Today Paddy took us through how to expose an image correctly and showed us what tools are available to help.
Summary
In today’s session with Paddy, we went over the fundamentals of exposure in film production and how to properly control light to achieve the best possible image. It was a mix of theory and hands-on practice, which really helped solidify my understanding.
We started by breaking down the three key elements of exposure: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Paddy explained how these settings work together to control brightness and image quality.
- Aperture (f-stop) – This determines how much light enters the camera. A wider aperture (low f-number) lets in more light and creates a shallow depth of field, while a narrower aperture (high f-number) does the opposite.
- Shutter Speed – Controls motion blur. Faster speeds freeze action, while slower speeds add blur, which can be useful for creative effects.
- ISO – A higher ISO makes the image brighter but adds noise, so it’s a balance between brightness and quality.
We also looked at practical ways to get the right exposure, including using light meters and checking the camera’s histogram. Paddy emphasised the importance of avoiding underexposure (where you lose shadow details) and overexposure (where highlights get blown out).
One of the most interesting parts was discussing how exposure affects storytelling. Choosing to overexpose or underexpose a scene can dramatically change its mood. High-key lighting feels bright and clean, while low-key lighting creates a darker, moodier atmosphere.
We wrapped up by going over common mistakes and how to fix them. It was great to experiment with different settings and see the immediate impact on the image. I’m definitely feeling more confident in my ability to control exposure and use it creatively in my own work. I plan to research this in more detail on the Research tab of my blog.