Photography is as much an art as it is a science, and mastering the technical aspects can unlock incredible creative potential. One of the foundational concepts every photographer must grasp is the exposure triangle, composed of ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. These three elements work together to determine the exposure of your photograph. I would not call myself a technical photographer, I am very intuitive in my work and now how much I need to turn this one button to the left and another to the right to get a certain look without knowing any numbers. Nonetheless, I learned the hard facts along the way as well to also get this feeling of "whatever happens - I've got this". And moreover, if you are not a professional and maybe don't want to learn by doing - then this article is also for you!
As someone who has spent over a decade behind the lens (mainly for dun until I made it professional about a year ago), both with DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, I've had my fair share of trial and error learning this concept. Whether I was capturing the bustling streets of Mexico or the serene landscapes of the Himalayas and Curacao, understanding the exposure triangle was key to getting the shots I envisioned.
The Basics: What is the Exposure Triangle?
The exposure triangle refers to the three fundamental settings that control the exposure of a photograph:
ISO: Sensitivity to light
Aperture: Size of the lens opening
Shutter Speed: Duration the shutter is open
Each of these settings affects the final image in different ways, and changing one often requires adjusting the others to maintain a proper exposure. Therefore Triangle jaja.
ISO: Sensitivity to Light
ISO measures the sensitivity of your camera's sensor to light. A lower ISO value (e.g., 100 or 200) means less sensitivity, producing cleaner images with less noise (and is the setting used when shooting with flash or studio light). A higher ISO value (e.g., 1600 or 3200) increases sensitivity, allowing you to shoot in low-light conditions but at the cost of more noise or grain in your photos - I tried to avoid it BY ALL COST!
Real-World Example: In the dimly lit temples of Vietnam, I often had to increase my ISO to capture the ambient light without using a flash, which would have been disruptive. Balancing the noise with the available light was a delicate dance, but understanding ISO helped me make the right choices. And not falling into a mental breakdown because I really dislike noise in photos haha. Best is: Undertsand ISO and understand how to make the object move into the light source.
Aperture: Size of the Lens Opening
Aperture, measured in f-stops (e.g., f/2.8, f/5.6, f/16), controls the size of the lens opening. A larger aperture (smaller f-stop number) allows more light to enter the camera, creating a shallow depth of field. This is perfect for portraits where you want a blurred background. A smaller aperture (larger f-stop number) lets in less light and increases the depth of field, keeping more of the scene in focus.
But be careful! F 1.8 for example can also result in only a sharp nose at a portrait and blurred eyes. Don't go too low!
Real-World Example: While photographing the vast landscapes of the Himalayas, I often used a smaller aperture (e.g., f/11 or f/16) to ensure that both the foreground and background were sharp. Conversely, when I wanted to isolate a subject in a busy market in Mexico, I opted for a larger aperture (e.g., f/2.8) to blur the background and draw attention to my subject.
Shutter Speed: Duration the Shutter is Open
Shutter speed determines how long the camera’s shutter remains open to expose the sensor to light. A fast shutter speed (e.g., 1/1000s) freezes motion, which is essential for action shots. A slow shutter speed (e.g., 1/30s or longer) allows more light in, which is useful for low-light conditions or creating motion blur effects.
Real-World Example: During my travels in Vietnam, capturing the fast-paced life of motorbike traffic required a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion. However, when photographing the flowing rivers and waterfalls in the Himalayas, I used a slow shutter speed to create a smooth, ethereal effect on the water.
Balancing the Triangle: Making Adjustments
Understanding how these three elements interact is crucial for achieving the desired exposure. Here’s a quick guide on how to balance them:
Increase ISO: When you need more sensitivity to light, but be mindful of noise.
Adjust Aperture: To control depth of field and the amount of light entering the camera.
Change Shutter Speed: To freeze motion or create intentional blur.
Example Scenario: Suppose you’re shooting a documentary scene indoors with low light. You might start with a wider aperture (e.g., f/2.8) to let in more light. If the scene is still too dark, you can increase the ISO (e.g., to 800 or 1600) to boost the sensor’s sensitivity. If there’s still insufficient light, you can slow down the shutter speed (e.g., 1/60s), but be cautious of potential blur from camera shake or moving subjects.
Putting It All Together: Practice and Experimentation
The best way to master the exposure triangle is through practice and experimentation. Try shooting in different lighting conditions and deliberately adjusting each setting to see how it affects your images. Over time, you’ll develop an intuitive sense for balancing ISO, aperture, and shutter speed to achieve your desired results. And intuition is key - you eye knows already what it wants and it will teach the brain and hands. Check also on your laptop how crisp your photos turned out by zooming in. Often photos appear clearer on the camera than on the laptop - and we don't want a stunning motif but a half crisp photo or nose.
Personal Tip: During my early days in photography, I spent countless hours experimenting with these settings in various environments, from the vibrant streets of Bangkok to the tranquil heights of the Alpes. Each location presented unique challenges and learning opportunities, helping me refine my skills and deepen my understanding of the exposure triangle.
Understanding the exposure triangle is fundamental to your growth as a photographer. By mastering ISO, aperture, and shutter speed, you’ll gain greater creative control and be better equipped to capture the moments that matter most. but don't let it take over your mind, rather make it a subtle companion.
Happy shooting, and remember, the best way to learn is by getting out there and experimenting!
Feel free to share your experiences or ask any questions in the comments below. I’m always here to help fellow photographers on their journey!
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