Understanding Dynamic Range in Photography

Front

Dynamic Range

Back

The range of tonal values between the darkest and lightest parts of the subject / environment

Dynamic range can be described as wide or shallow

A very wide dynamic range (very bright areas and very dark areas) are often difficult to capture in one image.

The photographer will often have to decide to show detail in either the dark or light areas of the image.

or - use multiple images and edit in photoshop into an HDR (high dynamic range) file

Front

Exposure

Back

the light reaching the camera sensor

Front

ISO

Back

Amplifies the sensor's sensitive to light.

lowest value is usually 100 (sometimes 50)

higher values make the image brighter

very high values (above 3200) can make the image appear grainy

Front

Aperture

Back

circular blades which (which like the iris in an eye) open and close in the lens controlling light entry to the sensor.

Aperture is measured in f-stop.

Front

Shutter Speed

Back

A set of 'curtains' which open and close revealing the sensor to light coming through the lens.

How long this is open is measured in seconds or fractions of a second

Front

High Dynamic Range (HDR)

Back

Front

Bracketing

Back

Front

Exposure Triangle

Back

The physical way a camera controls light using:

ISO, aperture, and shutter speed

Front

Overexposure

Back

Too much light, resulting in a washed-out image

Front

Underexposure

Back

Too little light, resulting in a dark image