Exposure Triangle Mastery Photography Practice Assignment

Exposure Triangle Mastery

This assignment focuses on mastering the Exposure Triangle by utilizing Aperture and Shutter Priority modes to control exposure effectively. Students will learn to manipulate depth of field and motion capture while maintaining a fixed ISO for consistency.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO in the exposure triangle.
  • Develop skills in using Aperture and Shutter Priority modes for creative exposure control.
  • Learn how to assess and adjust exposure using histograms and metering modes.

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Before You Shoot

  • Select a location with varying light conditions to practice exposure control.
  • Set your camera's ISO to a fixed value of 200 to ensure consistent sensitivity.
  • Familiarize yourself with your camera's metering modes and histogram display.
  • Decide whether you want to focus on depth of field or motion in your images.
  • Ensure your battery is charged and you have adequate storage space on your memory card.

The Assignment

Technical Focus

  • Use Aperture Priority mode for controlling depth of field while allowing the camera to adjust shutter speed.
  • Utilize Shutter Priority mode to freeze motion and let the camera manage aperture settings.
  • Check your histogram frequently to avoid clipping highlights or shadows.
  • Experiment with different metering modes to see how they affect exposure.
  • Bracket your shots when light is tricky to ensure you capture the desired exposure.

Creative Focus

  • Explore shallow depth of field to isolate your subject from the background using a wide aperture.
  • Capture motion blur by using a slower shutter speed while maintaining a fixed ISO.
  • Use different angles and perspectives to enhance the effect of depth of field.
  • Incorporate foreground elements to add depth and interest to your compositions.
  • Experiment with backlighting to create dramatic silhouettes and contrast.

Assignment Tasks

  1. Shoot a portrait in Aperture Priority mode at f/2.8 with ISO 200 fixed, allowing the camera to set the shutter speed for depth of field control.
  2. Capture a moving subject, such as a person walking or running, in Shutter Priority mode at 1/250s with ISO 200 fixed, letting the camera adjust the aperture.
  3. Take a landscape photo in Aperture Priority mode at f/8 with ISO 200 fixed, allowing the camera to set the shutter speed to ensure proper exposure.
  4. Photograph a busy street scene in Shutter Priority mode at 1/1000s with ISO 200 fixed to freeze motion, allowing the camera to adjust the aperture.
  5. Experiment with low light conditions using Aperture Priority mode at f/4 with ISO 200 fixed and observe how the camera adapts the shutter speed.
  6. Use Shutter Priority mode at 1/30s with ISO 200 fixed to creatively capture motion blur of moving water or traffic.

💡 Stretch Tasks

  • Create a series of images that demonstrate various depths of field effects using different aperture settings in Aperture Priority mode.
  • Challenge yourself to capture the same scene multiple times at different shutter speeds in Shutter Priority mode to compare motion effects.

DO / DON'T

DO

  • ✓ Do check your histogram after each shot to ensure proper exposure.
  • ✓ Do experiment with different metering modes to see how they affect your results.
  • ✓ Do take notes on the settings used for each shot to track your progress.
  • ✓ Do review your images critically to identify areas for improvement in exposure.
  • ✓ Do practice in various lighting conditions to understand how light affects exposure.

DON'T

  • ✗ Don't shoot in fully manual mode; focus on using priority modes to master exposure.
  • ✗ Don't neglect to adjust your metering mode based on the scene's lighting.
  • ✗ Don't ignore the importance of a fixed ISO; it helps maintain consistency.
  • ✗ Don't rush your shots; take time to compose and assess your exposure.
  • ✗ Don't forget to engage with your histogram; it’s crucial for avoiding clipping.

Reflection Questions

  • How did using Aperture Priority mode affect your control over depth of field?
  • What challenges did you face when capturing motion in Shutter Priority mode?
  • In what ways did different metering modes influence your exposure results?
  • How can understanding the exposure triangle improve your overall photography skills?

For Foundation Plus members: Submit 3 images from this assignment for personalised feedback in your next Zoom session. You should upload to the shared Dropbox folder - link provided by Alan when you joined Foundation Plus.

Alan RangerTechnical Foundations