Get the Perfect Exposure - Part 2 - September 19, 2008 -

If you are still unsure about getting the correct exposure, there is a cheap but very effective device called an 18% grey card that can limit your frustration, if used correctly.

When light falls upon a certain object; if the object is too dark your camera or meter will automatically give you an over-exposed reading. This also happens when we take a reading from something that is too

bright - the meter gives us an under-exposed reading.

We need to find a mid-tone object for our meters to read the proper exposure.

Sometimes if we are taking pictures in a high contract scene a mid-tone object is impossible to find. 18 % grey is the mid-tone between pure white and pure black.

An 18% grey card will record the exact light that will touch any object. Start by placing the grey card where you are going to take your reading, point your camera or light meter at the grey card - your meter should read the exact light that falls upon the card.

These cards can be used for all types of photography. If you are taking a portrait place the grey card beside the subjects face. This will give you an exact reading and help to capture perfect skin tones.

We dont need to understand the full science of how this works, but knowing a little doesnt hurt. All light-meters are calibrated to produce an exposure of 18% The grey card reflects the exact same reading.

This card only costs a few Euro, and most decent camera stores should sell them. The 18% grey card should become an important part of your equipment. The grey card can be used if you shoot with digital or film cameras, and whether you use black and white or colour film.

TJ Tierney. Award winning Irish Landscape Photographer. If you are looking for more tips visit: Photo tips. To view some of his images visit his on-line gallery: Pictures of Ireland.

Why Bracketing is Important
The bracketing feature on most DSLR and EVF digital cameras is sometimes unfairly ignored. Bracketing the exposure is not to be confused with the continuous feature that takes three or more exposures at the same value. The automatic exposure sensor in the camera does its best to supply the correct exposure, but since the window of good exposure i...

Photography Basics
Choose the right camera. Cameras come in many styles and forms these days. Anything from low resolution cell phone cameras to professional DSLR and Medium format cameras, and you can still find many great quality film cameras as well. Determine what the camera will be used for, and select your camera accordingly.Understand lighting conditions. Ther...

How to Use Autoresponders Effectively Part III
Your autoresponder can give you the exposure as discussed in Part II. Simply write out the course and program one part to be sent out every two days. This has been proven time and time again to be more effective than just sending out one free ebook. It is the constant exposure to your product that sells it, and your autoresponder can do that ver...

Shooting Action Shots With Little Light
Have you ever tried taking action shots without having lots of light available. If you have then you probably know how it feels to have a lot of photos come out bad and getting very frustrated. I remember when I didn't know how to do this right I was always looking for the answer yet could never find it. But taking action photos in low light is not...

Nice Camera Tips for Enhanced Digital Photos!!
Just bought a new camera ?? And very excited to start taking photos with your new gadget??But Alas, why does the picture not look as good as you wanted to !! Fret no more, stay tuned below for 4 new tricks to taking more interesting and memorable photos.Trick #1 - Try out different camera exposure settingsBy exploring the exposure settings of your ...

Nonprofit Fund Raising Boot Camp
Nonprofit fund raising takes on a different priority over other types of fund raising events. The reason for raising funds is actually more important than the funds that are raised. This article will look at the many aspects of nonprofit fundraising you should be aware of.Where Does the Money Come From?Individuals Individual donors are a very imp...

10 Tips for Taking Sharp Photos
Youve spent your cold, hard cash on a great camera; yet capturing a crisp, sharp image still escapes you. Whats the catch? A professional photographer will tell you that the secret to sharp photos requires hours of practice and the proper technique.Here are ten tips for taking sharp photos:1. Do what professionals do: Use a tripod or monopod, espec...