AboutSara Bella Expertise I can answer questions about most anything photographic. From film to darkroom to digital photography, from lighting to Photoshop techniques to digital work flow. I also know a great deal about the historical and theoretical contexts of photography. I am most familiar with Mac computers and the Adobe programs (Photoshop) but I can usually help troubleshoot any software and machine as long as I have the right information.
Experience I have been shooting photographs since I was 12 years old. I have a BFA in photography and and I am a current MFA matriculate. I teach photography at a university.
Education/Credentials BFA in Photography/Visual Articulation. In residency to receive MFA in photography in 2008.
Expert: Sara Bella Date: 5/4/2008 Subject: Darken a bright background
Question I have recently purchased a Nikon D80 as a starter camera for my new interest in photography. How do I adjust the camera to compensate for bright backgrounds. By this I mean in daylight the subject/foreground is darker than the background. The same for night/portrait pics as well. Not sure if I am making sense. Thanks. Barry
Answer Hi Barry,
Yes you make total sense. The D80 has "Matrix Metering" which allows you to dictate exactly where the light meter should read. If the subject is in the center of the frame, you will set the meter to read ONLY at the center. Check your users manual for info about spot metering. Without knowing your camera personally, I can't tell you which button it is...but I know it is there, and relatively easy to use. Another option is to manually "stop" up or down, depending on the lighting conditions, but the spot metering really is the best way to go for your situation. Stopping up or down means taking the reading the camera gives for the entire scene, but then changing either the aperture or shutterspeed appropriately to let in more or less light (more for night shots, less for days shots) so that your subject is properly exposed. This is called exposure compensation and Nikon also has a feature that will automate this for you.
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