Also the book shipping process has started! Thanks to your overwhelming support it'll take me a while, but if you haven't had a fulfilment email in the next 14 days let me know :)
One thing I've found about underexposed images. You can pretty much make a photo as dark as you want, as long as light sources kiss the white point on the histogram, it'll trick the viewers brain into thinking its exposed properly. Alot of people darken their images down to get a moody photo, but they let the white point get too dark as well, which just makes the viewer feel like something is wrong. Which it often is.
This sounds like a great tip. What does it mean in practice? Reducing the exposure but then raising the whites and/or highlights back up? Or is that something best achieved in Photoshop or similar using the Levels tool (since I know that has an actual "white point" control)?
@@rhythmace1 You can totally just do it in lightroom. Often it is just lowering exposure then raising highlights/whites back up. But each photo is different, you might find some need less exposure drop than others. If you feel like you have to raise the white point further than is comfortable, you might have dropped your exposure too far.
Great perspective. I often try to stay aware of this in post, because as you say, the image starts looking weird if you shift the whole histogram. Assuming there is something white in the scene.
@@careywest Cool, thanks. Lowering the exposure (other than to correct overexposure) is something I've toyed with a little and saw the potential of for creating a mood but never really committed to in a final image for some reason - perhaps because I didn't know to mind the highlights! So I'll definitely bear that tip in mind, cheers.
Hi James, as ever your characteristic and disjointed musings actually make a lot of sense strangely enough ;-) .. You're right there's no absolute right or wrong way, its all to do with what you're trying to get across with the image, i.e. what the image is about than what its of .... good shots and I learn a lot from you. Thanks for sharing.
This is brilliant in its simplicity, James! Use your camera as a guide, but YOU decide how best to expose your scene. That really helps open the doors to infinite amazing possibilities. Thanks! 😊
I've just gotten back into somewhat more intentional photography as a hobby after being without a "proper" camera for a few years. Yours is one of my absolute favorite YT channels. I really enjoy your ramblings about photography philosophy weaving in and out of practical technique.
I normally bracket my exposures. I often find the nominally correct exposure is about 1 stop off. What I have noticed in many teaching videos and books about technique there is a tendency to rely only whatever the camera says is the correct exposure not the Mark 1 eyeball and personal aesthetics.
Agree with you on the exposure; the camera has no idea the story or mood you wish to convey. On the other hand, it can be a help (mainly with digital) and offer up a starting point from which you can move on from. In that way, the camera can teach you about exposure too! First thing you should learn, the camera is not always right!
Well said James. Exposure is all about how you want the final image to look. You may want a high-key portrait which will require overexposure for example. The main thing is that every photographer should learn the basics of exposure, use histograms etc and then you can build your confidence from there.
I shoot M4/3 (Olympus EM-1 M3), and I just had that realization that the f stop is also double, I don't know why I hadn't thought of this before, but when I'm shooting landscape shots, it's fine to go lower than I would on a full frame then? I've been keeping myself up at f/8-f/16 but now you opened up my eyes or ears, and it clicked. I'm going to go out and experiment in my backyard (Ravine, forest, waterfall) and see how my photos turn out. Thank you James, you've been a huge help, and no Waffling here!
Hi James, About your thoughts of exposure... I have long thought you tend to develop your images to the slightly over exposed taste, sometimes even washed out. Not to say anything against it, it's a matter of style and taste, and they are very nice as you do them. But they do tend to be a bit too bright. That said - your point on the artistic part, where the photographer decides what they want with any specific image - is absolutely right. This is part of the _art_ of photography.
you can change almost everything manual this days and in post you can make it perfect. its inportant that you are happy with the shot you are the boss and if its for a client the client is the king to.the end result is your piece of art.
James. I agree with the point made in your video. Exposure is a creative decision as much composition. It’s important to know that the camera is trying to average exposure and has no idea what it is pointed at. (Unless it’s an iPhone which I am convinced have achieved sentient being status). 😱
I enjoyed this video James and I have to agree that the correct exposure is what the photographer deems correct not what the camera deems correct and I would add certainly not what the observer deems correct. Although in a roundabout way this is what you said. I think that perhaps before we criticise, even constructively, someone else's exposure we should first think "was this what the creator of the image wanted". Perhaps it is better to say "if I created this I would have exposed it differently". Anyway, great points as always.
Thank you for making this video. Thank you for the snow 'over-exposure advice,' which will be a very big help the next time I am out in it. I think I preferred DSLRs, being easier for someone with large hands but the downside for me was not fully appreciating how an image can change incrementally with adjustments of time and depth and sensitivity. I would have been, and in fact I WAS much worse in the age of film (accepting that we are still in it to some extent). So with mirrorless and the EVF I feel I can actually see the changes taking place, which is a bit like frying in a wok instead of getting a take-away. I am not by any stretch a good photographer but I enjoy yours and others' videos. I appreciate you simply being who you are and admitting to your mistakes. Photography can seem like the preserve of seamlessly successful people and can lose its feeling that way. Thank you again.
Bang on James, I agree. A camera is just a machine, mind you a quite sophisticated one these days. But for all it's technology we still need to tell it what we want it to do. For a green horn, auto focus is just a starting point. It tells me what the camera would capture on it's own. It does not know my thoughts and feelings about the view I see.
