Exposure Is a Creative Tool

White Shed with Dandelions
Philipsburg, Montana


When we are first learning photography, our goals are simple---get a sharp shot and a good exposure. But exposure is also a creative choice. You can decide to make the picture lighter or darker than it appeared to your eye in order to create a particular feeling. Here I adjust the exposure to be quite bright to convey the impression of blinding sunlight shining on this white building. The effect is called high key. 

Learn about more effects you can achieve with your camera in Creative Camera Techniques, an online course beginning March 31, 2021. Click here to register.