Why I ALWAYS Exposure Bracket my Photos

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Exposure bracketing is common practice in photography, but most people in my experience do it to blend exposures in Lightroom or Photoshop for a HDR look. While most cameras have this feature, and while I use it most if not all of the time, I do it for reasons other than blending. In this video I explain what those reasons are.
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[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks for your patience with the book shipping! Going as fast as I can :)

[@deanwoolnough9761]

My book arrived yesterday, love it! Thanks James. Great video as always

[@willprice7475]

Just got the shipping confirmation right before this video got posted. I imagined it going like this: Jimbo (yes, we're tight like that, so I can call you Jimbo): "I can't wait to post this new video about bracketing, BUT I must do this more important thing first!" *rapidly tapping keys is a nonsensical fashion and sends Will's confirmation* Jimbo: "THERE! Now that the important stuff is out of the way, I can post this video." Exactly what happened.

[@simonfroggatt5982]

The books arrived a couple of days ago. They are both excellent, keep up the good work and the entertaining/informative videos.

[@pixelpeter3883]

Received word of the shipment of my copy a couple of days ago; haven't turned up here across the Channel in the Netherlands though.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Nailed it :)

[@Garhobson]

James now brackets his video with squarespace ads :D

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

haha!

[@robbiehenderson9582]

What makes you channel so good is that you are the one of the very few (possibly the best) channel that focuses on photography rather than cameras - great job!

[@nick8945]

Thomas heaton, sean tucker, jamie windsor are some of the few photographers that come to mind that focus on photography and not the gear.

[@TrevorDyck]

There's others but James is one of the few I've watched that is thoughtful, interesting, and doesn't make their videos into a bunch of long winded fluff.

[@Kai-P]

I've done that often in the past but realized I end up struggling more in the culling (which I generally hate) and keep multiple exposures for "maybe some day I need that".

[@andyb_23]

Kai P you’re a hoarder, like me. Find it really hard to bin images.

[@Dreyno]

Totally. I have no idea what I think I need them for, but 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@stefanwagener]

I had the same struggle with keeping too many copies but once my photo collection got over 100.000 images over many years, I realized that with such a big collection it would take me many, many weeks to just look at all my photos again and looking at tons of copies gets than not only time consuming but really annoying or boring. And if you hate culling, it means you never want to do the process again for the thousands of photos you have edited already and being confronted again with the same decision making which bracketed photos to choose. To avoid culling again, get rid of the copies. Also these days I would argue that editing tools have become so good that you can more easily change exposure in post without too much penalty in noise. So with my landscape shots I look mostly for the highlights and take the obviously best one. If I cannot decide initially which is the best one, I edit one and then copy the settings to the other one and compare. Then I do the final decision and delete all unnecessary copies.

[@thenimitpatel]

I came for exposure bracketing but what you said from 4:19 to 5:00 really spoke to me. It’s so true. If people are looking at those things, your photos are not having the impact you want them to

[@ChristineWilsonPhotography]

I just love your common sense no fuss approach to photography , you have to be one of my favorite presenters. There is just so much BS out there and you cut right through it , just love it.

[@TheMoodyPhotographer]

@0:14 "Not taking pho'os" I love the British accent man 😄

[@BrendanvanSon]

I took my first photos out in public in 60 days. Best feeling ever.

[@RalfTenbrink]

I been taking 3 exposure brackets for about a year now for most of my photos. And as you I hardly ever merge them either. I also like the additional options you get when you have 3 images. The little story with the bird was very interesting and I never thought of that. Thank I will be looking more closely at that in the future.

[@richardpcrowe]

I bracket night exposures using a 3-shot bracket with a minus 1-stop exposure compensation. This gives me 3 shots: 1 as the meter reads, 1 at one stop below the meter reading, and 1 at two stops below the meter reading. Since the bane of most night photography is overexposing the highlights; I am almost certain to get one perfect shot from the group of three... Works great!

