How do you measure photo brightness with the EV scale?

1 What is the EV scale?

The EV scale is based on a standard exposure of f/1.0, 1 second, and ISO 100, which is assigned an EV of 0. Every increase or decrease of one EV means doubling or halving the amount of light reaching the sensor. For example, an EV of 1 is equivalent to f/1.4, 1/2 second, and ISO 100, or f/2.0, 1 second, and ISO 50. An EV of -1 is equivalent to f/0.7, 2 seconds, and ISO 100, or f/1.0, 1 second, and ISO 200. The EV scale can range from -6 to 20, depending on the camera's capabilities and the lighting conditions.

2 How to adjust the EV scale?

You can adjust the EV scale by changing the aperture, shutter speed, or ISO, or by using the exposure compensation feature on your camera. Aperture controls the size of the opening in the lens that lets light in. Shutter speed controls the duration of the opening. ISO controls the sensitivity of the sensor to light. Exposure compensation allows you to override the camera's metering and increase or decrease the exposure by a certain number of EVs. For example, if you want to make your photo brighter, you can increase the aperture, decrease the shutter speed, increase the ISO, or use a positive exposure compensation. If you want to make your photo darker, you can do the opposite.

3 How to choose the camera mode?

The camera mode determines how much control you have over the EV scale and how the camera adjusts the exposure. There are four main modes: manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, and program. Manual mode gives you full control over the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. You can set the EV scale to any value you want, but you have to monitor the exposure meter and the histogram to make sure your photo is not overexposed or underexposed. Aperture priority mode lets you set the aperture and ISO, while the camera automatically sets the shutter speed to match the EV scale. This mode is useful for controlling the depth of field and the amount of blur in your photo. Shutter priority mode lets you set the shutter speed and ISO, while the camera automatically sets the aperture to match the EV scale. This mode is useful for controlling the motion and the sharpness in your photo. Program mode lets the camera set the aperture and shutter speed, while you can adjust the ISO and the exposure compensation. This mode is useful for general shooting and when you want to quickly change the exposure.

4 How to read the EV indicator?

The EV indicator is a scale that shows you the current EV value and the exposure meter that shows you how the camera's metering system evaluates the brightness of the scene. The EV indicator is usually displayed on the camera's LCD screen or viewfinder, along with the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings. The EV indicator has a zero mark in the middle, which represents the camera's recommended exposure, and a series of marks on either side, which represent the number of EVs above or below the recommended exposure. The exposure meter is a pointer that moves along the EV indicator, depending on the lighting conditions and the camera settings. If the pointer is on the zero mark, it means the exposure is balanced. If the pointer is on the right side of the zero mark, it means the exposure is brighter than the recommended exposure. If the pointer is on the left side of the zero mark, it means the exposure is darker than the recommended exposure. You can use the EV indicator and the exposure meter to check if your photo is exposed correctly, or if you need to adjust the EV scale or the exposure compensation.

5 How to use the EV scale creatively?

The EV scale is not only a tool for achieving correct exposure, but also a tool for expressing your artistic vision. You can use the EV scale to create different moods and effects in your photos, depending on your intention and preference. For example, you can use a low EV value to create a dark and dramatic photo, or a high EV value to create a bright and airy photo. You can also use a different EV value than the camera's recommendation to emphasize or de-emphasize certain elements in your photo. For example, you can use a negative exposure compensation to make the sky more blue, or a positive exposure compensation to make the snow more white. The EV scale is a flexible and powerful way to control the brightness of your photo and to express your creativity.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?