Exposing for shadows and highlights

[spaceman]

In the past I have had problems with correct exposures for both shadows/highlights. What is the proper way to do this without moving the camera? If I leave it on my tripod, do I just use exposure bracketing, and if so, how many stops should I bracket for? I do use my histogram, and often see my blown out highlights "flashing" on the screen, but I'm not to sure on how to obtain two "correct" exposures for merging in my post-processing software. Thanks.

Alan

[Radtech1]

my experience is that 1 full stop above and below is fine, and then shoot my "middle" exposure about 1/2 stop below optimum.

Rad

[spaceman]

my experience is that 1 full stop above and below is fine, and then shoot my "middle" exposure about 1/2 stop below optimum.

Rad

Thank you. I'll give that a shot.


Alan

[commando]

You could also read this article, that someone else posted earlier today.

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/digital-blending.shtml

[Sam North]

Shoot fine-grained negative film!

Just a wee joke... sort of... :lol:

The histogram is so important here, especially in landscape shots.

Ideally, expose so that the highlights hold on the histogram, then expose again so that the shadows don't block up. Then, at the computer, blend the two in good image-editing software. If it's bright skies, expose for them and the landscape separately and use software. If there's a lot of contrast elsewhere, software techniques are your only hope, but the results are excellent.

Good landscape DSLR technique has to go hand-in-glove with good software technique.

Good luck with your photography!

Sam