Some good points there James... Its worth noting that camera sensors arnt actually designed to see all colours with the same degree of sensitivity, so 'exposure' can often be determined as much by the colour tones in a scene as the overall light intensity... Bright green (picture back-lit birch woodland with bluebells) is a classic case where the camera 'sees' that green colour tone to a much higher degree of sensitivity than any surrounding reds or blues. (as does our eye) so you can get away with what many would consider drastically under exposing those scenes (sometimes by as much as 2 or more stops) in order to get the best control over those tones and even to make them stand out even more.. the under exposure typically leaves the greens vibrant whilst the surrounding tones fall back at a faster rate. cracking video sir.. :-)
Mirrorless has definitely shifted the narrative with regards to exposure. There's still a lot of good data in the histogram that shouldn't be ignored. But now you've got the WYSIWYG on your side to help you figure out what you're really shooting.
I've had a number of digital cameras since 2002! When I retired in 2009, I bought into the full frame notion that that is what digital photography should be (also all the lenses, well most of them!). However, I did start to 'believe' that the camera was telling me the truth about the exposure. But when I then viewed them I was disappointed with the result which looked over-exposed. This was using a D3! So I did start to 'under-expose' and was much happier! Also, since then I've change ALL my equipment and now have a G9, 50mm prime, 12 - 35mm f 2.8 and just bought Leica DG 45mm. So I can now go out with all these lenses and not have to make an appointment with the...
Great advice James! I often feel that my camera over exposes regularly and I find that by under exposing by a stop gives me much better photos. Now if I were to be able to adjust the contrast in camera, I wouldn't need an editor. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I enjoy the "waffling on" by the way...
You’ve made an excellent video and you are totally correct that exposure is the photographer’s choice to use to convey the mood. It takes experience and in-depth knowledge of photography to know what you know.
I have to agree. Though I am no professional and only do photography as a hobby, I personally don't over expose any of my photos and instead under expose, getting hard shadows as I like the moody vibe I get from doing so. It also why I shoot everything manual, except for focusing, which I either manual shoot or use AF. Its all about what the photographer wants and what we want to portray as you said.
enjoyed the perspective on exposure as artists decision and less energy paid to what camera is saying. reminded me of a documentary on cecil beaton where he had very little interest in technicalities and was absolutely the leader of the camera.
I think a really important point definitely is the fact that you are making the decision to deliberately make it brighter....lots of mistakes of beginners are down to them not knowing...so it's not that they are making the decision. So it's important to know what the appropriate exposure is and then make the creative decisions about the feeling you want after
Did the same thing 4 days ago James. Was waiting for some nice autumn light to hit the woodland I was vlogging in. By 4pm I I was losing it more than gaining it so I decided to give it a rest and went back out yesterday to re shoot. Autumn colours are certainly vanishing down in Mid Wales too. Before long everything will look dead so trying to make the most out of this time of year. Great video James and really well explained. Was an enjoyable watch. Thanks for sharing!
Completely agree about exposure. I generally try to go with what my camera thinks is correct, but then adjust to what I think works for the scene that I'm shooting. I also think that you trying too hard to say that you hate tripods because I think that you're starting to love them. 🤣
Regarding exposure, if you are using a tripod, it seems like enabling bracketing would give you more options in case you choose the "wrong" exposure, or you generally let the camera choose, but want additional options. It is just memory card space being used, after all.
Despite consistent weekly uploads, I always feel like you are coming back after a big break or something, I mean this ones a bad example, as it was after a break but yeah. Thanks for the content.
Can't believe I only just got to this video now... but I totally agree about the exposure, it sometimes shapes peoples styles. especially if people do a lot of portrait work family photos, weddings, lots of people like their shots to have a lighter more bright and light feel to them, so I find more times then not I usually lighten up shots for people because that's what a lot of people like even if technically the sky could be blown out a tiny bit. ... naturally I am not meaning over exposing peoples skin, that could be a look your going for but I'd argue likely less desirable
I agree so much with the message about exposure. I like my personal images a bit underexposed with a slight vignette. So people will look at them and question the darkness of my images. I usually look at those people and say, “The composition is what I wanted.” 🙄
Sadly missed most of Autumn this year - Zero trees but finally got to some woodlands last week and just got some shots. I always sit on the message that exposure is relative. Relative to the camera. Relative to the situation. And lastly to the photography which as you said can make a stylistic choice to over or under expose their images
Thanks for this really useful video on exposure. I think your images generally have a light and bright look and this is part of your style. Your explanation that exposure is a choice is really helpful and the camera is not necessarily always ‘correct’. This is part of the artistic choice of the photographer. I still have so much to learn and videos like this are a great resource. Thank you James.
Hi James I am just a beginner and still learning the manual modes! I love seeing your videos as I can understand the way you explain photography. You keep things simple in a way I can relate to. This one about exposure has helped me such a lot, thankyou
I love underexposing a photo to bring in dark moody atmosphere; for me it works well with the water in harbours, can make them look "inky", especially if any boats are brightly coloured. In fact this is probably my signature 🙂
Hey ho, indeed--just use the G9 and leave the 'pod at home! Re exposure, ETTR generally works. If I'm not going full manual, I'm using aperture priority and exposure compensation (essentially the same thing). I use the zebras to avoid blown-out highlights (unless I don't care or actually want them, which certainly happens), as it's less of a problem to bring things down than to lift shadows (although DxO DeepPRIME takes noise out of the equation). Whatever works for you...
Thanks, great as ever, love those reflection shots. And thank you for the Kase filters answer a couple of weeks ago. And go Alpkit, have long been a fan.
