Finding the correct exposure fast is something all photographers try to consistently do, especially when under pressure like during a portrait session or when photographing an event. There are a few fail proof techniques you can do to achieve the perfect exposure. Which can be used using manual exposure and semi automatic modes like AV and TV.
Today’s question is from Gary. He recently started doing family portraits, but Is finding that he is taking a lot of photos just to get the exposure right.
Gary then starts to get nervous because he feels his customers are waiting a long time for a simple photo. He normally photographs landscapes and brackets his exposure but using this technique for portraits is taking too long.
What are some tips to getting the right exposure fast?
10 Techniques to finding the correct exposure fast
* Practising before the session* How to read the exposure meter* Manually Setting your exposure* Find an exposure using semi Auto modes* Using your hand to set your exposure* Using the grass to set your exposure* Using spot metering mode* Setting your exposure as you walk to the location* Using the one of the family members people as a test* Telling them you’re taking a test shot
Gary, thanks for your question
Yes It can be daunting especially when you’re just starting out.
I can understand exactly where you’re coming from. I used to feel the same way when I first started and I did exactly the same thing. Not having confidence and taking extra photos just in case.
The family is right there standing patiently waiting for you while you fumble with your camera while trying to stay calm!
The thing is you’ve just got to get your exposure correct before you put them in front of the camera. It will allow you to concentrate on them, so you can interact with them, getting them to laugh and posing them. But most of all it will remove a lot of the stress you’re experiencing.
Practising before the session
The reality is you should have the basics down before you can start to charge for your services. That means practising by doing
free photos sessions to get a feel for interacting with people.
But before you get to that stage
practice without people in front of the camera. That’s going to be the easiest way. You won’t get nervous since you won’t have people staring at you as you try to nail the exposure.
Using objects like a doll or stuffed toys or even a bowl of fruit. Start by only changing one sitting at a time.
Lock in your aperture and ISO first and use your shutter speed to fine-tune.
How to read the exposure meter
Your camera will have a metre that you can access via the viewfinder or by the rear LCD screen. Depending on the camera manufacturer the metre will be located at the bottom or on the side.
It will have Zero in the middle with the numbers 1 to 3 on either side.
Each whole number is a stop of light, and markings in between these whole numbers are a third of a stop each.
Think of your exposure metre as a scale. The middle is neutral and balanced. The left hand numbers are minus so – 1 – 2 – 3, if the needle is in this area the photo will be dark. On the right-hand side + 1 + 2 + 3,
