Proper exposure.

du8die · February 27, 2009

So, I've been struggling to see what proper exposure looks like. I've taken shots that look good, but then someone who knows will say "it looks a stop underexposed." I can usually tell what is overexposed, but not necessarily what is underexposed.

So, last night, I was playing around with an umbrella and a Vivitar 283. (My wife agreed to model). I took a shot or two that I know was overexposed, a few that I think were good (maybe), and probably a few that were underexposed. So, I'm going to post a few, and if anyone cares to comment on if they are good, under or over, please do. I'd really like to learn what it should look like.

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

Thanks!

chasgroh · February 27, 2009

du8die wrote:

So, I've been struggling to see what proper exposure looks like. I've taken shots that look good, but then someone who knows will say "it looks a stop underexposed." I can usually tell what is overexposed, but not necessarily what is underexposed.

So, last night, I was playing around with an umbrella and a Vivitar 283. (My wife agreed to model). I took a shot or two that I know was overexposed, a few that I think were good (maybe), and probably a few that were underexposed. So, I'm going to post a few, and if anyone cares to comment on if they are good, under or over, please do. I'd really like to learn what it should look like.

Thanks!

...looks like door #2 to me...she looks great!

cg

Qarik · February 27, 2009

#1 looks a touch under exposed

#2 looks about right

#3 looks over exposed

#4 looks a touch under exposed

#5 is different..parts are well exposed and parts are underexposed due to the angle of the light. But this is more a balance issue. If you had reflector on the other side, then it may have solved that issue.

du8die · February 27, 2009

Thank you both. I appreciate it. I think I was leaning those same ways.

She's the reflector stand, so I had to make a few concessions on some of these.

Thanks,
d8

Scott_Quier · March 2, 2009

Under-exposed
This is the winner as far as exposure goes. Angle of light is not the best choice - a little flat. #1 is better in this respect.
About a stop (maybe more) over-exposed. Her left side is just about completely blown.
About 1/2 to 2/3 under-exposed.
Maybe a touch over-exposed. I would move the light a touch further away from your model (to counter rapid light falloff) and adjust the power appropriately.

Of course, a reflector (or second light) will counter light fall-off.

Proper exposure.

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