Thanks for releasing me from the tyranny of the metering system on my camera... As always, a cracking video, usefully educational, and some wonderful images. The countryside where you are rarely hurts the eyes...
Decades ago I was exposed (pardon the pun) to the idea that there is the correct exposure and the right exposure. And as you noted, there can be more than one right exposure depending on the photographer's intent. It all has to do with what the machine is designed to do considering what is left out of the process (resulting in making snow gray because it doesn't know what it is looking at, for instance) vs. what the human knows and is trying to say which goes beyond the subject itself and into the realm of mood. Also, nice bit about the framing and composition challenges that sometimes cannot be adequately worked around. The prior shot of the cottage thru the orange leaves was lovely, about the only way to go there for maximum focus on the building itself.
something thats not mentioned alot especially when posting nes images to social media and photography channels is what you had in mind when producing the image. yes there is the "let the viewer take from it what they want" but that works well outside of photography social media because a huge number of people have their opinions to give and lets face it its a learning and sharing situation where some images that look wrong will be asked about. hence why its a good idea to mention in the post if you have deliberately shot an image away from the normal 'correct exposure saturation etc" many people also post quite nice images and say "what you think of this", without a note from the photographer a return of 'nice image" etc might not be giving them the feed back they want if the intended image was supposed to be say dark and moody when it just comes across as a normal image. sometimes i do post images with no description to see if people pick up on elements deliberately put in. if i do a portrait with a deliberate high iso for added soft grain and to generally soften a razor sharp lens i do mention it to avoid the string of obvious exposure setting related advice
Maybe i have missed it but how about making a video about the seasons by taking the same shot every few weeks? You could explain on what to pay attention for when exposing that shot, etc.
Great video! I recently went to a talk by Charlie Waite and he was very adamant about photography being just a valid art form as painting. And if that is the case, you are 100% right. The exposure is what you want it to be, to convey whatever it is you want to convey.
The painter is just a mechanism with a sensor, the canvas, which gets scanned slowly and maybe erratically and randomly, the painter with his brush. That the process can be instantaneous doesn't make it less of an art.
I tend to only use the meter and histogram to make sure I'm not blowing highlights out, the rest I do in processing to be honest! As you already know in the m43 world sometimes (not all the time) it's good to try and get as much light in to play with. Missed the best of Autumn this year as well, 8-5 work and then in a 5 day period everything is gone. Weird year for the leaves!
I find that underexposing is the option. Digital cameras work best with this “post” as you can bring back the detail. Over exposing or just right exposure, I find, can limit the options in “post”. Once the detail is over exposed, I can’t bring it back. By the way, I think showering with the tripod, would make a great meme.
I'm definitely still trying to perfect my exposure methods for various types of photography but under exposing is what I usually do to prevent blow outs in the highs. It works well for most of my work but I think there are exceptions. I need to experiment with over exposing in certain environments.
Basically, the camera's light meter aims for 18% grey (in other words, if you averaged out all pixels you would end up with a 18% grey colour) because that looks natural for most scenes, however not all scenes are like 18% grey. If there is a lot of bright elements (like snow) you will need to expose brighter than "18% grey". On the other hand, if you take a photo of something dark (or against a dark background), you need to expose darker than 18% or otherwise the highlights might become blown out and shadows could look unnaturally bright.
Definitely feels like the best of autumn colour has been had now, certainly down here in far southeast England. Some lovely colours still around but like you James I just couldn't find the compositions this morning. Looking forward to receiving book 3
I'm always amazed when I read a lot of dribble about "correct" exposure. For many of these it is something the camera determines. Given that most meters see an 18pct medium tone, does anyone think that snow should be 18 pct grey or a black sheep should be 18 pct grey. That is what the camera is telling you. I follow a German photographer who "overexposes" his Kodak Gold shots and gets a lot that is very similar to Kodak Portra. So, the camera is telling him the shots are overexposed but his result is exactly what he wants -- a Portra look from consumer grade Kodak Gold. So, you are just letting folks know that the object behind the camera determines correct exposure and not the camera. The exposure meter in the camera is a tool that the wetware behind the lens uses to make the correct exposure. I'm not sure what makes such a simple concept so difficult for some "experts (knowitalls??)) Good video.
Welcome back from the wilds of Iceland. I was expecting an on location video but realize that's not always practical when you're doing a workshop. Good points on the exposure conundrum.
A video going deep into this would be good actually. The different editing etc for under and over exposure and the different feelings you can get from each
@James Popsys, When you walk down the path and it’s too low to see everything….what about putting the camera on a tripod and setting the camera to shoot 5 or 10 photos on the interval timer and then raising the tripod up in the air to get a higher perspective? Might be hard to get straight lines and might be difficult since you and I both hate carrying tripods 😂.
10:03 that image would make a great one turned vertical so the as shown here right side is at the top, the tree line and mirror reflection look good as an abstract tree in itself
I was thinking the same thing about the last shot of the tall tree, that one would have been nice portrait with both the tree and its reflection, very abstract.
Hi James! As someone who's trying to follow your advice on "shots _about_ something", I'm trying to understand what that _about_ would be in those 2 reflections photos. Don't get me wrong, I love them, I'm just trying to get better the concept for my own photos. Cheers!
That's a concept I had a hard time with as well. For me the cottage could be "about" the interaction of humans with nature. Or, the effects of time on the once lived in home. That vs just a tree. I think we sometimes over analyze what constitutes "about". I still enjoy some shots simply because they look really nice but, admittedly, most of the most well known images tend to tell some sort of story. I also find if I find a beautiful landscape, object, etc. I tend to get a nice photo but that's about it. If there's a scene that evokes some sort of emotional response and I can capture that I feel like there's more of a story.
