Even though this image has been darkened after its capture, the highlight detail in the sea and the clouds is unrecoverable
If you photograph a scene with a light source such as a candle or a light bulb in it you wouldn’t expect, nor want, to be able to see the detail of the candle flame or the bulb’s element.
You would expect these areas to be burned out. Similarly, if you are photographing a sparkling sea you expect the specular highlights to be burned out.
It would be a problem, however, if all the detail in the ‘white horses’ of the waves in the sea are a featureless mass of overexposed white.
These areas are the important highlights or critical highlights and the exposure needs to be set to protect them.
PAGE 1: Why should I expose to the right?
PAGE 2: Important highlights
PAGE 3: Using your histogram to expose to the right
PAGE 4: How to expose to the right
PAGE 5: The last step
READ MORE
How to take sharp landscape photos
The landscape photographer’s guide to shooting anywhere: free photography cheat sheet
Posted on Wednesday, November 7th, 2012 at 2:00 am under Photography Tutorials, Tutorials.
Tags: camera tips, DSLR tips, exposure, hot, landscape photography
Digital Camera is the world's best DSLR magazine, packed with pro photography, expert tips, video training and the toughest camera reviews. Subscribe Now
Photoshop Curves Tool: 6 techniques every photographer must know
3 exposure techniques every beginner must know... and when you should use them
34 Photoshop effects every photographer must try