooting for skin tones in high contrast lighting. A good start is to turn camera contrast down as far as possible. You can always increase contrast later...you can't reduce it if channels are blown and maintain good colour rendition.

 

The red is blown in the first frame in the left cheek.

<P>I've just been out shooting with my Zorki. No meter, ISO 100 print film and sunny 16. I expect every frame to be printable. The limitation here is the photog's eye and brain, not the exposure algorithm being used.</P><P>I'm not saying exposure doesn't matter, but I think the concept of 'correct exposure' is over-rated and there are other more important factors about an image.</P>