In photography, there are many types of bracketing. The most common use is for taking multiple shots in different exposure values and combining them in post processing to get the perfect image. In some cases, bracketing can also be used to shoot in different white balances in order to get the best results.

Getting Hands On

Exposure bracketing is a more hands-on approach to photography. Simply put, you take a series of photos with different settings and merge them together to get the perfect lighting. To begin, capture your desired scene first, then adjust the shutter speed and exposure accordingly. Photograph the scene several times and be sure to keep the camera steady. The more similar the shots are, the easier it will be to combine them later. Doing this manually also ensures you have more options to pick from and delivers the best results.

When to use it

So when should you use exposure bracketing? Any time you feel there’s a general imbalance in either highlights or shadows. For example, sunsets can be very difficult to capture, due to the shifting light and colours. Bracketing is also incredibly useful in situations where the camera can be deceived by light, this way you can be prepared and compensate for it by capturing several exposures at a time. Another example, is when there’s an abundance of light around your subject, such as being on a beach on a sunny day, or taking pictures near snow. Your camera will perceive this extreme abundance of light, and will likely counter this by capturing under-exposed shots. Bracketing will ensure you capture multiple exposures so that your surroundings and your subject are both properly exposed. In simple terms, exposure bracketing allows you to combine similar images of different exposures into one blended image with balanced light.

Give exposure bracketing a go and create your own perfectly balanced composition.