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MANUAL EXPOSURE

The amount of light that falls on the sensor of the camera is depends on the shutter speed, aperture and the iso-value. You define the exposure of the photo with these three variables.
Why would you ignore the automatic exposure of your camera? Becaus your camera does not 'know' how you want the photo look like. An example is a scene with high contrast, if the subject is small in relation to the whole scene. Another example is to make panoramas. The exposure of all individual photos should be the same and you need to set the this manually.

Step-by-step manual exposure setting:

1. Choose an iso-value
2. Do spot measurements of the bright, dark and medium areas
3. Chose an average aperture and shutter speed
4. Take a picture with the chosen settings
5. Check the results by the histogram
6. Make some correction, if it is necessary.

First, set the iso-value. If you do not know which value to use, set the lowest one. Then turn the camera in P (Program) mode and choose for the method of metering the 'spot' mode.
Then make some measurements of all important parts of your scene. Do this by focusing the 'spot' on the chosen part and by half-pressing the shutter button The value of the aperture and shutter speed should be presented on your LCD screen. Record these numbers. Repeat this exercise for all bright, dark and medium areas. Then try to make an average of all these numbers. An expamle, you have made 4 measurements with the following results (shutter speed, aperture):

• 1/640, 3.5
• 1/500, 5
• 1/320, 3.5
• 1/1000, 3.5

Depending on how large the areas are, try to make an average number of these results (1/500, 3.5). Now turn your camera to M (Manual) mode. Make sure that the iso-value is equal to the P mode. Then set the shutter speed and aperture (1/500, 3.5).
Take a picture and check the results. The histogram can you show very well if the picture is correctly exposed. Does the photo match the scene that you had in your mind? If not, you can change the shutter speed, aperture or iso-value. Usually, a subtle change is sufficient. For example, shutter speed 1 step higher or lower. Even if you are satisfied is also wise to take some more photos with one step higher or lower settings.

If you use low iso-value with low shutter speed, you should need to have a tripod. You can also try to increase the iso-value to the maximum acceptable (think about the noise!) and doe de entire session again. Light measurement, aperture and shutter speed settings and performance check - until you are satisfied!

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