how to
photograph
wild birds

Lesson 10

Learning how to set the exposure to get dramatically better shots

I tried taking various shots at different aperture (f/number) settings, shutter speeds and ISO speeds, but all the photos I took of a white bird against a cloudy sky came out looking gray.
In that case, Let's use the exposure compensation function!

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White-bellied Green Pigeon
White-bellied Green Pigeon
White-bellied Green Pigeon
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With a standard exposure setting, the camera adjusts the brightness to avoid creating an unacceptable image. But aiming for mid-range brightness might not always be the best choice, which is why every photographer has to determine what they think works best for them. In my opinion, the amount of over-exposure in this shot is perfectly acceptable.

Image data
  • Aperture value: f/5.6
  • Shutter speed: 1/125 second
  • ISO speed: ISO100
  • Exposure compensation: +1.7
  • Focal length: 500mm
  • DSLR Camera (35mm full-frame format)

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What is the exposure?

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Exposure is often used to refer to the brightness of a photo. The exposure compensation function can be used to adjust the brightness of photos. To capture a subject that is light and make it even brighter, set the exposure compensation in the plus direction. To capture a subject that is dark and make it even darker, set the exposure compensation in the minus direction.

How to use the exposure compensation function

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1 Look through the viewfinder. While holding the shutter button halfway down, turn the quick control dial on the back of the camera to adjust the exposure.

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How to use the exposure compensation function

2 Setting the exposure compensation in the plus direction will brighten the photo while setting the exposure compensation in the minus direction will darken the photo. To find the best exposure level, try taking a photo and checking it on the LCD monitor until you find the level that works best.

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It is easier to adjust the exposure compensation by looking through the viewfinder

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Comparison of different exposure compensation settings

Underexposed

When there is less light, the frame becomes dark and tones and details become difficult to distinguish.

  • Aperture value: f/5.6
  • Shutter speed: 1/1250 second
  • ISO speed: ISO100
  • Exposure compensation: -1.7
  • Focal length: 500mm
  • DSLR Camera (35mm full-frame format)
Image
Underexposed
Underexposed
Underexposed
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Standard exposure

The amount of light is adequate, resulting in the reproduction of colors and tones that are close to the way they appear in real life.

  • Aperture value: f/5.6
  • Shutter speed: 1/400 second
  • ISO speed: ISO100
  • Exposure compensation: 0
  • Focal length: 500mm
  • DSLR Camera (35mm full-frame format)
Image
Standard exposure
Standard exposure
Standard exposure
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Overexposed

When more light is captured, the frame becomes whitish and tones and details get washed out.

  • Aperture value: f/5.6
  • Shutter speed: 1/125 second
  • ISO speed: ISO100
  • Exposure compensation: +1.7
  • Focal length: 500mm
  • DSLR Camera (35mm full-frame format)
Image
Overexposed
Overexposed
Overexposed
Enlarge

Photo brightness is determined by the relationship among three numbers

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As we said before, the brightness of a photo is determined by the relationship among the aperture (f/number), the shutter speed, and the ISO speed. At first, understanding this relationship may be confusing since there are so many possible combinations. But once you get the hang of it, it will make much more sense.

For example, in the Tv (shutter priority AE) mode, the camera controls the aperture (f/number) automatically to achieve a standard exposure using the shutter speed that was set manually. Conversely, in the Av (aperture priority AE) mode, the camera controls the shutter speed automatically to achieve a standard exposure in accordance with the manually set aperture (f/number).

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Comparison of different exposure compensation settings

FunctionShooting mode Aperture
(f/number)		 Shutter
Speed		 ISO
speed		 Exposure
compensation		 Effect
A
(Auto)		 AUTO AUTO AUTO AUTO In the fully automatic shooting mode, the camera analyzes the scene and determines the optimum settings automatically.
P
(Program AE)		 AUTO * AUTO AUTO * AUTO * In this mode, the camera automatically sets the shutter speed and aperture in accordance with the subject's brightness.
Tv
(shutter priority AE)		 AUTO Manual exposure AUTO * AUTO * This mode is best when photographing a fast-moving subject and want to either freeze the action or create a sense of flowing motion.
Av
(aperture priority AE)		 Manual exposure AUTO AUTO * AUTO * This mode lets the photographer adjust the depth of field (e.g. when trying to create an image with a blurred background)
M
(manual exposure)		 Manual exposure Manual exposure AUTO * — This mode allows the photographer to set both the shutter speed and aperture.

Shooting mode: A (Auto)

Aperture (f/number)
AUTO
Shutter Speed
AUTO
ISO speed
AUTO
Exposure compensation
AUTO
Effect
In the fully automatic shooting mode, the camera analyzes the scene and determines the optimum settings automatically.

Shooting mode: P (Program AE)

Aperture (f/number)
AUTO *
ISO speed
AUTO
Shutter Speed
AUTO *
Exposure compensation
AUTO *
Effect
In this mode, the camera automatically sets the shutter speed and aperture in accordance with the subject's brightness.

Shooting mode: Tv (shutter priority AE)

Aperture (f/number)
AUTO
Shutter Speed
Manual exposure
ISO speed
AUTO *
Exposure compensation
AUTO *
Effect
This mode is best when photographing a fast-moving subject and want to either freeze the action or create a sense of flowing motion.

Shooting mode: Av (aperture priority AE)

Aperture (f/number)
Manual exposure
Shutter Speed
AUTO
ISO speed
AUTO *
Exposure compensation
AUTO *
Effect
This mode lets the photographer adjust the depth of field (e.g. when trying to create an image with a blurred background)

Shooting mode: M (manual exposure)

Aperture (f/number)
Manual exposure
Shutter Speed
Manual exposure
ISO speed
AUTO *
Exposure compensation
—
Effect
This mode allows the photographer to set both the shutter speed and aperture.

* Function can also be adjusted manually

Finding the appropriate exposure

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A camera's standard exposure setting may not always provide the amount of brightness that the photographer wants. When a specific level of brightness is desired to create, for example, a very dark image or an image with some overexposed areas, exposure compensation is the tool to use. In order to achieve the degree of brightness you are aiming for, try adjusting the exposure compensation.

Comment from a learner

When shooting photos of wild birds, because you should make every effort not to startle them, flash photography should never be used. I used to have trouble trying to get good photos when shooting in dark locations until I learned that I could adjust the brightness level. When I shot this photo without making any adjustments, the swan appeared drab. But when I over-exposed the shot slightly, the swan looked stunning.

  • Image
    Swan, by a learner
    Swan, by a learner
    Swan, by a learner
    Enlarge

    Aperture value
    f/5.6
    Shutter speed
    1/400 second
    ISO speed
    ISO400
    Exposure compensation
    0
    Focal length
    300mm
    DSLR Camera (APS-C image format)
  • Image
    Swan, by a learner
    Swan, by a learner
    Swan, by a learner
    Enlarge

    Aperture value
    f/5.6
    Shutter speed
    1/400 second
    ISO speed
    ISO800
    Exposure compensation
    +1
    Focal length
    300mm
    DSLR Camera (APS-C image format)

Message from Mr.Tozuka

Standard exposure setting, which is automatically determined by the camera, sometimes darkens light colors and brightens dark colors. If this happens, you can obtain your desired exposure by using the manual exposure compensation function.
Compensation 0: Standard exposure, which creates a slightly dark impression. The white feathers look gray.
Compensation +1: Correct exposure, which beautifully expresses the scene with whites appearing as white.