Exposure in photography is the amount of light that reaches the photographic film or detector. It is the direct result of the light intensity, shutter speed and aperture size of the lens. Exposure is one of the most important aspects of taking photographs, and it impacts the overall look and feel of an image.
Exposure is determined by the amount of light hitting the subject and being recorded by the camera’s sensor. The amount of light determines how bright or dark an image will appear. If an image is too dark, it is said to be underexposed, and if it is too bright, it is said to be overexposed.
When photographing on film, photographers have to consider the type of film being used in the camera. Different types of films react differently to light, and the correct exposure is determined by the type of film and the light intensity. For example, black and white film is sensitive to light, so it requires a shorter exposure time than color film.
The correct exposure is determined by the three main variables of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is a measure of sensitivity to light for photographic film, and it is typically set at 100 for daylight conditions. Shutter speed determines how long the camera’s shutter stays open, and aperture is the size of the opening in the lens, which impacts the amount of light that enters the camera.
When selecting the correct exposure settings, it is important to take into consideration the type of subject being photographed. For example, if the subject is a fast-moving object, it would require a faster shutter speed to freeze the motion, and a wider aperture to allow more light in. On the other hand, if the subject is slow-moving or stationary, a longer shutter speed and a smaller aperture would be used to create a longer exposure time.
It is also important to consider the environment when photographs are taken. For example, night photography requires longer exposures than day photography, and the light intensity of the environment will affect the correct exposure. Photographers must also consider the correct exposure settings when photographing in a low light environment.
In conclusion, exposure is one of the most important aspects of taking photographs. It determines the overall look and feel of an image, and it is directly related to the three main variables of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. It is important to consider the subject being photographed and the environment when selecting the correct exposure settings to ensure that the best-looking photograph is achieved.