[@karlthefirst8690]

Hey James, I’ve only been a subscriber for a few months but I must admit that every time you come out with a new video and basically argue the opposite of whatever the prevailing KZbin-photographer wisdom is, I find it endlessly entertaining. Also refreshing and educational, but fabulously entertaining.

[@rob9386]

I love how you have no clue if you helped us or just confused us more! In 600 videos I've watched you helped 94% of the time. Thanks for your awesome channel and not giving in to the marketing bullshit or the hype of certain shit cameras. I know when I watch your video I can trust your content like your a good mate, and especially when you not giving good advice you tell us honestly at the beginning! And that's hard to find on KZbin!

[@Raykenn1]

Of all of the photo video channels I watch, your advice is consistently the best I hear for those of us with old, shoot with what you have cameras. Thanks 👍

[@DanaPushie]

I think when you're just starting out and on that steep learning curve, exposure bracketing is a great way to explore the different outcomes. It's just another choice we have to aid playing around and learning. Great stuff James.

[@threequotesthursday5657]

Your videos are always entertaining James, informative and well produced with just the right amount of exposure. I don’t even have a camera and shoot any of my photos and videos on an iPhone 8, which a lot of the stuff you teach isn’t always possible on the iPhone but a lot CAN be applied, either way, it’s great learning with you. 👍🏼

[@Firefromthenorth]

Hi James, thank you for kickstarting my brain into remembering about Exposure Bracketing. I received your book yesterday. Beautifully done. I can't choose a favourite location from it as your images make each place wonderful and unique in it's own way. Looking forward to the next one.

[@markandannette]

Great tip James, I should bracket more often or more to the point all the time. Plenty of times I am a bit under exposed because I don’t want to blow out my highlights. Great to see you OUTSIDE again my friend, a bit of fresh air and a walk in nature is good for the soul

[@ablueslenz]

James, I’m with you on why you bracket. For me though, I generally like underexposed images, so the camera helps me when I miss the mark with my exposure. I don’t like HDR images usually; they seem to do too much and end up distracting me from the subject of the photo. As always, thanks for sharing!👍🏾

[@samdensleyphotography]

I find your channel to be a refreshing take on landscape photography. Not too serious in its presentation, but massively helpful in its content! Thanks.

[@AliasJimWirth]

At around 4:30 and on from there, you talk about something I need to remember well. About not doing your job as a photographer, if people are looking at the little issues like noise, etc., instead of the point and story of the photo. Thanks. I am glad I went back and watched this one.

[@ShalevAbuhatzeira]

On some older video of you, I asked you about your bracketing settings on the G9, since then I always use it and never missed a good landscape shot, thanks for the video, its a pro-tip!

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Awesome :)

[@daveychainsaw961]

6:33 I was sat there saying "James, JAMES...turn round and look at that light!!" Which of course, you did! Looked epic.

[@KennoCaptures]

Loving your no BS approach to photography! 🙏🏻

[@stevenparker8163]

Man this was refreshing as heck to watch. Keep doing what you do dude!

[@joepalmer75]

Appreciate the very simple and concise definition and how to use EB. I've never used it but like anything else sometimes will give it a try. Thanks for video.

[@maggiedormer1208]

I’ve had the front lever on my G9 set to bracketing for quite a while. Saves so much time. I do use merge in Lightroom so thanks for the tip on switching off auto settings. I’ll give it a try.

[@raulsuhett]

I learned about bracketing on your channel a while ago. Very useful! Thank you for always sharing interesting points of view.

[@searam1]

Hello, James, from Atlanta! I have followed you for over three years and I have finally taken your advice and purchased a new Lumix G9, today! It comes this Friday and I will be comparing it to my Fuji XH1. I just know I am going to love it! Thanks for the direction! Sean

[@alexphillips5233]

Thanks for the book James, its great.

[@joakimtollerud2172]

This was a protip indeed James. I will use it immediately from now on with G9 as well. And I am so envious about your surrondings, beautiful landscape!

