The Exposure Triangle
Mr D - 20/02/15
The Exposure Triangle is fundamental to learning how to take good photographs.
"Learning to control the three variables separates the 'snap' from photography."
Aperture: The size of the Iris! Measured in f-stops - The higher the f-stops, the higher the walls of the iris - the less light is available. Also the iris controls where the light hits the sensor and how it's focal length. High walls means that only a few light beams will be in focus creating depth. Low walls - let all the light in!
Shutter Speed: The speed of the shot, measured in fractions of a second eg. 1/1000. Low speed in low light and when using a tripod to pick out detail. High speed to freeze fast moving objects.
ISO: This used to mean film quality, measured in numbers 100 (high quality, high light, no movement) to 3000 (low quality, low light, lot's of movement) and varies depending on the light, speed of shot and density of pixels.
The Exposure Triangle is fundamental to learning how to take good photographs.
"Learning to control the three variables separates the 'snap' from photography."
Aperture: The size of the Iris! Measured in f-stops - The higher the f-stops, the higher the walls of the iris - the less light is available. Also the iris controls where the light hits the sensor and how it's focal length. High walls means that only a few light beams will be in focus creating depth. Low walls - let all the light in!
Shutter Speed: The speed of the shot, measured in fractions of a second eg. 1/1000. Low speed in low light and when using a tripod to pick out detail. High speed to freeze fast moving objects.
ISO: This used to mean film quality, measured in numbers 100 (high quality, high light, no movement) to 3000 (low quality, low light, lot's of movement) and varies depending on the light, speed of shot and density of pixels.
Strong light - Use low ISO values that need stronger light, opportunity to use depth of field. Faster shutter speed can be used. Be aware of over exposing the sensor or film.
Movement - High ISO and a fast shutter speed. Adjust f-stops to compensate.
Saturation of detail/colour - Low ISO (100) and a long shutter speed. Possibly a lighting setup would be useful here.
Depth - High f-stop with ISO and shutter speed adjusted to compensate for light quality.
Movement - High ISO and a fast shutter speed. Adjust f-stops to compensate.
Saturation of detail/colour - Low ISO (100) and a long shutter speed. Possibly a lighting setup would be useful here.
Depth - High f-stop with ISO and shutter speed adjusted to compensate for light quality.
Examples of shutter speed changes
Here you can see the can in shutter speed and how it effects the taking of a photo. Each speed captures different settings and shadows. It is worth experimenting to see what disappears and appears in photos
With a slow shutter speed and a steady hand (almost) I have tried to create a difference between the moving water and the static rocks and grass by leaving the shutter speed longer. If I did this agin I would take a tripod.
example of Depth of field
Here you can see that with a small aperture only the boy is in focus, this adds drama to the photograph making him seem more vulnerable and alone.
examples of iso
In order to capture different lighting and movement you have to adjust the third variable ISO - this reduction in the quality of the image can be useful to capture things that you shouldn't.
EBI: I need more practice in where and when to use grainier ISO values.
EBI: I need more practice in where and when to use grainier ISO values.