Category: Tips & Tricks

  • Mastering Exposure – [3 Tips to Get the Right EXPOSURE]

    Mastering Exposure – [3 Tips to Get the Right EXPOSURE]

    Getting your exposure correct is one of the most important things if you want your image quality to be the best possible. Of course, a great image is more than just exposure, but it is an important thing.

    3 tips for better exposure

    The first tip is to learn the way your camera makes the exposure. What I mean by that is the different metering modes. Learn the different metering modes to get the best exposure.

    image_001.jpg

    The second tip is to use raw and ETTR. Using raw you have the possibility to expose to the right. The reason to use ETTR (Exposure to the Right) is that then the sensor is capturing the most amount of data. The image quality is the best possible. The reason for that is the way the sensor captures data. There is more information in the highlights than there is in the shadow areas.

    An image that is exposed using ETTR will look a bit washed out. It is too bright. The image needs post-production. Lowering the exposure and highlights will make the image better looking.

    This only works for raw and should not be used when shooting jpegs.

    When using ETTR it is crucial that you do not clip the highlights like always, no matter what the exposure method is.

    Usually, an image that has been photographed using ETTR has most of the info on the right side of the histogram. But if you have an image where you have a white bird and a dark background will have a lot of info on the shadow. The histogram looks like the image is exposed to the left. But it still can be an ETTR image. It depends on where the brightest spot is on the histogram. If it is just on the histogram value 254-255 then it is ETTR.

    This is an example of an image that is ETTR even though the histogram might not look like it. As you see the snow on the bike is not over exposed. The whites pixel is around 254.
    This is an example of an image that is ETTR even though the histogram might not look like it. As you see the snow on the bike is not over exposed. The whites pixel is around 254.

    The third tip is to use Exposure Bracketing. This is very handy when you use jpg as your file format. This is the way to make sure you have the best possible exposure for your jpg. Having 5 or 3 different exposure from the same scene will help you get the perfect shot.

    More tips on my video about Mastering Exposure.

  • How to Avoid Noise in Photography?

    How to Avoid Noise in Photography?

    Noise is something we usually want to avoid in our photos. Noise can make the image quality worse. That is always a matter of opinion. Also, noise looks a bit different in different cameras. Some cameras can even produce quite pleasant looking noise. There are two kinds of noise, color noise, and luminance noise. I usually do not like the color noise that much. Luminance noise is not that bad, but of course, it can also be ugly looking.

    How to avoid noise in photography:

    1. Correct Exposure

    2. Use RAW

    3. Use as low ISO as possible

    4. Avoid Long Exposure

    5. Use Noise Reduction on Post

    6. Noise Reduction in Camera Video

    Olympus OM-D E-M1X, M.Zuiko 300f4 + MC-14, 1/640 f5.6, ISO3200
    Olympus OM-D E-M1X, M.Zuiko 300f4 + MC-14, 1/640 f5.6, ISO3200

    1. Correct Exposure

    Getting your exposure correct when making the exposure is very important. If you need to increase the exposure, most likely the in shadows will become more visible. Getting the exposure correct when photographing will get you better results. If you shoot RAW then exposing the image as bright as possible and then lower the mid-tones and possibly also highlights in post will reduce the visibility of the noise.

    2. Use RAW

    Using RAW will make it possible to edit your images. Lowering the exposure in post like I mentioned in the previous tip will make the noise less visible. RAW will give you more flexibility.

    3. Use as Low ISO as possible

    Modern cameras have a very effective stabilizer. That will make long exposures possible without tripods. When using low ISO there will less noise in your images. If you have LowISO in your camera as one of the options, try that and see how it affects the noise level of your images.

    Olympus E-M1 MKII, M.Zuiko 17mm f1.8, 1/8s f2.8, ISO1600
    Olympus E-M1 MKII, M.Zuiko 17mm f1.8, 1/8s f2.8, ISO1600

    4. Long Exposure Increases Noise

    When using low exposure that increases noise. Many cameras have noise reduction in camera when exposure is more than certain seconds. In Olympus cameras that limit is 4 seconds. If your exposure time is 4 seconds or longer the camera will do noise reduction. Some cameras are not good in noise reduction and in most cases it is better to do in post. But the best way is to test it with your own camera.

    5. Use Noise Reduction in Post

    Image editing software usually has a noise reduction tool. Some work better than others. In most cases, I use the Lightroom noise reduction tool. But sometimes I use Topaz DeNoise AI. It works very well reducing noise.

    If you are interested in Topaz DeNoise Ai click this link. Ii’s an Affiliate link. You do not pay extra and I get a small commission. Win-Win

    Always remember not to overdo the noise reduction. Images start to look really plastic if you reduce too much noise. Always be very careful and easy on the noise reduction so that the details do not disappear.

    6. Noise Reduction in Camera Video

    I have a video about Noise Reduction on my YouTube -channel. There are a few more tips about the reduction.

  • Olympus jpeg settings – How to get it RIGHT!

    Olympus jpeg settings – How to get it RIGHT!

    Threre are situations when .jpg is sometimes a very good option. In my todays video I will talk about jpg and how to get the settings right.