How to guess a photo exposure during the day

Have you ever missed the perfect shot because your camera's meter was broken or ran out of batteries? Do you have a Nikon FM2 in freezing weather? This simple article will guide you in trying to guess an exposure for any camera loaded with film.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• camera
• film ASA information

1. First, memorize the formula for BDE (Basic Daylight Exposure): 1/ASA @ F/16. This means shutter speed of 1/ASA (ex: 1/400th of a second if your film is ASA 400) at an aperture of F/16.
2. This formula represents a good start for an exposure in full sun on a bright day at the brightest time of day.
3. From there adjust your exposure a full stop if one of these conditions is a bit off. For example if it's a bit hazy or it's 4:00pm.
4. Continue adjusting as you are going away from the ideal condition.
5. Once there, set your exposure and bracket. Bracketing is taking a picture at that set exposure, then taking one a stop above and a stop under. This should get you there.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have plenty of film and you have a can't miss image in front of you, bracket 3 steps up and 3 steps down.