Discovering EXPOSURE MODES

Discover different EXPOSURE MODES
Most digital cameras offer a variety of exposure modes, including program or auto mode, shutter priority, aperture priority, manual, and bulb (time) modes. Choosing an exposure mode determines which exposure settings you can select and which, if any, exposure settings the camera will automatically select based on the settings that you have selected.

The camera automatically chooses both shutter speed and aperture settings when you select the program or automatic mode. When using these modes on some cameras, you can sometimes modify these initial “camera-chosen” settings.

When you select the shutter priority mode, the camera automatically chooses the aperture setting to get a good exposure. Likewise, when you choose the aperture priority mode, you choose the aperture setting that you want, and the camera will select the appropriate shutter speed. Remember to choose the shutter speed setting when using shutter priority mode and to choose the aperture setting when you use the aperture priority mode; otherwise, you will simply be using the last setting that was used. In situations in which you want complete control over both shutter speed and aperture, choose the manual mode.
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UNDERSTANDING EXPOSURE

Exposure is the correct combination of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO speed to get the photograph that you want. Exposure can be determined solely by the camera, by you (as the photographer) and the camera together, or solely by you. Whenever the camera helps you choose exposure settings, the camera’s built-in light meter takes a reading of the reflected light in the scene and then selects the appropriate camera settings.

When taking photos, remember that there is no such thing as a perfect exposure only one that is how you want it to be. Overexposed photographs are overly light, and detail is lost in the highlights. Underexposed photos are overly dark, and detail is lost in the shadows.
Because digital camera exposure metering systems measure light as if it were reflected from a neutral-gray surface, they may misread the light when a scene is very dark or very light. Classic examples include a black cat sitting in front of a large pile of black coal or a white cat sitting on snow.

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The GOLDEN HOUR

The best sunlight is often found an hour or less before sunset until 20 or so minutes past sunset. This time is often referred to as the golden hour for photographers. When light is low in the sky, it gives you a very directional light that adds wonderful depth to your photographs because of the shadows that it creates. The evening light is also usually warmer and richer in color than early morning light. If you shoot landscape photos, this is a time that you will rarely want to miss.

When you plan on taking advantage ‘DIFFICULTY LEVEL of the sun in the golden hour, be well prepared to shoot quickly because the best of that time may come and go in just a few minutes. Make sure that you have all your equipment out, set up, and ready to shoot, or you will have to wait for the next sunset. You should also wait 20 minutes past sunset for any possible afterglow, which occasionally makes for a spectacular landscape photograph, so do not pack up and leave too soon.

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