Talking about exposure and cameras becoming better every generation, what are your takes on exposure bracketing for cases like your "over exposed" images? I recently tried it out for a majority of a photo walk and found it to be very pleasing to have this additional data to work with, but it also felt oddly unnatural even when kept to a moderate degree. I think there´s a fine line between "not enough detail" and "too much detail" when trying to expose (with or without bracketing) and each respective method guides you to a different outcome - but it´s hard knowing which steps might actually be the better ones in the end. With bracketed images, I at least always have the choice to not merge them, but it kills disk space quite quickly. So I´d love to see which cases you´d say could or should be tried to be bracketed. Also PS: Afaik, shooting the scene on FF f9 should have taken the same time as f4.5 on MFT as long as the ISO is the same bc of the exposure triangle and crop factor also applying to total light gain. Using f4.5 on MFT wouldn´t have given you a faster shutter speed at the same total exposure. But correct me if I´m wrong. At least the math works when doing it with between my FF and an APS-C (using 1.5x instead of 2x ofc), but I´m really no math person.
Hey idk if you’ll see this or not but I just wanted to know how many of your prints that you sell required release forms? Like just because there’s a building, does it mean it needs a property release form? What about people, is it only if they are identify-able? I’m just curious as I’m getting into photography and I didn’t want to run into any legal issues if I decided to sell prints myself or even try uploading to stock sites. Idk if you’ll see this/answer but love your vids and keep up the great work!
I would like to leave a comment on every one of your posts, to help you with the algorithmy thingymebob, but to be honest, sometimes I just can't be bothered. I can't just leave comments like, "fantastic shot", "great work", "your so clever", "your such a good teacher", "thank you for passing on your knowledge", "I've learnt so much from you"......... Because my parents told me to never lie. 😂😂
Saw the photo of you(?) standing on an ice berg. Outstanding in your “field”. Sony, hmm, nice images from full frame. Tad better than the S5? That’s fine. Winter is here! -1c here in Oregon. Trees have no leaves. Fig is nice though. Thoughts on exposure are right on.
As a beginner, I often find what the correct exposure was supposed to be when I'm back at home. I assume finding the "correct" exposure in field is a result of shooting & editing in similar conditions so you know how to adjust?
is it better to do all the adjusmtments when taking a shot, or is it ok to mess about with eposure in edit, are there any draw backs to doing this all in edit? thanks!
I love the idea that the correct exposure is what the photographer thinks it is rather than the camera. This shows up in post a lot for me. I can take a shot that is "correctly" exposed as far as the camera is concerned and by the time I'm done processing the histogram will invariably show that the shot is somewhat underexposed. Also, it's a good thing cameras can't talk as I'm sure they would be infernal nags always complaining that your exposure is wrong, your composition is crap and your overall skills abysmal. I would end up throwing mine in the lake.
Where and how do you mount your gopro? Nice way of showing things from FPP. I guess you vlogg with A7c but the footage from your gopro looks like taken from your chest somewhere. Or the head maybe...
Nice I hope there are a few autumn shots for me when I get home! I'm holed up in a hotel room in Iceland as it is pissing down with rain!! I've come to realize that a solo amateur photographer in a strange country with nothing but a map and a rubbish car is a recipe for disaster!😅I think I will book a workshop tour next time if you have any on offer! I like your take on not following the camera's recommendations all the time. I tend to not follow the rules/recommendations anyway because I'm such a rebel ... actually more of a jerk but rebel sounds cooler!
Nice point of view in this video, but I don’t like the way you recorded, too dark for me , which camera did you use? Is it a go pro? I prefer the way your videos looks like few months ago… I hope you change back….
Also the book shipping process has started! Thanks to your overwhelming support it'll take me a while, but if you haven't had a fulfilment email in the next 14 days let me know :)
I just bought your recent book two minutes ago. I do hope that I will find least one picture which contains sheeps.
One thing I've found about underexposed images. You can pretty much make a photo as dark as you want, as long as light sources kiss the white point on the histogram, it'll trick the viewers brain into thinking its exposed properly. Alot of people darken their images down to get a moody photo, but they let the white point get too dark as well, which just makes the viewer feel like something is wrong. Which it often is.
Great tip!
This sounds like a great tip. What does it mean in practice? Reducing the exposure but then raising the whites and/or highlights back up? Or is that something best achieved in Photoshop or similar using the Levels tool (since I know that has an actual "white point" control)?
@@rhythmace1 You can totally just do it in lightroom. Often it is just lowering exposure then raising highlights/whites back up. But each photo is different, you might find some need less exposure drop than others. If you feel like you have to raise the white point further than is comfortable, you might have dropped your exposure too far.
Great perspective. I often try to stay aware of this in post, because as you say, the image starts looking weird if you shift the whole histogram. Assuming there is something white in the scene.
@@careywest Cool, thanks. Lowering the exposure (other than to correct overexposure) is something I've toyed with a little and saw the potential of for creating a mood but never really committed to in a final image for some reason - perhaps because I didn't know to mind the highlights! So I'll definitely bear that tip in mind, cheers.
Hi James, as ever your characteristic and disjointed musings actually make a lot of sense strangely enough ;-) .. You're right there's no absolute right or wrong way, its all to do with what you're trying to get across with the image, i.e. what the image is about than what its of .... good shots and I learn a lot from you. Thanks for sharing.
