You will end up with a picture that is too bright when the exposure reading is taken from a subject that is darker than middle grey. To compensate for this, simply correct the exposure while taking the picture.
1. In A and S modes
- Correct the exposure by placing the cursor towards the negative end of the scale: 0..-1..-2.
- Fix the exposure by pressing the AEL or Ý button, focus and compose your picture, then release the shutter.
2. M mode
Select either a faster shutter speed or a smaller aperture. That way, less light will hit the image sensor.
3. Scene modes (Portrait, Landscape, Sports, etc.)
With most cameras, you cannot correct the exposure. It is therefore better to use A, S or M modes.
The focus and exposure were taken on the bottom of this gargoyle, but this is a dark area of the picture. The first photograph has a number of bricks overexposed and the tip of the right ear is barely visible. By setting the right exposure compensation, we can keep the bottom of the gargoyle dark, and recover the lighter parts of some of the stones. And the ear is perfectly visible!
Focus on: Photo retouching software: avoiding the trap!
You will not always be able to correct a picture using photo retouching software.
- If you darken the image, some overexposed parts will lack detail: they will remain forever washed out (or “burnt”).. This is particularly so for portraits or landscapes.
- Retouching works on small pictures or minimal areas of overexposure.
Recommended product:
Discovery packs
