We’ve all done it!
We compose and shoot a great shot. Then we find out that it’s not exposed correctly. What did we do wrong? Is there something wrong with our camera’s exposure meter?
Most likely, there’s nothing wrong with the exposure meter. I guess that means that it’s our fault.
Well, it is probably that we let the exposure meter in the camera make the final decision about the exposure.
The problem is simple! The reality is the the whole world looks like this to an exposure meter:
That’s right – the exposure meter thinks that everything it sees is gray.
Why? Because that’s usually close enough.
OK, so how do we fix this problem?
Mentally, we have to decide if the scene is lighter or darker than this gray.
As an example, let’s assume that we are shooting a snowy field.
Is this scene lighter or darker than gray? Easy, it’s lighter.
OK, how do we make the image lighter? By opening up the aperture, or using a longer shutter speed. In other words, compared to what the meter is telling us, we need to overexpose a bit. How much? Maybe a stop or two – try it.
Wait a minute! You’re telling me that if a scene is very light I have to overexpose it? That sounds backwards!
Yes, you have to overexpose light scenes – and you have to underexpose dark scenes. I know it’s counter-intuitive, but it’s correct.
Remember, how does the scene compare to ‘neutral gray’? That’s what the meter is assuming.
Most cameras have a button that looks something like this:
Hold down that button and adjust the exposure plus or minus. Plus for light subjects, minus for dark. (Even though it sounds backwards.)
Happy shooting.