Exposure Triangle Logic? (Page 3): If I am interpreting your question correctly, the 'Logic' you are looking for will be determined by your goal for the photo. If the objective is a...

PGHphoto Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

inbigd wrote:

When you are shooting in different lighting conditions, to get different results, what is the logic you use to determine the camera settings?

I know the sunny 16 rule but where I struggle is, for example, when it's dusk outside. How do you determine that the ISO should be 400 instead of 800 or the shutter speed should be 1/3 instead of 1/8 or aperture should be f 2.8 instead of f4?

Also, please suggest any books that have helped you.

thanks

If I am interpreting your question correctly, the 'Logic' you are looking for will be determined by your goal for the photo. If the objective is a specific DOF, you start with the aperture - if you are hand-holding or shooting a moving target, your priority will probably be shutter speed - if your priority is low noise, choose a low ISO.

Once you have your first setting, move onto the next highest priority of the remaining 2 pieces of the triangle. After you set the first two, the camera can tell you where you need to be for the third priority. There is no magic rule of thumb, it all depends on what you are able to trade off. Thats why in things like landscapes, it so important to use a tripod - you have a lot more options when you can use a slow shutter AND a small aperture to keep ISO as low as possible. The other end of the spectrum is when you don't need a large DOF, you can shoot a fast lens and not have to sacrifice shutter speed.

I always think graphically - of you picture a triangle with each point representing an exposure element, when you move one of the 3 points, the lines that connect the point MUST move in order to keep the triangle connected. The length of the lines connecting the 3 dots is limited by the equipment - min/max aperture, min/max shutter speed and min/max ISO. there are an infinite number of combinations that will keep the triangle points connected, you have to figure out what is critical and keep that point in place while you move the other 2 around so the triangle stays connected.

Hope this helps

jwn Loc: SOUTHEAST GEORGIA USA

On occasion I will use the expertise of the developers at Canon. In other words take a shot on "A" automatic and see what the camera thinks. Take a look at the shot, histogram, settings and see what needs to be tweaked. These cameras processors are very smart.

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

jcboy3 wrote:

18% gray cards are used for printing, 13% gray cards are used for white balance/exposure

Thanks your right. I use a neutral balance card for white balance.

Vince68 Loc: Wappingers Falls, NY

inbigd wrote:

When you are shooting in different lighting conditions, to get different results, what is the logic you use to determine the camera settings?

I know the sunny 16 rule but where I struggle is, for example, when it's dusk outside. How do you determine that the ISO should be 400 instead of 800 or the shutter speed should be 1/3 instead of 1/8 or aperture should be f 2.8 instead of f4?

Also, please suggest any books that have helped you. thanks

As others have suggested, Bryan Peterson's book "Understanding Exposure" is a great book. So is the internet. Just google "how to determine correct exposure settings" and pick one, two, three, or more sites and read. Here are a few links to start you with.

https://photography.tutsplus.com/tutorials/perfect-exposure-every-time-a-guide-to-metering-in-the-viewfinder--photo-3158
http://www.diyphotography.net/secret-correct-exposure-dslr-camera-revealed-first-time/
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/exposure-basics-how-to-choose-iso-aperture-and-shutter-speed-settings/

That should be more than enough to get you started and on your way. Go to youtube also. There are plenty of video's there explaining the whole process as well. Good luck and happy shooting.

It never ceases to amaze me how many people can't figure out how to find out basic information such as this on the internet.

inbigd

Fantastic responses and advice, I greatly appreciate it. thanks

Marionsho Loc: Kansas

inbigd wrote:

Fantastic responses and advice, I greatly appreciate it. thanks

Let us know what you learn.

inbigd

Vince68 wrote:

It never ceases to amaze me how many people can't figure out how to find out basic information such as this on the internet.

I have searched for and then read about this on many other websites. I posted the question here because I highly respect the knowledge and experience of the members on the UHH.

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

inbigd wrote:

I have searched for and then read about this on many other websites. I posted the question here because I highly respect the knowledge and experience of the members on the UHH.

This site is the Internet i don't see why your having such a problem finding information?