Flawed Technique?

[o0chad0o]

Hey all,

Got a question regarding how I am taking my photos. Specifically, how I initially set up the camera and subsequent adjustments.

I started shooting with a Canon T3i roughly three weeks ago, and I am noticing a trend with how I set up the camera for just about any given situation. For example, I want to learn how setting the aperture, ISO, and shutter speed affect the outcome of photos, so I shoot in Manual Mode.

What I have been doing is when I find a particular subject/object/whatever to shoot, I'll adjust the camera settings according to the built-in exposure compensation meter. I'll adjust the ISO, shutter speed and aperture until I get the meter to read in the middle. As an example, if the meter is reading to the far left (-3, underexposed), then I'll make adjustments to the shutter speed and ISO first. If I cannot bring it far enough to the right, I'll then open the aperture up a stop at a time. Vice versa if the meter reads to the right (+3, overexposed).

For some photos this has worked for the most part, but for others it seems it creates more of a headache simply because the camera doesn't shoot well (the camera might shoot well...but I don't.) at those settings. The images will typically not be anywhere close to what I think they should be. Either overexposed or underexposed...I just can't seem to hit that happy medium, even if the meter is showing the exposure is right in the middle of the scale.

I tried some experimenting while completely disregarding what the meter was displaying. Instead, I opted for shooting a picture, then looking at the histogram...make adjustments, and shoot again. The results were a little more favorable, but still needs some work. I do find that when I use the histogram...adjustments are much easier and quicker, which is always a bonus.

Is my approach all wrong, especially if I am taking what my camera gives me and shooting based off the meter...or should I disregard the meter altogether and use the histogram instead?

Thanks!

[RichardTaylor]

The meter is just a guide - it is not always correct.
The clue is to know when it is likely to be misleading.
The histogram, and having the "blinkies" activated (over exposure insdication) is a great tool to check that the exposure is technically correct .

You may find this of interest - It's about in camera metering and how to make corrections (exposure compensation) if need be.

Understanding Camera Metering and Exposure


This may be helpful. It's my thought process when shooting.
Exposure 5: Putting it all together

[o0chad0o]

Thanks for those links. I have been reading through your "exposure" series...just need to put it into practical exercise.

I think the best course of action is to use the meter as a "guideline" as you call it, and rely more on taking a couple shots and make my adjustments based on the histogram. At least with the handful of practice shots I've taken using this method has worked out better than previously. Below is a shot from today. My first was rather blown out, but ignoring the meter, and concentrating on using the histogram, I made my adjustments relatively quickly...and snapped a handful of this woodpecker before he took off.

Again, thanks for the links and information...it's greatly appreciated.


Exif: Aperture: f/8, Exposure: 1/800, ISO: 100, Focal Length: 250mm
PPing was done with Paintshop Photo Pro x3, cropped, removed noise, and sharpened.