(c) Jim Zuckerman
If you have problems with digital camera overexposure, and specifically with blowing the highlights (which means a complete loss of detail and texture in the highlights), there are three reasons for this:
1. You are shooting in JPEG mode as opposed to Raw mode. The latter is our first line of defense in retaining detail in the highlights.
2. You are shooting in very contrasty situations such that the digital sensor doesn’t have the dynamic range to expose correctly for all parts of the picture. The solution? For outdoor work, shoot at sunrise, sunset, or when the sky is overcast.
3. You are expecting detail from brilliant subjects like the sun, the sun’s reflection on water, street lamps at night, etc. You will never see detail in these subjects.
Note: Jim Zuckerman is a top stock photographer who teaches many excellent photo courses online at BetterPhoto.com, including
Perfect Digital Exposure and Developing Your Creative Artistic Vision.
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