The Plus and Minus of Exposure

HOW to match what we see and feel in the world to what the camera records? A big part of that process is exposure.  Exposure value (EV) is the process of coding a scene, defined as both numbers (+1,+4,-3) and in grayscale, from white through gray into black: Many of us simple say “highlight” or “shadow”. Here we learn the definitions and then by finding different exposure values in a scene. They learn to use metering and operate aperture (A) and shutter (S) to find the exposure they want. Finally, they will learn how to get help for this challenging task by using auto exposure modes (P.S.A.) on their camera.


    • What is normal? What is gray?

    • What is exposure value in a scene?

    • Metering: Spot vs. average vs. smart

    • ISO, grain, and pixels, AUTO ISO

    • Exposure control via manipulation of aperture, shutter speed

      • If the sky is +3, what where does the flower fall on our value scale?

      • Exposure compensation

    • Modes: M, S, A, P, auto exposure compensation