How to use camera exposure settings.

Photography is all about capturing light. Learn how to let in just the right amount of light by adjusting your camera exposure settings.

The three elements of camera exposure.

When it comes to choosing the right exposure camera settings, there are three aspects you need to consider:

• Aperture — How wide your lens is. The wider your aperture (that is, the lower the f-stop), the more light is let in. For example, an aperture of f/2 is wider than f/11.
• Shutter speed — How quickly your shutter opens and closes. Fast shutter speeds let in less light.
• ISO — Your camera’s sensitivity to light. A high ISO means your camera is very sensitive to light, which is great for low-light shots.

All three camera settings need to work together to achieve the right exposure for the lighting conditions. For example, if you want to use a wide aperture for shallow depth of field in a bright environment, you can select a fast shutter speed and low ISO to compensate and prevent overexposure.

Adjust camera exposure with editing software.

Managing three camera exposure settings simultaneously can be a challenge. Luckily, you can use photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom to adjust exposure after you’ve already taken the shot.

You can adjust your photo’s exposure with a simple slider, helping you salvage even the most under- or overexposed shots. You can even shoot with the “wrong” camera settings for artistic effect without worrying about messing up your picture. Keep a wide aperture and slow shutter speed, knowing you can make adjustments later.

Want to learn more helpful photography tips and tricks?

Discover what more you can do with Lightroom to maintain the perfect exposure for all your shots.