underexposing

Underexposing is a photographic term that describes capturing an image with less light than is optimal for a correct exposure. This results in a darker image than intended, where shadow areas may appear muddy or lose detail. In digital photography, underexposure means the sensor did not receive enough light during the exposure, leading to darker tones. In film photography, the film emulsion was not sufficiently exposed to light.

Several factors can cause underexposure, including setting the aperture too small (a higher f-number), using a shutter speed that is too fast, or choosing a low ISO setting when more sensitivity is needed. Scene lighting conditions can also contribute; shooting in very dim light without compensating settings will often lead to underexposure.

The visual effects of underexposure can vary. In subtle cases, it might create a moodier or more dramatic feel. However, significant underexposure can render subjects unrecognizable or devoid of detail, particularly in the darker regions of the image. Post-processing techniques, such as increasing exposure in editing software, can often recover some detail from underexposed images, but there are limits to how much can be corrected before artifacts appear. It is generally preferable to achieve a correct exposure in-camera whenever possible.