Understanding Exposure

Peterson describes the photographic triangle of aperture, shutter speed and ISO and explains that for any scene there are several correct exposures but usually only one that is creatively correct. He shows how aperture controls depth of field, from storytelling pictures with everything sharp to portraits with soft backgrounds, and how shutter speed can freeze action, create a sense of motion or turn waterfalls into silky streams.

Later chapters cover light: its quality and direction, the challenges of backlight, sunsets, snow and night scenes, and how to take accurate meter readings using simple techniques such as metering from the sky or a gray card. He also discusses filters, flash and useful tips for tricky situations. Each lesson is illustrated with his own colorful photographs, often shown in pairs with different settings so the reader can see the difference. The tone is friendly and encouraging, and the explanations avoid unnecessary technical jargon.

Clear, practical and inspiring, a favorite of photography students, and worth keeping in your camera bag as you practice each lesson outdoors. About 176 pages in the Amphoto paperback.