In a series of expert blogs, our team likes to explain everything you need to know about well-known and unknown concepts in the world of photography. And it doesn't have to be boring! After you have already learned about shutter speed and the bokeh effect, it is now time for the next topic. In this article, we dive deeper into one of the essential aspects of exposure: ISO values. You have probably heard of it, or you are already quite proficient in it yourself and would like to learn more about it. We will explain what ISO really means and why it is so important for your photography. Let's get started!
ISO meaning: what is it really?
ISO camera: this is how the ISO value is measured
This value is measured in numbers: think 100, 200, 400, and so on. The lower the number, the less sensitive your camera is to light. But, the higher the number, the more light your camera 'sees' It's actually like your camera becomes a night vision goggle, ready to catch even the smallest particles of light.This is how you get started
How do you actually put this into practice? Imagine for a moment a sunny day at the beach. The sun is shining brightly, so you need a low ISO value, as you read above. We recommend 100, to make sure your photo is not overexposed, and perfectly adapted to bright surroundings. Or maybe you find yourself in a dark environment: a cosy café with low light or a dark winter day. Here is the time to increase your camera's ISO value to 400 or even more. This way, your camera is ready to capture even the subtle details of the surroundings.
ISO value: finding the perfect balance
The secret to exceptional photography lies in finding the perfect balance. Too low an ISO in a dark setting results in grainy, underexposed images. While too high an ISO value in bright light naturally leads to overexposure. We recommend you just go and try it out, for example in our daylight studios. This will help you discover the ideal balance for your photography.
Note: there are of course a number of claims about ISO values that are not necessarily true. For example, a higher ISO value does not automatically mean a worse photo. Modern cameras can often perform impressively well even at higher ISO values. Therefore, dare to experiment and discover your camera's capabilities.
This is how to change the ISO values on your camera
First, always keep in mind that the specific modes can vary depending on the make and model of your camera. Depending on your camera, choose the mode that gives you control over the ISO settings. For example, this could be manual mode (M), aperture priority (A/Av) or shutter speed priority (S/Tv) mode. Now look at your camera's LCD screen or through the viewfinder to see the current ISO value. Find the button or menu that allows you to adjust the ISO settings.You are now going to adjust the ISO value. To do this, use the buttons or the menu: this could be the dial, a button with ISO markings or a touchscreen, for example. Select the desired ISO value based on the exposure conditions, as we explained above. Look at the LCD screen or through the viewfinder again to confirm that the new ISO value has been set. Some cameras display the ISO value directly, while others let you navigate through the menu.
Remember to keep adjusting your ISO values as light conditions change. You can half-press the shutter release button to update the exposure metering with the new ISO value before taking a photo. After selecting your desired settings, press the shutter button fully to take the photo.
