Exposure compensation is the secret solution if you’ve ever taken a photo that feels perfect in your mind, but then comes out too dark or too bright!
This is because your camera light meter doesn’t always get the exposure right, even in semi-automatic modes like Program, Aperture Priority, or Shutter Priority.
Think of it as a gentle nudge to your camera: “Hey, brighten this up just a bit,” or “Let’s go a little moodier here.”
Let me show you how it works—with real photos and the stories behind them.
- Your Camera Doesn't Know What You Want: Exposure Compensation to the Rescue
- Bright Skies and Reflective Water: When Exposure Compensation Saves the Shot
- Why Exposure Compensation Works
- Photographing Indoors in Tricky Light
- Using Exposure Compensation for Artistic Intent
- Capturing Light Just the Way You Want It
- So, How Do You Use Exposure Compensation?
- Final Tip: Don’t Forget to Reset!
- Now It’s Your Turn
Your Camera Doesn’t Know What You Want: Exposure Compensation to the Rescue
I was standing on a rooftop patio looking down at the stunning Sultanahmet Mosque in Istanbul, marveling at its pale domes glowing against a bright blue sky. I raised my camera, composed the shot, and pressed the shutter.
But the photo? Dull and underexposed. You can see it here, on the left side. The camera’s light meter had been fooled by the brightness of the scene.
I knew I needed to take control, so I dialed in +1.0 EV. Suddenly, the photo matched the brilliance of what I saw, and the details in the shadows were visible. You can see it on the right side. (Aperture Mode, f/8.0, 1/250 sec, ISO 100.)
That’s exposure compensation in action.
Bright Skies and Reflective Water: When Exposure Compensation Saves the Shot
Sometimes it happens when you’re photographing something simple, like an old lighthouse.
A few years ago, I was on our boat on the Chesapeake Bay, when we passed the historic Wolf Trap Lighthouse (circa 1894). So, of course I had to capture the moment. The bright overcast sky and shimmering water caused the photo to come out too dark. The old brick looked flat.
So I added +0.67 EV, and the character of the weathered lighthouse came back to life. Exposure compensation made it possible to retain texture and detail. (Aperture Mode, f/4.0, 1/500 sec, ISO100.)
This lighthouse is now privately owned and is being restored.! I’ve included a link below to a local article about the restoration. I can’t wait for them to complete the restoration so we can visit!
Why Exposure Compensation Works
Your camera light meter is designed to capture a balanced exposure, with details in both the highlights and the shadows. That works fine most of the time—but not when you’re dealing with unusual lighting, reflective surfaces, or creative intent.
Take this photo from the Apple Store in Covent Garden, in London. I was drawn to the glass staircase and old brick walls lit from above.
Without exposure compensation, the contrast between shadow and light was too harsh. I used +0.67 EV to lift the shadows and show the structure’s elegance. This is a perfect example of how exposure compensation can balance contrast while capturing the image you envisioned. (Aperture Mode, f/4.0, 1/50 sec, ISO 200.)
If you haven’t visited the Apple Store in Covent Garden in the West End of London, you’re in for a treat! The original building dates to 1876 and included alleys and courtyards. This glass staircase is one of two in the store and is built in a back alley that’s been enclosed with the addition of a glass roof.
Photographing Indoors in Tricky Light
Speaking of the West End of London, another treat to sample there is the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea (be sure to reserve ahead at One Aldwych Hotel). My daughter and I were enjoying ourselves at the tea when this vibrant drink arrived. I immediately lifted my camera to get a shot of it being poured, but a quick look at the scene told me that the reflections off the marble floors would trick the camera into underexposing the drink.
By quickly dialing in +1.0 EV, I was able to brighten the image and capture the magical swirl of red liquid and steam. Exposure compensation and quick thinking made it possible to shoot the image I had in my mind. (Aperture Mode, f/4.0, 1/80 sec, ISO 1600.)
Using Exposure Compensation for Artistic Intent
Sometimes, exposure compensation helps you tell a deeper story.
I took this photo of a blacksmith in Colonial Williamsburg, carving a wooden handle by the light of a window. The camera exposed for the scene outside, rendering the interior too dark.
I added +2.0 EV so I could preserve the scene’s details: the tools, the windows, the man’s concentration. In a situation like this, exposure compensation gave me the control I needed to reveal the story. (Aperture Mode, f/4.0, 1/80 sec, ISO 100.)
By the way, this was taken in the Armoury complex in Colonial Williamsburg, in Virginia. This is my favorite place to take photos in CW. You do need a ticket to enter, but there is so much to explore and so many details you can capture with your camera or iPhone
Capturing Light Just the Way You Want It
One of my favorite uses for exposure compensation is photographing into the sun to capture sunbursts.
To photograph this scene, I was sitting on the ground at the Williamsburg Winery as the sun was setting behind rows of grapes. I wanted to capture a sunburst and let the translucent colors of the grapes glow. But the camera wanted to darken the scene.
I added +1.33 EV, and the result was magic. Exposure compensation helped preserve both detail and mood. (Aperture Mode, f/11, 1/30 sec, ISO 400.)
Funny story. While I had permission to take the photos, my husband, Skip, was standing along the driveway in case security became concerned about the woman loitering in the vines! 🤣
So, How Do You Use Exposure Compensation?
Now that you know why to use it, how do you turn it on?
Find the +/- button or dial on your camera. Take a shot, evaluate it, and adjust.
- Too dark? Turn toward +
- Too bright? Turn toward –
In Live View or with a mirrorless camera, you can preview the changes before you press the shutter.
Remember: exposure compensation doesn’t change your shooting mode. It simply tells your camera to shift its exposure choice—and gives you creative control.
Also, if you can’t find a button that’s marked that way, Google “[make and model of your camera] how to set exposure compensation.” My Canon 5D Mark IV doesn’t have one. Instead, I tap the shutter button and then turn the round dial on the back with my thumb.
Final Tip: Don’t Forget to Reset!
Exposure compensation stays where you leave it—even after your camera is turned off.
✅ So always reset it back to 0 when lighting conditions change or you turn off your camera!
Now It’s Your Turn
Try it the next time you’re photographing a bright sky, a backlit subject, or a shadowy room. Then, notice the changes you can achieve with just a slight nudge of the dial.
Here’s the link I promised to an interesting story about the Wolf Trap Lighthouse.
🎓 Ready to unlock even more creative tools on your camera? Join me in the Camera Mechanics Workshop, where we explore everything from buttons and dials to full creative freedom—step by step.
Leave a reply