This is brilliant in its simplicity, James! Use your camera as a guide, but YOU decide how best to expose your scene. That really helps open the doors to infinite amazing possibilities. Thanks! 😊
I've just gotten back into somewhat more intentional photography as a hobby after being without a "proper" camera for a few years. Yours is one of my absolute favorite YT channels. I really enjoy your ramblings about photography philosophy weaving in and out of practical technique.
I normally bracket my exposures. I often find the nominally correct exposure is about 1 stop off. What I have noticed in many teaching videos and books about technique there is a tendency to rely only whatever the camera says is the correct exposure not the Mark 1 eyeball and personal aesthetics.
I agree about exposure. The correct exposure is the one that renders the scene the way the photographer intended!
Agree with you on the exposure; the camera has no idea the story or mood you wish to convey. On the other hand, it can be a help (mainly with digital) and offer up a starting point from which you can move on from. In that way, the camera can teach you about exposure too! First thing you should learn, the camera is not always right!
Well said James. Exposure is all about how you want the final image to look. You may want a high-key portrait which will require overexposure for example. The main thing is that every photographer should learn the basics of exposure, use histograms etc and then you can build your confidence from there.
I do enjoy how you present information in the humble way you do. Makes it readily digestible.
I shoot M4/3 (Olympus EM-1 M3), and I just had that realization that the f stop is also double, I don't know why I hadn't thought of this before, but when I'm shooting landscape shots, it's fine to go lower than I would on a full frame then? I've been keeping myself up at f/8-f/16 but now you opened up my eyes or ears, and it clicked. I'm going to go out and experiment in my backyard (Ravine, forest, waterfall) and see how my photos turn out. Thank you James, you've been a huge help, and no Waffling here!
Hi James,
About your thoughts of exposure... I have long thought you tend to develop your images to the slightly over exposed taste, sometimes even washed out. Not to say anything against it, it's a matter of style and taste, and they are very nice as you do them. But they do tend to be a bit too bright.
That said - your point on the artistic part, where the photographer decides what they want with any specific image - is absolutely right. This is part of the _art_ of photography.
you can change almost everything manual this days and in post you can make it perfect. its inportant that you are happy with the shot you are the boss and if its for a client the client is the king to.the end result is your piece of art.
James. I agree with the point made in your video. Exposure is a creative decision as much composition. It’s important to know that the camera is trying to average exposure and has no idea what it is pointed at. (Unless it’s an iPhone which I am convinced have achieved sentient being status). 😱
Hope your new dad life is going well, and that you’re actually getting some sleep. Thank you for sharing your new video!
I enjoyed this video James and I have to agree that the correct exposure is what the photographer deems correct not what the camera deems correct and I would add certainly not what the observer deems correct. Although in a roundabout way this is what you said. I think that perhaps before we criticise, even constructively, someone else's exposure we should first think "was this what the creator of the image wanted".
Perhaps it is better to say "if I created this I would have exposed it differently".
Anyway, great points as always.
Thank you for making this video. Thank you for the snow 'over-exposure advice,' which will be a very big help the next time I am out in it. I think I preferred DSLRs, being easier for someone with large hands but the downside for me was not fully appreciating how an image can change incrementally with adjustments of time and depth and sensitivity. I would have been, and in fact I WAS much worse in the age of film (accepting that we are still in it to some extent). So with mirrorless and the EVF I feel I can actually see the changes taking place, which is a bit like frying in a wok instead of getting a take-away. I am not by any stretch a good photographer but I enjoy yours and others' videos. I appreciate you simply being who you are and admitting to your mistakes. Photography can seem like the preserve of seamlessly successful people and can lose its feeling that way. Thank you again.
Bang on James, I agree. A camera is just a machine, mind you a quite sophisticated one these days. But for all it's technology we still need to tell it what we want it to do. For a green horn, auto focus is just a starting point. It tells me what the camera would capture on it's own. It does not know my thoughts and feelings about the view I see.
Some good points there James... Its worth noting that camera sensors arnt actually designed to see all colours with the same degree of sensitivity, so 'exposure' can often be determined as much by the colour tones in a scene as the overall light intensity... Bright green (picture back-lit birch woodland with bluebells) is a classic case where the camera 'sees' that green colour tone to a much higher degree of sensitivity than any surrounding reds or blues. (as does our eye) so you can get away with what many would consider drastically under exposing those scenes (sometimes by as much as 2 or more stops) in order to get the best control over those tones and even to make them stand out even more.. the under exposure typically leaves the greens vibrant whilst the surrounding tones fall back at a faster rate. cracking video sir.. :-)
Glad to see you back this week
I’m new to your channel James but am really enjoying your refreshing approach. Your videos are informative, varied and fun to watch.
Mirrorless has definitely shifted the narrative with regards to exposure. There's still a lot of good data in the histogram that shouldn't be ignored. But now you've got the WYSIWYG on your side to help you figure out what you're really shooting.
Good point well made. All images (photos, art, shopped... etc.) are subjective depending on the viewer. There is no such thing as 'perfect'.
I've had a number of digital cameras since 2002! When I retired in 2009, I bought into the full frame notion that that is what digital photography should be (also all the lenses, well most of them!). However, I did start to 'believe' that the camera was telling me the truth about the exposure. But when I then viewed them I was disappointed with the result which looked over-exposed. This was using a D3! So I did start to 'under-expose' and was much happier! Also, since then I've change ALL my equipment and now have a G9, 50mm prime, 12 - 35mm f 2.8 and just bought Leica DG 45mm. So I can now go out with all these lenses and not have to make an appointment with the...