[@chryseass.5143]

As soon as I clicked on this James, I was riveted by the scenery. So similar to where I was heading to just as the pandemic bore down us . Not sure if I will get there, at all, this year but when I do eventually return I am going to savor every moment of its beauty!

[@thegeneral123]

I found exposure bracketing was very much needed on my GX80. Since moving into Fuji APS-C, not found I need it in most instances. I just have a lot more to work with in dynamic range and highlights now. I only use it when there are quite severe extremes of range. I just stitch together the results in software. Really easy.

[@larryborses8670]

Always love your explanations

[@JoelBramley]

Good to be out again! I've not quite made it yet. I find I never use the over or under exposed ones so i rarely exposure bracket now, only for harsh lightning. Even then sometimes to original exposure looks better than the HDR. Looking forward to the next vid!

[@olliehardy5264]

Couldn't agree more about lightroom's bracketing "auto" feature... Aurora also does it!

[@Dannydurangi]

I bought a G9 yesterday and just discovered and turned on bracketing today, so I'm glad I stayed to end of this video.

[@Christian-yd3ng]

That’s good advice. I use bracketing because sometimes I don’t know what exposure a scene would look best at and it gives me a creative starting point.

[@SharkPig_Media]

man, the camera resting on your knees while you move your hands while talking had me nervous haha. Just discovered your channel. Great great advice pal. Keep up the good work.

[@Woodenarrows]

Thanks for the reminder. I've been manually bracketing when I think I need it. Thanks to your tip I realized I can just set a function button to do it for me...

[@David_Nurse]

Another interesting video James, still local here in Wales. However good to see you out and about. Hopefully won't be long for us!

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Fingers crossed David, we're hoping to move to Wales asap :)

[@davidy87]

Thanks for this video man, great work n

[@bobwollenberg9160]

I appreciate your unique perspective!

[@freshwildflowers]

Just came across your channel after being recommended the micro 4/3 video which I happened to click on despite not owning a 4/3 camera or intending to. Really enjoy your content and going on a bit of a watching binge now while bored out of my mind at work (teacher, no students, corona). Thanks!

[@toke7560]

Brilliant as usual. Was 4.18 Newborough, i lived there for 20 years and it looks like it.

[@kirstymcleod6647]

Ha ha .... having been guzzling your back catalogue of videos for the last few weeks, I was inspired to go out (in real fog!) today and was behaving like a real photographer, exposure bracketing and everything (yay me!). You tube must have been listening because when I logged on, this was the first video that popped up! Bought your presets the other day and am enjoying playing with them - thanks for all your content - please keep it coming 🙂

[@bigdhav]

I actually do EXACTLY the same, with the switch at the front. Makes it so easy. Also use the front button to adjust metering mode so correct exposure is quick n easy! Beautiful photos and site. I think I will visit if this lockdown ever ends!

[@chuckmoser9662]

When I shot film, way back when, I would exposure bracket when I had enough time just because I was never really sure of the correct exposure. I have a mirrorless camera now and the exposure is on display. I can also look at any picture I take and see if I need to do it again and if it's possible I will.

[@scottweaverphotovideo]

Really like your images you show in this video. AND the video quality kind of stuns me. That video a couple of weeks back when you walking across a hilly landscape was stunning, aesthetically and technically. Back to photography... I also often bracket shots but have been transitioning over to Capture One. It does an amazing job with with its HDR sliders but guess I'll have to stick with Lightroom for bracketed shots processing.

[@boblogan2511]

I use bracketing for the same reason, sometimes I will blend two of the three images but mainly because it gives options and sometimes I love a scene when it’s darker then get it into lightroom and the lighter exposure ends up being my favourite.

[@CyrilMathews]

Liked this quick tip. Will try for sure.

[@ellyelzinga01]

Glad to see that you're allowed to go outside again! I like taking multiple exposures as well, never know what it can be good for! Also maybe for in the future.. But I actually learned about the camera doing the bracketing for me from this video, and just figured out now as well how this works on my camera.. Which is not too smart of me considering that I own this camera for over 5 years now and I'm into photography for 11 years now.. 🙈🙈 Thank you, good to know! 😊 Especially since I don't like tripods all that much eighter.. 😂

[@paulasimson4939]

Such a good point about having a compelling enough image that minor imperfections aren't noticed or matter.

