How to use your Photography Exposure Chart
I’ve been wanting to create this exposure chart for a long time, and with today being a snow day, it seemed like the perfect time to finally sit down and finish it!
Now, this chart isn’t meant to explain everything about photography. Instead, it’s designed to show what happens when you adjust your camera’s settings – aperture, shutter speed, and ISO – and how those changes affect your final image.
Aperture: Depth of Field
The first section of the chart demonstrates what happens as you move from a wide-open aperture of f/2 all the way down to f/32. You’ll see how changing your aperture impacts depth of field, helping you understand how much of your image will be in focus, from beautifully blurred backgrounds to sharp, detailed landscapes.
Shutter Speed: Motion and Sharpness
Next, the chart explores shutter speed, ranging from one second to 1/8000 of a second. This section shows how different speeds affect motion, whether you’re freezing a fast-moving subject or capturing a silky-smooth waterfall.
ISO: Brightness and Grain
Finally, the chart covers ISO, one of the most confusing areas for new photographers. You’ll see what happens when shooting at a high ISO like 25,600 versus a low ISO like 100, and how those settings impact both the brightness of your image and the amount of visible grain or noise.
Why Use This Chart?
I often see students’ faces go blank when they first hear terms like aperture, shutter speed, or ISO, especially when trying to understand how one setting affects the others. This chart is meant to be a visual learning aid, a simple cheat sheet that helps you see how the three key elements of exposure work together.
You can print your own copy for personal use only. Please note that the chart cannot be altered or have any information removed, but you’re welcome to keep it handy in your camera bag or study space as a quick reference when learning or shooting.
Click on the link below to download a printable copy of the exposure chart.
Photography Exposure Chart Printable Version, click here
For more information visit the lab or call 403-327-1114
Why Paterson Photography Ltd. / First Choice Photo for all your photo printing?
Paterson Photography Ltd. / First Choice Photo in Lethbridge Alberta is designed to be exactly the opposite of all the other photo labs that you will come across. We are not a large discount store that sells diapers, toilet paper and medication. We don’t sell clothes nor do we sell cell phones. Our job is to do one thing and one thing only. Make you the best photo print that’s possible. Whether that be from printing digital files from your camera or cell phone. Printing your old negatives and slides or restoring your old photos.
Our job is simple
To give you the best possible image that you can get no matter the source.
Additionally we believe in something else that the other places don’t believe
We believe you deserve to be treated with respect and to have your questions answered by a master photographer. NOT a part time person from stock that wanted more hours. We also do not push you off to a self serve machine to fend for yourself. We help you every step of the way.
When you want quality printing along with quality service WE ARE YOUR ONLY CHOICE!!! Always ready to help to give you the best!