Great advice James! I often feel that my camera over exposes regularly and I find that by under exposing by a stop gives me much better photos. Now if I were to be able to adjust the contrast in camera, I wouldn't need an editor. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I enjoy the "waffling on" by the way...
You’ve made an excellent video and you are totally correct that exposure is the photographer’s choice to use to convey the mood. It takes experience and in-depth knowledge of photography to know what you know.
I have to agree. Though I am no professional and only do photography as a hobby, I personally don't over expose any of my photos and instead under expose, getting hard shadows as I like the moody vibe I get from doing so. It also why I shoot everything manual, except for focusing, which I either manual shoot or use AF.
Its all about what the photographer wants and what we want to portray as you said.
enjoyed the perspective on exposure as artists decision and less energy paid to what camera is saying. reminded me of a documentary on cecil beaton where he had very little interest in technicalities and was absolutely the leader of the camera.
Nice work! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!
I love your channel man, please keep the content coming ‼️
I think a really important point definitely is the fact that you are making the decision to deliberately make it brighter....lots of mistakes of beginners are down to them not knowing...so it's not that they are making the decision. So it's important to know what the appropriate exposure is and then make the creative decisions about the feeling you want after
Did the same thing 4 days ago James. Was waiting for some nice autumn light to hit the woodland I was vlogging in. By 4pm I I was losing it more than gaining it so I decided to give it a rest and went back out yesterday to re shoot. Autumn colours are certainly vanishing down in Mid Wales too. Before long everything will look dead so trying to make the most out of this time of year. Great video James and really well explained. Was an enjoyable watch. Thanks for sharing!
Completely agree about exposure. I generally try to go with what my camera thinks is correct, but then adjust to what I think works for the scene that I'm shooting.
I also think that you trying too hard to say that you hate tripods because I think that you're starting to love them. 🤣
Regarding exposure, if you are using a tripod, it seems like enabling bracketing would give you more options in case you choose the "wrong" exposure, or you generally let the camera choose, but want additional options. It is just memory card space being used, after all.
Thanks for the tips on what is 'right' exposure. We must never lose our creativity!
Despite consistent weekly uploads, I always feel like you are coming back after a big break or something, I mean this ones a bad example, as it was after a break but yeah. Thanks for the content.
Can't believe I only just got to this video now... but I totally agree about the exposure, it sometimes shapes peoples styles. especially if people do a lot of portrait work family photos, weddings, lots of people like their shots to have a lighter more bright and light feel to them, so I find more times then not I usually lighten up shots for people because that's what a lot of people like even if technically the sky could be blown out a tiny bit.
... naturally I am not meaning over exposing peoples skin, that could be a look your going for but I'd argue likely less desirable
"Sat on my salty tripod" is not a phrase I really want to hear ever again tbh 😂
I agree so much with the message about exposure. I like my personal images a bit underexposed with a slight vignette. So people will look at them and question the darkness of my images. I usually look at those people and say, “The composition is what I wanted.” 🙄
Sadly missed most of Autumn this year - Zero trees but finally got to some woodlands last week and just got some shots. I always sit on the message that exposure is relative. Relative to the camera. Relative to the situation. And lastly to the photography which as you said can make a stylistic choice to over or under expose their images
Thanks for this really useful video on exposure. I think your images generally have a light and bright look and this is part of your style. Your explanation that exposure is a choice is really helpful and the camera is not necessarily always ‘correct’. This is part of the artistic choice of the photographer. I still have so much to learn and videos like this are a great resource. Thank you James.
I like the way your titled this video. Happy Anniversary ✌️❤️ and thank you for the shared knowledge.
Look forward to your videos every week!
Hi James, I do enjoy your quirky humour and photographic advice. Love the reflection image.
Hi James I am just a beginner and still learning the manual modes! I love seeing your videos as I can understand the way you explain photography. You keep things simple in a way I can relate to. This one about exposure has helped me such a lot, thankyou
I love underexposing a photo to bring in dark moody atmosphere; for me it works well with the water in harbours, can make them look "inky", especially if any boats are brightly coloured. In fact this is probably my signature 🙂
Hey ho, indeed--just use the G9 and leave the 'pod at home! Re exposure, ETTR generally works. If I'm not going full manual, I'm using aperture priority and exposure compensation (essentially the same thing). I use the zebras to avoid blown-out highlights (unless I don't care or actually want them, which certainly happens), as it's less of a problem to bring things down than to lift shadows (although DxO DeepPRIME takes noise out of the equation). Whatever works for you...
Thanks, great as ever, love those reflection shots. And thank you for the Kase filters answer a couple of weeks ago. And go Alpkit, have long been a fan.
Always a pleasure to watch James and thanks for the tips.
Thanks for releasing me from the tyranny of the metering system on my camera...
As always, a cracking video, usefully educational, and some wonderful images. The countryside where you are rarely hurts the eyes...
Hi James, I think the photo at 9:57 is one over your best shots. Needs to go in your next book!!!
Yes. I like to use EV +- to make adjustment in every scene rather than watching histogram to capture all back details or all white details
Decades ago I was exposed (pardon the pun) to the idea that there is the correct exposure and the right exposure. And as you noted, there can be more than one right exposure depending on the photographer's intent. It all has to do with what the machine is designed to do considering what is left out of the process (resulting in making snow gray because it doesn't know what it is looking at, for instance) vs. what the human knows and is trying to say which goes beyond the subject itself and into the realm of mood.