[@youknowwho9247]

Thing is, some people want compelling images that also don't suffer from technical imperfections. A better camera doesn't make one a worse photographer.

[@JDEriksson]

What a lovely location!

[@dmproductions9484]

Great to see you back in your natural habitat! Must have felt wonderful! And now to bracket my G85...

[@diego_perez]

Nice video! I recently, while editing some photos, thinked about that I need to bracket either for exposure or choose the best moment in the scene!

[@steveschnetzler5471]

Flappy bird things, love them. waving around my photos. I look forward to receiving your book, but no pressure.

[@lisarobertson7011]

Thank you James - found this helpful !

[@framue]

You at the start of a mind reading spree ... just like last weeks video ... another topic I contemplated to ask you about ... and while it’s cheating or giving you a chance to fail the next time ... exposure, exposure compensation, histogram & highlight warning would be next on my list ... keep up the great work ... Frank

[@redmenace3921]

Great take on the technique, James.

[@yannl.3530]

Thanks never thought of it this way. Will try.

[@lisabradley9288]

Hello James good to see you out and about again. Great video as always. Bamford edge looks nice, I think that's not too far from Chapel-en-le-frith where I have family.

[@nikprestonkujavec7077]

Saw a picture of Bled, so cheers to you!

[@hunterrichards203]

So, I learned to take photos on film. This was a technique I developed on my own, because I didn’t want to loose the shot to over or under exposure. Interesting to see that it’s a common technique! I just do it because of habit- and it’s saved my butt a few times haha

[@BerlinGonzalez]

Recently I've seeing several of your videos. Now I'm one of your several subs!

[@tjdad13]

Story of the photo, great quote, its the reason we like photos.

[@richardlynam2007]

Another great video 👍 Not long now till you get the 100k (well deserved). Hope you get a nice cake 😀

[@piteshmistry9957]

Excellent video James! Only just come across your channel recently. Looking forward to more videos :)

[@artsmodelstation9396]

Thank you Gerald Butler for this informative tutorial

[@marekq6756]

For static subjects I rely on RAW+ETTR+overexposure warning. I start by default from overexposure +1,3 stops. Then I compensate down or up to get only small amount of orange overexposure warnings in viewfinder. One shot is always enough.

[@therabbithat]

I never thought of doing the HDRs using semi transparent layers in gimp till now. Great!

[@SKSK-rz7br]

James you do crack me up ... Great content mate ..

[@peterjackhandy]

For years I've thought I was the only muffin doing this 😕. I use a fuji x-t3 & x-t2, set to 5 shots +- 2/3 stop & always bracket any shot with iffy light; eg sunrise, sunset, shooting into the light, stage lighting etc as well as a scene with strong light & deep shadows. One of my favourite things in life is to shoot in full midday sun; partickly as doing so gets up the collective noses of my fellow 'togs. Mind you, living & shooting in Cornwall means I have the best light known to man, so it would be rude not to ☺

[@matevzkramar]

I love your out of the box thinking about noise, shadows, highlights etc. It’s about the story of the shot, be it a darker one or one with bits of noise here and there 💪

[@rafalkonieczny]

This is useful in more tricky light situations, and when there is no time to dial in (compensate EV) every shot. However, I hate going through tons of photos to select the right one from multiple similar ones, and I prefer to dial in settings correctly whenever possible.

[@lovephotography1966]

After paying thousands to an accredited college for a year I quickly realized it was time to drop out. All I heard was post, post , post processing. That turned me off. After quitting I was able to focus on making great photos. Thank you for this great vid.

[@cartercooper9288]

Very useful thank you!

