THE PHOTOGRAPHY EXPOSURE TRIANGLE: A SIMPLIFIED EXPLANATION
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In photography, the "exposure triangle" is a fundamental concept that describes the relationship between three key settings that control the exposure (or light) of a photograph: ISO, aperture (or f stop) and shutter speed.
The exposure triangle is made up of three settings that control how bright or dark a photo is. Here's a simple explanation of each component and how they interact:
ISO:
Definition: The camera's sensitivity to light.
Low ISO (e.g., 100):
Less sensitive to light (darker photo).
Produces a cleaner image.
High ISO (e.g., 1600):
More sensitive to light (brighter photo).
Can make the image grainy.
*** At higher ISO values, such as 1600, digital grain becomes significantly more noticeable.
APERTURE
Definition: The size of the opening of your camera lens.
Large Aperture (small f stop number, e.g., f/2.8):
Lets in more light (brighter photo).
Creates a blurry background.
Small Aperture (large f stop number, e.g., f/16):
Lets in less light (darker photo).
Keeps more of the scene in focus.
*** At a lower aperture (or f stop ) value such as, f/2.8 , the image becomes blurrier in front and behind the subject.
SHUTTER SPEED
Definition: The length of time the camera's shutter stays open.
Fast Shutter Speed (e.g., 1/1000 sec):
Lets in less light (darker photo).
Freezes motion.
Slow Shutter Speed (e.g., 1/30 sec):
Lets in more light (brighter photo).
Can blur moving objects.
*** At a lower shutter speed, such as 1/30, the water droplets from the fountain become smoother.
Tip: To get the right exposure (brightness), you MUST balance these three settings. If you change one, you will need to adjust one or both of the remaining settings to maintain proper exposure.
By understanding and mastering the exposure triangle, photographers can control the exposure, depth of field, and motion blur in their images to achieve a desired creative effect.
As always, best of luck!
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*** All images created with a Sony A7IV and Sigma 24-70mm kit, coupled with a Tiffen Neutral Density filter.
All images distributed by Leticia Valdez Fotografia are professionally copyrighted works. These images cannot be used or altered for any purpose without permission. Copyright © 2024 Leticia Valdez Fotografia LLC.