ETTR - Exposing to the Right - is typically thought of as looking at a histogram that is shifted to the right of the scale. But, if you ignore the histogram of a test image, ETTR will also typically mean your image exposure is to the right of the 0-mark on the meter in the view finder. My 9 of 10 reference is the observation that you can simply default your meter reading to +0.3 to +1 of the 0-mark, depending on the camera brand.

So in the earlier example, if your test image registered blinking highlights in the background sky, say the image below I captured regarding an overflowing dumpster for our condo building. If your exposure resulted in the blown-out sky and the meter registered exactly +1 to the right of the 0-mark, you might adjust the ISO or the aperture or the shutterspeed (or some combo) that moves the meter in the view finder 1/3 or 2/3 stops 'to the left', but still you're to the right of the 0-mark.

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My machine locked before I could add the attachment. I'm not attending this example to be 'high art', but it shows the un-importance of blown-highlights. Even with the LR highlight slider at -43, the sky still is overexposed in LR. But, you can't tell because it's not relevant to the image. These two links discuss the ETTR process in RAW with an emphasis of considering where / how much highlight alerts occur in your image.

ETTR in Practice

ETTR in Practice II

No, if shooting in RAW. Even bracketing for HDR, you can get fine results just by editing the single original to your taste for that 'normal' image, then save two copies, editing just the exposure +1 / -1 respectively. Then, run the three through your HDR software. Create more copies and add more exposures, if desired.

But, bracketing in digital because you're unsure? That's why God gave you blinking highlight alerts on your DSLR and a meter in the view finder. Look at the amount, location, and occurrence of any blinking highlights in your test image. Being sure to use the matrix, evaluative, full-frame metering option. Look at your meter, adjust the exposure parameters to move the meter to the left of where it is now causing the blinkies. When you're satisfied, make a mental note of that meter position. 9 times of 10 in RAW, that's where your camera's meter should be for any situation and a nice, bright, to the right of the 0-mark exposure. No more unsure. No more brackets.

I have a lovely Stokes Aster in the backyard. It is one of my favorite flowers when it blooms. Aster heard about Daisy and the Zinnia sisters posing for me and she was jealous. Late yesterday, I brought some of Aster's lovely blossoms in for a photo session. It was late and she decided to pout. The flowers started closing almost as soon as I brought them in. This is the only shot I was able to get.

This morning Aster is feeling better and the flowers seem to be opening again so maybe we will be able to play more later today.

I hope you enjoy.

I’m super appreciative of everyone’s kind comments! Thought I’d now share another one of my other favorite "grab shots" with you all. This is an image of Tionesta Creek in the Allegheny National Forest. And, amazingly enough, this photo was taken with my iPhone 11 ProMax CELL PHONE CAMERA! I just jammed on the brakes while driving thru the forest, jumped out of the car & nabbed this scene. The only editing done was a bit of vibrance color saturation, and that was IT!

Truly, the BEST camera to have with you when a photo-op avails itself, is the one you have WITH you, eh?

As we’ve come to know, luck often plays a part in nabbing an eye-catching picture. As terminal cancer from Agent Orange exposure now has me in hospice care, I don’t get out to enjoy my favorite pastime of photography. However, I always carry my camera in my car, and occasionally jump out for a quick grab-shot of a scene that just simply appears. This was the case with the scenic photo here, taken when I only saw a bright full moon over an old building. It was only after I got to view it on my large monitor did I discover a lone DEER skulking in the shadows! That bonus deer truly made the scene! I’d rather be lucky than good!🥴