Mastering the Exposure Triangle: A Beginner’s Guide to Photography
This post is meant to help you learn how to take photos with your DSLR or Mirrorless camera, so that you could then figure out what your “style” is. My personal style - tends to be more filmy and grainy like the photo above, professionally - I don’t deliver a lot of photos like this because, my clients aren’t really into them. Knowing how to use your camera well, gives you the tools you’ll need to become a versatile and skilled photographer.
So, you just got your hands on a fancy camera, and people keep throwing around terms like "exposure triangle" as if you're supposed to instinctively know what that means. Don’t worry—you’re not alone!
Think of the exposure triangle like the three legs of a tripod (except, you know, without the risk of your camera toppling over). It’s made up of ISO, shutter speed, and aperture—three settings that control how light interacts with your camera’s sensor. Nail this trio, and you’ll be on your way to capturing stunning shots in any lighting situation.
In this guide, we’re breaking it down into bite-sized, easy-to-digest pieces—because photography should be fun, not frustrating!
What is the Exposure Triangle?
Imagine you’re making the perfect cup of coffee. You need the right balance of beans, water temperature, and brew time. Too much of one, too little of another, and your coffee is either too bitter, too weak, or just plain awful. The exposure triangle works the same way!
It consists of three key settings:
ISO controls your camera sensor’s sensitivity to light. A higher ISO makes an image brighter but can add grainy noise.
Shutter Speed determines how long light hits the sensor. A fast shutter speed freezes motion, while a slow one creates motion blur.
Aperture (f-stop) controls how much light enters through the lens. A wider aperture lets in more light and creates a blurred background, while a narrow one keeps more of the image in focus.
Each of these settings must work together to create a well-exposed image. Change one, and you’ll need to adjust the others to maintain balance. Now, let’s dive deeper!
ISO: Your Camera’s Sensitivity to Light
ISO is like your camera’s night vision—it determines how much light your sensor absorbs.
ISO Scale and Effects:
Low ISO (100-400): Best for bright conditions, super clean images.
Medium ISO (800-1600): Great for indoor shots with moderate lighting.
High ISO (3200+): Needed for dark environments but can introduce grainy noise.
When to Adjust ISO:
Bright sunny day? Stick with ISO 100 to avoid overexposure.
Shooting indoors or at dusk? Bump it up to ISO 800-1600.
Night photography? Crank it up to 3200+, but watch for noise!
Shutter Speed: Controlling Motion and Light
Shutter speed is like a blink—it determines how long your camera’s sensor is exposed to light.
Fast vs. Slow Shutter Speeds:
Fast (1/1000s – 1/4000s): Freezes motion (think sports, wildlife, kids who never sit still).
Moderate (1/250s – 1/500s): Ideal for portraits and general photography.
Slow (1/30s – 30s): Captures motion blur (like dreamy waterfall shots).
When to Adjust Shutter Speed:
Need to freeze action? Use 1/1000s or faster.
Shooting handheld? Keep it at least 1/60s to avoid shaky hands ruining your shot.
Want creative motion blur? Try 1/30s or lower, but use a tripod!
Aperture (f-stop): The Art of Blurry Backgrounds
Aperture is like your camera’s pupil—it controls how much light enters the lens and affects depth of field (how much of your shot is in focus). How low you will go will depend on your lens. If you are starting out with a kit lens or the lens you have doesn’t go as low as a 1.8, practice with what you’ve got. It’s all about learning how to use the gear you have to the best of your ability.
Aperture Settings and Effects:
Wide (low f-number, e.g., f/1.8 – f/2.8): More light, dreamy blurred background (great for portraits!).
Medium (f/4 – f/8): Balanced exposure, moderate background blur.
Narrow (high f-number, e.g., f/11 – f/22): Less light, sharp focus throughout (ideal for landscapes).
When to Adjust Aperture:
Shooting portraits? Use f/1.8 – f/2.8 to make your subject pop.
Capturing landscapes? Use f/11 – f/16 for tack-sharp details.
Low-light situations? Open up your aperture (lower f-number) to let in more light.
How the Exposure Triangle Works Together
Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to put the pieces together. If you adjust one setting, you’ll need to tweak the others to keep everything balanced.
For example:
If you increase ISO to make an image brighter, you may need a faster shutter speed or a smaller aperture to avoid overexposure.
If you slow down shutter speed to brighten an image, you may need to lower ISO or use a narrower aperture.
If you open the aperture wider to let in more light, you might need a faster shutter speed or lower ISO.
Fun Practice Exercises
The best way to master the exposure triangle? Play around with your camera!
Shoot in Manual Mode: Get comfortable adjusting settings yourself.
Try a Fixed Subject: Take three shots of the same object, changing one setting at a time.
Experiment in Different Light: Compare bright daylight vs. indoor lighting vs. night photography.
Capture Motion: Freeze action with a fast shutter speed or blur movement with a slow one.
Test Depth of Field: Snap a portrait at f/2.8 and then at f/11 to see the difference.
FAQs About the Exposure Triangle
What’s the best ISO setting?
The lowest possible for a clean image. ISO 100-400 for bright light, ISO 800+ for low light.
How do I avoid blurry photos?
Use a fast shutter speed (1/250s or faster) and stabilize your camera.
Can I fix exposure in post-processing?
To some extent, but it’s best to get it right in-camera to avoid quality loss.
Best aperture for portraits?
f/1.8 – f/2.8 for that dreamy background blur.
Should I always shoot in manual mode?
Not necessarily—aperture or shutter priority modes can be handy, too!
Final Thoughts
Mastering the exposure triangle isn’t rocket science—it just takes practice. So grab your camera, start experimenting, and before you know it, adjusting settings will feel as natural as snapping selfies.
Happy shooting!
