We hear a lot about the "optimal" exposure setting, and we tend to think those optimal exposure settings are the ones the camera gives us, including ISO.

Whether we’re working in automatic exposure mode, where the camera does everything for us, or in manual exposure mode, where we do everything, including the metering, the result is rarely optimal.
 

And that’s because the exposure we get from the camera’s light meter is objective, but an optimal exposure is subjective.

But the exposure settings we get from metering are important because that objective meter reading is a starting point that’s a known value in terms of tonality.

We talked about that a lot in a recent Photography Basics/Introduction to Photography class class.
 

Specifically, the conversation was about how the camera’s meter is designed to give us what’s called a standard exposure.

That means it’s giving us a standard tonality—an average brightness that’s associated with whatever light the meter is being influenced by across the scene.

The thing is, what the camera gives us as a standard might not match what we want.

That means we’ve gotta decide what’s optimal for us.

We might want the picture’s tonality to be brighter or darker.
 

The exposure the camera gives us is just a foundation.
 

From there, we make adjustments based on our intent of composition and communication.

The Photography Basics/Introduction to Photography class classes are available for registration, or you could get the same instruction as a series of Private Lessons.

However you choose to study and practice with me, I’ll help you become the best photographer you can be.

And if you’re not sure which class fits your needs, just ask—I’m always happy to help.

About Sam

Sam D'Amico, a professional photographer and photography instructor, helps anyone who wants to be a better photographer. 

He'll work with his students to increase their understanding of camera operation, composition, light, and lighting. 

Sam started working as a professional photographer in the mid-1980s.

Most notably, from 1992 to 1997, while working as a freelance photographer, he photographed over 500 assignments for the New York Times.

Additionally, Sam received awards for his work while exhibiting his photographs in shows. 

Sam began teaching photography professionally in 1998 through the Highland Park, N.J. recreation department. 

In 2002 Sam moved to Washington, D.C., and began teaching at the accredited Washington School of Photography in Bethesda, Md.

It was in 2003 that Sam developed his curriculum and started teaching classes in Washington, D.C. 

In 2018 and 2022, the Sam D'Amico Photography Classes were voted the "Best of DC" art class by the readers of the Washington City Paper. 

Many photography teachers spend a lot of time teaching about DSLRs and rules of composition that create homogenized, rigid photographs.

On the other hand, Sam teaches about camera operation, thought process, and the individual photographer's visual communication intent. 

This approach to teaching allows his students to use ANY camera (yes, even the camera on their phone) and break free of the rules of composition.

Approaching the creative process this way allows for fluid and spontaneous photographs unique to the photographer creating them.

Sam encourages his students to find their ways as photographers. 

He instills the skills in his students that result in creative, engaging, and unique compositions that reflect the photographer's intended one-of-a-kind visual expression.