How to Make Quick Exposure Adjustments Using Ae Lock
If you, like many people, shoot on AUTO setting, you'll find that your camera won't let you make any kind of manual exposure adjustment. However, it may still let you use the autoexposure lock button (AE LOCK) to lighten or darken the exposure. Here's how to do it.
[edit] Steps
- Set your camera on AUTO, compose your picture and shoot.
- Now, point the camera at a scene that's a little darker than the scene you want, press and hold the AE LOCK button, re-compose and shoot. You'll see that the camera has lightened up the image compared to the first one.
- Now AE LOCK on an area lighter than your scene. The camera will darken the image.
[edit] Tips
- This technique is especially useful in backlit situations. If the sun (or snow or beach) behind your subject is turning it into a silhouette, zoom in on the subject, AE LOCK, re-compose and shoot.
- On many cameras, AE LOCK works in all exposure modes, and it's generally faster than manually adjusting the exposure or setting the compensation.
[edit] Warnings
- While it may be faster than adjusting the exposure, AE LOCK is not as accurate. Experiment with the technique before you shoot anything important!