Also, nice bit about the framing and composition challenges that sometimes cannot be adequately worked around. The prior shot of the cottage thru the orange leaves was lovely, about the only way to go there for maximum focus on the building itself.
something thats not mentioned alot especially when posting nes images to social media and photography channels is what you had in mind when producing the image.
yes there is the "let the viewer take from it what they want" but that works well outside of photography social media because a huge number of people have their opinions to give and lets face it its a learning and sharing situation where some images that look wrong will be asked about.
hence why its a good idea to mention in the post if you have deliberately shot an image away from the normal 'correct exposure saturation etc"
many people also post quite nice images and say "what you think of this", without a note from the photographer a return of 'nice image" etc might not be giving them the feed back they want if the intended image was supposed to be say dark and moody when it just comes across as a normal image.
sometimes i do post images with no description to see if people pick up on elements deliberately put in.
if i do a portrait with a deliberate high iso for added soft grain and to generally soften a razor sharp lens i do mention it to avoid the string of obvious exposure setting related advice
Maybe i have missed it but how about making a video about the seasons by taking the same shot every few weeks? You could explain on what to pay attention for when exposing that shot, etc.
Great video! I recently went to a talk by Charlie Waite and he was very adamant about photography being just a valid art form as painting. And if that is the case, you are 100% right. The exposure is what you want it to be, to convey whatever it is you want to convey.
The painter is just a mechanism with a sensor, the canvas, which gets scanned slowly and maybe erratically and randomly, the painter with his brush. That the process can be instantaneous doesn't make it less of an art.
100% spot on. On social media the "purist" police are ridiculous about tech specs.
I tend to only use the meter and histogram to make sure I'm not blowing highlights out, the rest I do in processing to be honest! As you already know in the m43 world sometimes (not all the time) it's good to try and get as much light in to play with.
Missed the best of Autumn this year as well, 8-5 work and then in a 5 day period everything is gone. Weird year for the leaves!
Watching your videos and learning from them is a joy, thank you for these beautiful photos, videos and jobs. Loves and respects...
I find that underexposing is the option. Digital cameras work best with this “post” as you can bring back the detail. Over exposing or just right exposure, I find, can limit the options in “post”. Once the detail is over exposed, I can’t bring it back.
By the way, I think showering with the tripod, would make a great meme.
I'm definitely still trying to perfect my exposure methods for various types of photography but under exposing is what I usually do to prevent blow outs in the highs. It works well for most of my work but I think there are exceptions. I need to experiment with over exposing in certain environments.
Basically, the camera's light meter aims for 18% grey (in other words, if you averaged out all pixels you would end up with a 18% grey colour) because that looks natural for most scenes, however not all scenes are like 18% grey. If there is a lot of bright elements (like snow) you will need to expose brighter than "18% grey". On the other hand, if you take a photo of something dark (or against a dark background), you need to expose darker than 18% or otherwise the highlights might become blown out and shadows could look unnaturally bright.
There’s always next year…… if you don’t die that is. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed so always be thankful for today
That Sony micro four thirds camera does a great job! Stunning!
Definitely feels like the best of autumn colour has been had now, certainly down here in far southeast England. Some lovely colours still around but like you James I just couldn't find the compositions this morning. Looking forward to receiving book 3
Nice shots! How do you find the reliability of the Sony’s so far?
I'm always amazed when I read a lot of dribble about "correct" exposure. For many of these it is something the camera determines. Given that most meters see an 18pct medium tone, does anyone think that snow should be 18 pct grey or a black sheep should be 18 pct grey. That is what the camera is telling you. I follow a German photographer who "overexposes" his Kodak Gold shots and gets a lot that is very similar to Kodak Portra. So, the camera is telling him the shots are overexposed but his result is exactly what he wants -- a Portra look from consumer grade Kodak Gold. So, you are just letting folks know that the object behind the camera determines correct exposure and not the camera. The exposure meter in the camera is a tool that the wetware behind the lens uses to make the correct exposure. I'm not sure what makes such a simple concept so difficult for some "experts (knowitalls??)) Good video.
Always a pleasure never a chore 👍
Welcome back from the wilds of Iceland. I was expecting an on location video but realize that's not always practical when you're doing a workshop. Good points on the exposure conundrum.
One coming soon 😃
@@JamesPopsysPhoto Cool! 👍 🥂
Like the reflection images and not a single sheep was shot during the process. 😇😊
thank you for this one, learned new stuff again ^^
A video going deep into this would be good actually. The different editing etc for under and over exposure and the different feelings you can get from each
I always learn something from you and get a few good laughs as well.
@James Popsys, When you walk down the path and it’s too low to see everything….what about putting the camera on a tripod and setting the camera to shoot 5 or 10 photos on the interval timer and then raising the tripod up in the air to get a higher perspective? Might be hard to get straight lines and might be difficult since you and I both hate carrying tripods 😂.
10:03 that image would make a great one turned vertical so the as shown here right side is at the top, the tree line and mirror reflection look good as an abstract tree in itself
I was thinking the same thing about the last shot of the tall tree, that one would have been nice portrait with both the tree and its reflection, very abstract.
Your such a rule breaker😅 Bravo on your take on exposure!
Hi James! As someone who's trying to follow your advice on "shots _about_ something", I'm trying to understand what that _about_ would be in those 2 reflections photos. Don't get me wrong, I love them, I'm just trying to get better the concept for my own photos. Cheers!
