The right way to use exposure bracketing

When you’re concerned about getting a perfect shot, exposure bracketing comes in very handy…

You can try exposure bracketing with any subject. However, it’s best to shoot something with a broad range of colours and tones. It’s better to pick a static subject, as movement between shots can be a distraction. A landscape is ideal.

A tripod is helpful, but not essential. Try to ensure that all your shots are framed similarly, so you’re looking at the same subject each time. Set Aperture Priority mode. On Nikons with a BKT button, press this and rotate the main command dial to set the number of shots in the sequence to three. Still pressing BKT, rotate the sub-command dial to select a 1EV increment (exposure difference) between shots. On Z-series mirrorless Nikons (and some DSLRS) without a BKT button, you’ll need to select Auto Bracketing from the Photo Shooting Menu. Entry-level cameras, such as the D3500, have no auto bracketing function whatsoever, but you can get the same result by manually dialling in exposure comp.

Take your shots; you may hear a difference in the shutter sound, indicating that the camera has varied the shutter speed for the different exposures. The rear LCD gives an idea of the difference between exposures, but studying them on a computer will tell you more. Which exposure gives the richest colours? Have shadows gone black in the darkest shot?

Finally, don’t forget to reset the camera when you’ve finished, so that it doesn’t continue to bracket exposures.