Exposure question

[BCampbell]

Originally Posted by nursemandalyn

Maybe I am misunderstanding what my manual is saying about metering. I looked up before how to change the way it is metering, and it says it is automatic in the different modes. This is straight from my manual

Partial Metering:
This is set automatically during AE lock in the creative zone modes

Centerweighted average metering:
This is set automatically in the M mode

This sounds a lot like my 300D.

Basically, in Tv/Av modes it would use evaluative metering. In M it would use centerweighted. This is a pretty important distinction, because in that means in Manual mode you are only metering what you're pointing the center focus point at. You then have to adjust for lighter/darker areas in the frame.

Once you understand how your metering works, it would be a good exercise to take many different shots in manual mode, especially with bracketing, to really understand how your settings affect exposure.

[nursemandalyn]

Originally Posted by Henry Wilt

Which model of Rebel do you have?

I have a 300D

[nursemandalyn]

Originally Posted by jojonac

no matter what mode of metering you are using on your camera, the in camera meter is trying to meter everything for 18% grey. So depending on what you are shooting your camera may think the scene is over or under exposed. you can usually get it close with the camera, but the next step is to look at the histogram. If the histogram is chopped off on the right side then you are overexposed, if it is chopped off on the left side then you are underexposed. Generally speaking.

Thank you, I will make learning how to read the histogram my next step!

[nursemandalyn]

Originally Posted by KansaiGreenie

Hi nursemandalyn,



Back when I was in photo school, our instructors had us memorizing exposure rules (like sunny 16) and calculating alternative exposures based on them. I've found that to be a useful skill, but I wouldn't start there. I don't think that you need to do that anymore, because the good news about digital imaging is that you get instant feedback on your exposure in the form of the preview image and the histogram.

Here is how I take a photograph:

First, I look at the scene and decide what my subject and framing are going to be. What is it that I want to communicate with the image that I'm about to make? Next, based step one, I chose an aperture. How much depth of field do I want? Does it matter? Third, I'll chose an ISO based on the shooting conditions. Bright and sunny? Dark and dim? Next, if the camera is in Av mode then the camera has suggested a shutter speed or if I'm in manual then I will rotate the shutter speed dial until the internal meter says that I am 'correctly' exposed. I double check to make sure that shutter speed is fast enough to avoid camera shake (if not adjust the ISO) and then take a picture. Finally, I check the back of the camera (preview image and histogram) to see where I am and adjust accordingly. (If I need to).

So, in answer to your question: I rely on the internal light meter and the preview image/histogram, but also my experience. I guess I use a "combination of both" the light meter and settings based on conditions. These days I rarely think about exposure in terms of getting an image, but more in terms of how does the exposure help me communicate the scene. But that's just me. I have friends who hate the light meter and calculate exposure solely on rules that they memorized. I have other friends who live and die by their light meter.

I think that there isn't a right or wrong way to make a photograph. How one makes a photograph is a personal process that varies by photographer just like subjects, styles, genres, etc. vary by photographer. What you need to do is find a way to make photographs that is comfortable to you.



A very, very good book on the subject, although I haven't read the latest edition, is: Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson That book has helped a lot of photographers and I'm sure that you'll find it useful.

Sorry for the long response.

KG

Thanks that was actually very helpful. Having someone explain a generalization of how they do it helps to put it into context better.

That's the book I was planning on getting. I've heard it mentioned frequently.


BCampbell that is a good idea as well. I'll try that! Thanks