That's a concept I had a hard time with as well. For me the cottage could be "about" the interaction of humans with nature. Or, the effects of time on the once lived in home. That vs just a tree. I think we sometimes over analyze what constitutes "about". I still enjoy some shots simply because they look really nice but, admittedly, most of the most well known images tend to tell some sort of story. I also find if I find a beautiful landscape, object, etc. I tend to get a nice photo but that's about it. If there's a scene that evokes some sort of emotional response and I can capture that I feel like there's more of a story.
I think the 'about' is the reflection and symmetry in itself.
What camera are you using to record your videos with? I know you use the A7Riv too, but I see that in the background on your tripod lol.
Talking about exposure and cameras becoming better every generation, what are your takes on exposure bracketing for cases like your "over exposed" images? I recently tried it out for a majority of a photo walk and found it to be very pleasing to have this additional data to work with, but it also felt oddly unnatural even when kept to a moderate degree. I think there´s a fine line between "not enough detail" and "too much detail" when trying to expose (with or without bracketing) and each respective method guides you to a different outcome - but it´s hard knowing which steps might actually be the better ones in the end. With bracketed images, I at least always have the choice to not merge them, but it kills disk space quite quickly. So I´d love to see which cases you´d say could or should be tried to be bracketed.
Also PS: Afaik, shooting the scene on FF f9 should have taken the same time as f4.5 on MFT as long as the ISO is the same bc of the exposure triangle and crop factor also applying to total light gain. Using f4.5 on MFT wouldn´t have given you a faster shutter speed at the same total exposure. But correct me if I´m wrong. At least the math works when doing it with between my FF and an APS-C (using 1.5x instead of 2x ofc), but I´m really no math person.
Imagine finding that cottage to do your parcel delivery!
Hey idk if you’ll see this or not but I just wanted to know how many of your prints that you sell required release forms? Like just because there’s a building, does it mean it needs a property release form? What about people, is it only if they are identify-able? I’m just curious as I’m getting into photography and I didn’t want to run into any legal issues if I decided to sell prints myself or even try uploading to stock sites. Idk if you’ll see this/answer but love your vids and keep up the great work!
I would like to leave a comment on every one of your posts, to help you with the algorithmy thingymebob, but to be honest, sometimes I just can't be bothered. I can't just leave comments like, "fantastic shot", "great work", "your so clever", "your such a good teacher", "thank you for passing on your knowledge", "I've learnt so much from you"......... Because my parents told me to never lie. 😂😂
Saw the photo of you(?) standing on an ice berg. Outstanding in your “field”. Sony, hmm, nice images from full frame. Tad better than the S5? That’s fine.
Winter is here! -1c here in Oregon. Trees have no leaves. Fig is nice though. Thoughts on exposure are right on.
Fig? No! Fog…
Hi James, what brand are your walking trousers?
You nailed those reflection shots.
Personally, I'd rather underexpose any day as I can bring it up in post. -Elaine
I often prefer 1 stop under exposed, seldom over.
To be fair that is a very nice tripod, Worth looking after, Mine is tucked up in it's bag and box under the stairs :-)
I typical prefer about .5 - 1 stop under "correct" exposure for my photos
thats why its best to be in M manual ------ then you control exposure
As a beginner, I often find what the correct exposure was supposed to be when I'm back at home. I assume finding the "correct" exposure in field is a result of shooting & editing in similar conditions so you know how to adjust?
is it better to do all the adjusmtments when taking a shot, or is it ok to mess about with eposure in edit, are there any draw backs to doing this all in edit? thanks!
Great video as always James. What’s the name of the little bracket you have attached to your bag strap please?
Peak Design capture 😃
@@JamesPopsysPhoto thank you man! Keep up the good work. 🤙🏻
I love the idea that the correct exposure is what the photographer thinks it is rather than the camera. This shows up in post a lot for me. I can take a shot that is "correctly" exposed as far as the camera is concerned and by the time I'm done processing the histogram will invariably show that the shot is somewhat underexposed. Also, it's a good thing cameras can't talk as I'm sure they would be infernal nags always complaining that your exposure is wrong, your composition is crap and your overall skills abysmal. I would end up throwing mine in the lake.
That's coming in the next generation with advanced AI.
@@mikejankowski6321 "Cammy, take a mountain shot" [Camera packs in and books a trip to the Alps]
Haha, you remembered to do the photographer's grimace at the end
So, when you over expose in bright environments, I assume you're using general or wide metering?
Cool video BTW 😊. Love the content!
I tend to use 3 image bracketing for the most part. Is this a bad practice?
Where and how do you mount your gopro? Nice way of showing things from FPP. I guess you vlogg with A7c but the footage from your gopro looks like taken from your chest somewhere. Or the head maybe...
Nice I hope there are a few autumn shots for me when I get home! I'm holed up in a hotel room in Iceland as it is pissing down with rain!! I've come to realize that a solo amateur photographer in a strange country with nothing but a map and a rubbish car is a recipe for disaster!😅I think I will book a workshop tour next time if you have any on offer!
I like your take on not following the camera's recommendations all the time. I tend to not follow the rules/recommendations anyway because I'm such a rebel ... actually more of a jerk but rebel sounds cooler!
Thank you 👍📷😎
Hi James, i tend to be in the under-exposed camp for my taste.
Nice point of view in this video, but I don’t like the way you recorded, too dark for me , which camera did you use? Is it a go pro? I prefer the way your videos looks like few months ago… I hope you change back….