What To Know
- A wider aperture (lower f-number) lets in more light, resulting in a brighter image and shallower depth of field.
- The histogram is a graphical representation of the distribution of tones in an image.
- Use a fast shutter speed and underexpose the image to create dramatic silhouettes against a bright background.
Exposure is the fundamental concept in photography, determining the brightness or darkness of an image. The Nikon D3500 offers various ways to control exposure, allowing you to capture images that accurately reflect your creative vision.
Exposure Compensation
Exposure compensation allows you to adjust the exposure from the camera’s recommended setting. Dial in positive values to brighten the image or negative values to darken it.
- Press the “Exposure Compensation” button on the camera body.
- Rotate the command dial to adjust the exposure value in 1/3-stop increments.
Aperture
Aperture controls the size of the opening in the lens. A wider aperture (lower f-number) lets in more light, resulting in a brighter image and shallower depth of field.
- Set the camera to Aperture Priority (A) mode.
- Rotate the command dial to adjust the aperture value.
Shutter Speed
Shutter speed controls the duration that the camera’s shutter remains open. A faster shutter speed freezes motion, while a slower shutter speed creates motion blur.
- Set the camera to Shutter Priority (S) mode.
- Rotate the command dial to adjust the shutter speed.
ISO
ISO measures the camera’s sensitivity to light. Higher ISO values increase the camera’s sensitivity, allowing for faster shutter speeds or wider apertures in low light. However, higher ISO can also introduce noise into the image.
- Set the camera to Manual (M) mode.
- Rotate the command dial to adjust the ISO value.
Bracketing
Bracketing takes a series of shots with different exposures to ensure that at least one image is properly exposed.
- Enable Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) in the camera menu.
- Set the number of shots and the exposure difference between each shot.
Histogram
The histogram is a graphical representation of the distribution of tones in an image. It helps you assess the exposure and identify areas that may be over- or underexposed.
- Press the “Info” button to display the histogram.
- Analyze the histogram to see if it is centered or skewed towards the left or right.
Creative Exposure Techniques
- Silhouettes: Use a fast shutter speed and underexpose the image to create dramatic silhouettes against a bright background.
- Motion Blur: Use a slow shutter speed to create motion blur, conveying a sense of speed or movement.
- High-Key Photography: Overexpose the image to create a bright, airy look with minimal shadows.
- Low-Key Photography: Underexpose the image to create a dark, moody atmosphere with strong shadows.
Recommendations: Mastering Exposure
By understanding and controlling exposure, you can unlock the full potential of your Nikon D3500. Whether you’re capturing landscapes, portraits, or action shots, the ability to adjust exposure will elevate your photography to new heights.
What People Want to Know
- How do I check the exposure of an image before taking it?
Use the histogram to assess the distribution of tones and identify any areas that may be over- or underexposed.
- What is the ideal aperture for portraits?
For shallow depth of field and a blurred background, use a wide aperture (low f-number).
- How do I avoid camera shake when using a slow shutter speed?
Use a tripod or image stabilization to minimize camera movement and ensure sharp images.
- Is it better to underexpose or overexpose an image?
It depends on the desired effect. Underexposure can create dramatic silhouettes, while overexposure can produce a bright, airy look.
- Can I change the exposure settings after taking a photo?
Yes, you can adjust exposure in post-processing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop. However, it’s best to get the exposure right in-camera to avoid losing image quality.
