Bracketing
Bracketing is a technique used in photography to ensure that the correct exposure is achieved for a given scene. It involves taking multiple shots of the same scene, with different exposure settings, to capture a range of exposures. This technique is particularly useful in situations where the lighting conditions are challenging or where the camera’s automatic metering may not accurately capture the intended exposure.
Bracketing can be done manually or automatically, depending on the camera’s features. Manual bracketing involves taking multiple shots of the same scene, with different exposure settings, by adjusting the camera’s settings manually between each shot. Automatic bracketing, on the other hand, involves setting the camera to take a series of shots automatically, each with a different exposure setting.
Bracketing is particularly useful in high-contrast situations, where the range of brightness in the scene exceeds the camera’s dynamic range. For example, a landscape photographer may use bracketing to capture a range of exposures for a scene that includes bright sunlight and deep shadows.
Here are some examples of how bracketing can be used in different types of photography:
Landscape photography: Bracketing is commonly used in landscape photography to capture a range of exposures for a scene that includes bright skies and dark foregrounds. By taking multiple shots with different exposure settings, the photographer can create a composite image that accurately captures the full range of brightness in the scene.
HDR photography: High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography involves combining multiple exposures of the same scene to create an image with a wider dynamic range than would be possible with a single exposure. Bracketing is an essential technique for HDR photography, as it allows the photographer to capture a range of exposures that can be combined later in post-processing.
Action photography: Bracketing can also be useful in action photography, where lighting conditions can change quickly and unpredictably. By taking multiple shots with different exposure settings, the photographer can increase the likelihood of capturing at least one shot with the correct exposure.
In summary, bracketing is a technique used in photography to ensure that the correct exposure is achieved for a given scene. It involves taking multiple shots with different exposure settings to capture a range of exposures. Bracketing is particularly useful in high-contrast situations and can be used in a wide range of photography genres, including landscape, HDR, and action photography.