exposurebracketing

Exposure bracketing is a photographic technique in which multiple images of the same scene are captured at different exposure levels. The goal is to preserve detail across the scene’s bright and dark areas or to create a final image with extended dynamic range through post-processing.

Bracketing can be performed automatically using a camera’s exposure bracketing (AEB) feature, or manually by adjusting exposure compensation between frames, or by varying shutter speed, aperture, or ISO. In practice, photographers usually shoot a sequence of 3 frames (for example -1, 0, +1 EV) or 5 frames (such as -2, -1, 0, +1, +2 EV).

Common uses include landscapes with bright skies and dark foregrounds, interiors with windows, and scenes with high contrast. The resulting exposures are typically merged in post-processing to produce an HDR image or an exposure-fused image. Working in RAW preserves the most latitude for merging.

Practical considerations include the need for a stable framing and minimal motion; a tripod is often essential. Shooting several frames increases file size and time and may require deghosting to address moving subjects. Consistent white balance and avoiding changing ISO helps alignment and tone mapping.

Post-processing involves aligning exposures and merging them with HDR software or exposure fusion, followed by tone mapping or other adjustments to achieve natural or artistic results. Limitations include misalignment from movement, ghosting, and the time required for multiple frames. Alternatives include single-shot techniques using cameras with high dynamic range, or post-processing methods that simulate HDR from a single RAW capture.