The perfect shot can be elusive. Sometimes, that’s because there isn’t one shot, but several. Bracketing is a mode on most DSLRs and mirrorless cameras that allows photographers to take more than one shot in a sequence, with adjustments made to each successive shot automatically. The result is a group of images that are slightly different, either to increase the odds of getting the perfect exposure, or to capture multiple images to merge later either forhigh dynamic rangeorfocus stacking.
Here’s how to use bracketing to increase your odds of getting the perfect shot.
Types of bracketing
Unlike standard burst mode, which takes a set of rapid images under identical settings, images shot using bracketing are purposefully different from one another. Bracketing can work in conjunction with burst mode, although it’s not always necessary to use it this way.
Exposure bracketing is one of the most common bracketing modes. With exposure bracketing, The camera takes a set of photos, each with a different exposure. Exposure bracketing is used in high dynamic range (HDR) photography, when multiple photos taken at different exposures are merged together in a photo editing program to create one image with a more contrast and a wider range of light captured. Some cameras will let you choose which element of exposure — aperture, shutter speed, or ISO — is altered between shots.
Exposure bracketing isn’t the only type of bracketing available, however. Other types of bracketing modes include:
Not every camera brand offers each type of bracketing mode, but most advanced cameras include at least the exposure bracketing option.
How do you use exposure bracketing?
You’ll find bracketing either as a menu option or a dedicated button on some cameras. Look for the word bracketing, or the abbreviation BKT or AEB (auto exposure bracketing).
Once exposure bracketing is on, you need to set the parameters, or tell the camera how to adjust the exposure.
Other bracketing modes will have slightly different settings, though each one will ask how many shots to take. Focus bracketing, for example, will ask how much to adjust the focus in between each shot, while white balance bracketing has options to choose how much the color temperature varies between shots. Some modes will also have exposure smoothing — turn this option on to help keep the exposure more even between shots.
Once you have set the bracketing parameters, you are ready to shoot. For many types of bracketing modes, a tripod is helpful for keeping the camera in the same position, particularly if you plan to layer the images later for HDR or focus stacking.
With the composition set, take photos as you normally would — only be sure to press the shutter button for at least as many photos as you set in the bracket. Most cameras will have a counter or icon that shows how many shots you need to take to finish out the bracket. Some cameras will automatically take the set amount of shots with one press.
Getting creative with bracketing
While sometimes bracketing is simply used to increased the odds of getting a tricky shot right in camera, often, the rest of the work is done in software.
HDRmerges multiple photos taken at different exposures. The result is an image that has more detail in the light and dark areas of the photograph. Most image editing programs, including Photoshop and Lightroom, have tools for merging an HDR photograph.Here’s how.
Focus bracketingblends several photos taken with a different focal length together, creating a photo that has more of the image sharp. Focus bracketing is commonly used in macro photography, where the short distance between the subject creates a very shallow depth of field, making it difficult to get the entire subject in focus. Focus stacking is a task for the heaviest hitting photo editors, such as Photoshop.Here’s how.
Bracketing is an easy way to increase the odds of getting the perfect shot, or to capture multiple images to blend together later. While bracketing won’t replace the know-how and understanding basics like exposure settings and focusing the camera, it’s a helpful tool in many scenarios.
