Bracketing your exposures is a useful technique to know and put into practice. DSLRs and many point and shoots have this capability easily available for you. By bracketing exposures you can fine-tune your photos to get the best picture in camera.
This is especially important if you are shooting in JPEG format where you have less flexibility with processing in the digital darkroom. It can also save you time in post-processing if you shoot in RAW format, a definite advantage.
The concept is simple. You shoot additional pictures around (plus and minus) the exposure that your camera says is the “correct” exposure. Often a small increase, or decrease, in exposure the camera says is “correct” will give a better image.
Default bracketing settings are usually plus or minus 1/3 stop. In other words, you change the exposure in +1/3 increments (overexpose or lighten), or - 1/3 increments (underexpose or darken) around the exposure that the camera says is “correct.”
Cameras often come with a dial on the top or back to easily change settings to bracket. On some cameras you may have to go into a menu to activate this feature. Check your camera manual if you are unsure how to get to this feature on your model.
The accompanying photo, "Nissequogue River," is my final choice from a series of bracketed JPEG exposures taken at sunset, a tricky time to photograph. It is slightly underexposed.
Thanks for reading. Please post any suggestions for future topics in the comments.
