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Hello, .

Should we bracket?

If we're learning about exposure and ISO in photography, especially if we're starting to explore working in manual exposure modes, then YES!

But depending on our work, I wouldn't suggest making bracketing a regular part of our work when making pictures.

Bracketing is a series of intentional increases and decreases in exposure around the exposure that gives us a standard tonality.

Usually, bracketing gives a series of five exposures ranging from -2EV to +2EV (EV = Exposure Value), resulting in five of the same picture or similar pictures of varying exposures and tonalities. 

When I began my photography studies and practiced in the film age of photography, the teacher taught us how to bracket. 

Bracketing showed us how exposure affects tonality, and the teacher suggested it was a way to get a series of different exposures so we could pick the "best" exposure.

I did it within the class context, but because of my work, I found bracketing a useless hindrance outside of its use as a learning tool within the course context.

When I realized that bracketing was useless in my work, I concentrated on my studies and practiced getting my preferred exposure on the first go.  

And bracketing played an essential role in my ability to do that. 

Is bracketing useful?

Yes.

Is bracketing useful in digital photography, too?

Yes.

The answer is yes to both questions because bracketing is an excellent learning tool. 

It's such an excellent learning tool that I introduce it to photographers as part of their first homework assignment during the Introduction To Photography class.   

But by week two, we let go of bracketing and control tonality more directly and intentionally.
 

If you need help to improve your photography, I'm here to help you.

And working in  manual exposure mode is the best way.

If you want to learn to work that way, I've got an Introduction to Photography class scheduled. 

If the schedule doesn't work for you, we can always schedule a series of private lessons. to teach you the same stuff.

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