How the Exposure Triangle Works on Cameras for Beginners in Photography

Understanding the diaphragm, speed and ISO in the exposure triangle on the camera

mrfdn – Not infrequently we hear people complain, how come my photo is dark! why is the photo too bright? blah.. blah.. It can be assumed that the person taking the picture doesn’t really understand exposure. Confused about the correct camera settings, so in the end they chose Auto mode only, and even then they were still not satisfied with the results.

This article discusses the camera technically. This is very important for those who are beginners and are curious about photography. An understanding of the exposure triangle formula is very necessary. Why do I say that? Because by understanding this you can do photography experiments.

This is the foundation or foundation that must be planted firmly for those who enter the world of photography. Everything technical about photography boils down to this exposure triangle.

To start this discussion, let’s first find out what the exposure triangle is. In exposure there are 3 components that work together in completing their task in making a photo. Those three things are ISO, Diaphragm and Speed. Let’s discuss one by one first.

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Diaphragm

Diaphragm or commonly known as aperture in Indonesian is known as aperture. This diaphragm is located inside the lens. The diaphragm is a collection of irises that are attached to each other forming an octagon.

The diaphragm has an F unit. The working mechanism of the diaphragm is to adjust the size of the hole where the light enters. The larger the resulting hole, the larger the aperture, which has small numbers such as f/1.4, f/1.2. The higher the aperture number, the smaller the aperture f is open (f/11, f/22).

The effect is that when using a small hole, less light enters. Because only a small amount of light enters, the time needed to complete the task of creating a photo image is longer.

Furthermore, the effect when using a diaphragm with a large opening is that the camera’s focus distance to the object becomes narrower. So that the object behind the photo object that is our focus will be out of focus, blurry, blurry, or known as bokeh.

For doing model photos, having a lens with a large aperture diaphragm is a distinct advantage. People can be fascinated when they see photos with objects having bokeh.

Also read :: 9 Tips to Maximize Model Photos by Using a 50mm Lens

But this does not apply to those of you who like landscape photos. In fact, landscape photos are showing everything in the photo frame that looks focused. Focus from the object closest to the camera to the object that looks far ahead.

To get a photo with a wide focus then you have to use a narrow diaphragm. For example f/11, f/16, etc.

Sweet spot on the lens

Talking about the lens, it is known as the sweet spot. This sweet spot is the ability of the lens to create a point of maximum sharpness. Each lens has a different sweet spot. For example, the 18-55 kit lens is a lens with a sweet spot at f/11. There you will see the maximum sharpness of the lens.

Speed

Speed ​​or so-called shutter speed. In other words, long exposure time. That is how long it takes the camera to produce an image. If we do the shutter speed on the camera. Instantly photos can be seen on the camera’s LCD screen. Yes, right! Well maybe it’s less than a second. That’s called shutter speed.

The unit of shutter is called second/second. In photography the shutter speed greatly affects the results of the camera. For example, if you are chasing a moment, then you must use a speed above 1/200, 1/500 second, or faster. The reason is that if it is slower than that, the photos will shake / shake.

What’s the reason?

Because the camera’s exposure time is slow. This also applies to sports photographers and journalist photographers. Speed ​​settings are needed to get the best moment.

It’s different again when we take landscape photos, to create the effect of moving clouds or motion effects on the waves, or to make a waterfall smooth, then a low speed is needed here. For example 1/3, 1″, 10″, 30″ or slower. The slower it is, the smoother the effect will be.

Also read :: Long exposure landscape photos by playing speed

ISO

ISO is a digital component that is inside the camera body. Its function is as an element that captures the light that enters through the lens. ISO is the same as ASA which is usually applied to non-digital cameras. In analogue cameras, this is found on the roll of film used on the camera.

ISO is about how sensitive the camera is in capturing light. The bad effect of high ISO (such as ISO 800, 1600 or above is that sometimes photos become noise (grainy). Technically noise arises because the camera is not able to capture light in low light conditions.

The use of high ISO should be avoided. ISO is the first thing to consider when setting the camera. It’s the same when we use an analog camera, we must first determine what roll of film we want to use.

Use of high ISO is usually done when the surrounding light becomes dim. Automatically our eyes can not feel it, because our eyes can immediately adjust what they see. Unlike the camera, the camera’s ability to record light is a very limited ability. So to display the results of photos that are bright and normal, increasing the content value is one option that can be chosen by photographers.

Normally the ISO is used outdoors when the sun is shining brightly is a low content such as ISO 100 or 200 only. Although it’s possible that you can still use ISO with a high value like 1600. The only question is, why should you use a high ISO when the surrounding light is still bright? After all, ISO 100 is enough for that.

Remember to set the camera to a low ISO first when you start shooting.

How the diaphragm works, speed and ISO

From the definition of diaphragm, speed, and ISO above, let’s get to know how these three components work.

1. The amount of light that enters the camera is regulated through the aperture hole. If the aperture is too large then the photo will be over exposed, if the aperture is too small then the photo will be dark.

2. To capture the light, the ISO component is already in the camera. If the ISO is too high then the photo will be over exposed, if it is too low then the photo will look dark.

3. The speed function then controls how long it takes to complete the exposure. If it’s too long then the photo becomes over exposure, if it’s too short then the photo will be dark.

4. To set the right exposure, in the camera there is a light meter called a lightmeter. This lightmeter serves to measure the incoming exposure when we use a certain setting. For example, if we set the aperture to f/5.6, in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen, the camera will tell you to use the speed used, whether it’s fast or slow speed. This lightmeter is marked with a dotted image located at the bottom of the viewfinder. If the point stops right in the middle then that’s the right exposure for the object you are shooting.

To get the right photo exposure, the automatic function in the camera is very easy. But you will not know anything, will only wait for the results of the photo on the LCD screen.

If the aperture changes, the ISO and speed will also change. And vice versa, if we set the desired speed, the ISO and diaphragm will also change.

If you are still practicing using the camera, it is highly recommended to first master this exposure triangle. By mastering this, you will have no trouble later when you want to make good and creative photos. This exposure triangle is the basis of the creation of a photographic work.

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