I have put together a straightforward
page on basic exposure principles. This is to put us on the same footing when discussing exposure, reciprocity law, and exposure guides. The page first covers the three factors in exposure: shutter speed, aperture, and film speed or ISO. Then discusses how these factors interact. More advanced photographers might like to visit the interactive exposure page by Tony Catalano near the end of the page - it shows what happens when varying these three factors, in particular the effect on depth of field and stopping motion.
If using an older camera that does not have a built in meter (or the battery is no longer available), these points are essential. Even if using a more modern SLR with auto-exposure, knowing the effects on depth of field and motion can allow one to capture the moment as intended, rather than letting the camera guess. Hopefully, this short article will be useful in some way whatever level you are at in photography.
The article on Exposure Basics is also available in the column on the left. More short articles are to come, comments welcome.
