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Hello, .

One of the most difficult challenges we face as photographers is getting our images' tonality (brightness) the way we want them.

This is a crucial part of our work because if the tonality isn't correct, it could interfere with the viewers' ability to see what we want them to see.

And what I mean by tonality is how bright or dark our picture is.

Most photographers consider this solely an exposure issue and use terms like "overexposed," "underexposed," and "correctly exposed."

And many photographers use an "exposure triangle" as a way to understand how to control the brightness of our picture.

However, exposure is only part of what controls the tonality of our picture.

Exposure consists only  of aperture and shutter speed,

Another significant factor in tonality control is ISO.  

ISO isn't exposure; ISO deals only with light sensitivity.

If you're a photographer who references the "exposure triangle," as a way to control the brightness of a photograph, please start replacing  the "exposure" triangle concept  with the "tonality" triangle concept.  

Doing so will help you understand that ISO (light sensitivity) is a separate consideration from exposure.

Although we can use exposure to control the brightness of our picture, ISO is also a variable that allows us to do that.

Tonality is controlled with aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.

While some people refer to an "exposure"  triangle"  as a means of controlling tonality, it's not really a triangle.

Because, here's the rub: an exposure triangle isn't possible because the only things that control the brightness of our picture in terms of exposure are the aperture and shutter speed.

From what I remember from geometry class, it takes three sides to make a triangle.

If we use a triangle to control our picture's brightness (tonality), which makes sense, we can't just make it about exposure; we have to include ISO as a side of the triangle. 
  
I've got classes scheduled.

I hope you've been studying and practicing your photography.

The ways to study and practice photography with me are below.

Call me if you need help determining the best course for you.

I'll help you be a better photographer—study and practice photography with me. 

Currently scheduled classes are below.

Smaller classes mean better learning, so class sizes are limited to 5 participants plus me.

But smaller classes also mean spots fill up quicker, so sign up soon. 

And what if the timing doesn't work for you in any of my scheduled group classes? Private in-person or online lessons suited to your schedule are always an option. 

And remember, we learn and improve by doing, so practice making at least one picture daily.

That's all for now; thanks for reading! 

Sam