(*16*) 16 Rule: Proper Exposure Without a Camera Meter (VIDEO)

Right this moment’s fast tutorial is a throwback to the times earlier than digital cameras, with out autofocus, built-in meters, and different trendy conveniences. The (*16*) 16 technique for figuring out correct publicity was one of many best “guidelines” again then, and it could bail you out of a jam at present when utilizing a full-featured camera.

Many photographers nonetheless use handbook cameras now and again and, for them, the video under will likely be a refresher. However what if the sunshine meter your trendy camera goes haywire, or your battery runs dry and also you don’t have a spare? In these situations the (*16*) 16 Rule is much better than guessing on the publicity settings required and may actually save the day.

Instructor Booray Perry is a man we flip to typically for fast and easy explainers on fundamental photographic ideas, and he usually infuses his tutorials with a little bit of humor to make them enjoyable to look at. In at present’s episode it takes him barely 5 minutes to demystify the (*16*) 16 Rule.

As Perry explains, the (*16*) 16 Rule goes like this: “If you happen to’re outdoors on a vivid day with out cloud cowl and the aperture is ready to f/16, then your shutter velocity would be the similar as your ISO setting.” So in case your ISO is 200, the proper shutter velocity will likely be 1/200 with a aperture of f/16.”

After all each day isn’t a sunny one, however the Rule nonetheless applies with a bit straightforward extrapolation, as Perry explains. He makes changes for lowering mild ranges in one-stop increments. Thus, on days with a slight quantity of cloud cowl he drops his aperture setting to f/l1.

Following this technique means you’ll drop down one other cease to f/8 on completely overcast days, and on and on. Regardless that there are a few psychological calisthenics concerned it’s higher than eyeballing a scene, and taking a wild guess with fingers crosses.

Yow will discover extra quick-and straightforward explainers on Perry’s instructional YouTube channel, so you’ll want to take a look.

We additionally counsel you watch the straightforward tutorial we posted from one other widespread teacher, explaining the best way to shoot photographs with lovely tender backgrounds to make your primary topic stand out.