Digital Exposure Basics

Keep in mind that when using a digital SLR, the ƒ-stop at which you view a scene in the viewfinder can be and is usually different than the ƒ-stop at which you view and take a picture.

That’s because one of the cool things about a digital SLR is that you look through the viewfinder at the widest opening of the lens, which lets in the maximum amount of light so you can easily see the scene. When you press down the shutter release button, the lens stops down to the selected ƒ-stop. Some cameras offer depth-of-field preview buttons, which when pressed, stop down the lens to the selected aperture to show a preview of what’s in focus and what’s not.
Tech Info: Canon 1Ds Mark II, Canon 70-200mm IS lens @ 200mm, ISO 400, 1/250th sec. @ ƒ/8 (musician); Canon 1Ds Mark II, Canon 17-40mm lens @ 20mm, ISO 200, 1/125th sec. @ƒ/8 (monks).

Summing up, take your camera off the P (Program) mode and take control of your images.

Rick Sammon has published 27 books. Visit www.ricksammon.com for more information, and meet up with Rick at one of his PCPhoto/Outdoor Photographer workshops.

« Previous Page | 1 | 2 | 3

MORE HOW–TOS

Photo Techniques
Learn better nature photo techniques written specifically with the outdoor photographer in mind

Digital Horizons: Digital Exposure
December 2007

Top 12 Filter Techniques
November 2007

Tilt & Shift To Boost Your Megapixels
October 2007

By Subject
Look here for the techniques you need in order to photograph specific outdoor and nature photography subjects

Digital Horizons: After Sunset
January/February 2008

Extraordinary Light
December 2007

Storm Chaser
December 2007

Photo Basics
These articles offer tips and instruction on topics ranging from exposure and composition to the intricacies of depth of field.

Choose A Metering Mode
June 2007

Creative Exposure Modes
May 2007

Digital Exposure Basics
April 2007