[@marklambert7734]

helpful suggestion and clear argument- though my camera isn't as fast will give it a go. thanks

[@endtimeimages3284]

There are plenty of post processing techniques that allow to create stunning photos such as HDR or focus stacking. But honestly speaking, I don’t like it, because I don’t want to „construct“ each image out of multiple shots all the time. I rather make one good one that I am happy with and give it the final polish in LR. So I can really relate with your approach using bracketing, as it just increases options, but does not blow up your efforts in post 👍

[@analogoutdoors]

I bracket in the same way with film, when I am in difficult light situations, or I'm using an old camera with no meter and relying on Sunny 16. IMHO it is just a smart thing to do a lot of times.

[@matafilms]

awesome content you have here!

[@Bikecampcook]

Fun light hearted view on photography. New subscriber great work.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks so much :)

[@andrewmarshall1407]

Hey James! Would love a video on making presets for yourself! Which adjustments you usually keep to make "universal" presets for yourself?

[@MrMiles-gi1hl]

I used to do this too, but it's a pain in the ass to sort through all the files and pick the good one. Just learned to get it right on the spot.

[@wissell4287]

Looks like your soooo close to getting that silver play button!!😊😊

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Interesting discussion.

[@GaryInSoCal]

Read 'Active D-Lighting' (Nikon - I use it) ... it tones down the hightlights while increasing details in the shadows... eliminates the need for bracketing... ;)

[@I_Am_Bone]

Having recently switched over to m4/3 system, and now having a camera capable of such customization, I am now able to assign a button to perform this very function. It's far better than diving into menu, setting the exp/bracket, then setting the timer, and having a tripod. Not that I have your same hate for tripods, but not having need for a tripod is great!

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Nice :)

[@anujadassanayake5732]

Nice to see that you've visited Sri Lanka!

[@petroderer]

James! Another great video, loved the thumbnail. In other news, you have made me obsessed with the G9 I only started photography as a hobby a few months now , I own a D3500 and I think that in 1 year or something like that I'll move to Lumix. The only problem is that where I live (Greece) Nikon and Canon are the "Big sellers" So is quite difficult to find a G9 to get a grip on, see how it feels. I'll find a way (I hope). P.s I understand that a G9 isn't gonna make me take photos like you or anything like that. Main reason I think this particular camera would be ideal for me, is 1st of all weight because I climb a lot and the type of photography I wanna do is something like the one you do. Anyway enough MUMBLING again great video. Cheers from Greece!

[@blutac318]

Just got your new book this week. Love it! The little vignettes are interesting, thought provoking, and occasionally funny too! 😃 Did you know it’s a different size to last year’s, btw?🤪

[@sbrenden]

Good and informative video. Thanks. Will take a dive down the AEB road and check out how to use it. Just import as usual in lightroom and choose "merge > hdr" for the 3 pictures and edit like normal from the output file?

[@aussie8114]

It’s a good idea to exp bracket because the evaluative metering is very biased by the area within the focus point and that can throw off the desired overall exposure if that little area happens to be bright or dark.

[@Stuffed007]

Great video pal

[@wikidslippers]

just spotted Sigiriya rock in one of your photos. Amazing country Sri Lanka.

[@Dreyno]

Like focus stacking, it’s a good tool to have but rarely use.

[@barrieanthony952]

This is exactly how I shoot (but on a tripod). I usually use the one shot to process with, but occasionally I will blend

[@alextorresphoto]

Thanks James, great explanation! Also, bracketing isn't only for exposure. My camera has a couple of different bracketing options. Exposure, Focus, Dynamic Rage, White Balance. Lots of options to play with. So definitely worth knowing your camera and playing around with the options.

[@cvitkovic]

Good job on the thumbnail, I really like it! Oh yea, the video was nice as well. :)

[@kevins8575]

ps. Thanks for the lightroom tip - didn't realize that LR was doing that. pps. Love your bird impression

[@robinsmith6847]

Would be good to see what other shortcut switches you use on your g9. I have the switch left as default for the electronic sensor. Other ones toggle focus peaking and high detail mode (forget what it's called 😂)