Analog photography has its own charm. The delicate grains, the special coloring and the incomparable depth of the pictures let us immerse yourself in a world that digital photography can often not reach. But what makes these pictures so special? A crucial factor is exposure - a central element that plays an important role in analog photography. In this article we take a look at the basics of exposure and shed light on why it is so decisive in analog photography.
What is exposure and why is it so important?
Exposure refers to the amount of light that meets the film while a photo is taken. It is the interaction of three essential elements: the aperture, the shutter speed and film sensitivity (ISO). In digital photography you can often save a poorly exposed image with image editing software, but there is no second chance in analog photography. An overexposure or underexposed image usually remains as it was taken. That is why it is important to understand and master the art of exposure.
The three pillars of exposure
- Aperture (aperture): The panel determines the amount of light that comes to the film through the lens. It is regulated by the aperture that can be made smaller or larger. A wide open aperture (small aperture number, e.g. f/1.8) leaves a lot of light in and creates a low depth of field, which means that only a small part of the image is sharp. A closed aperture (large number of aperture, e.g. f/16) leaves less light in and ensures a greater depth of field, which sharply mapped more areas of the image.
- Closure time (Shutter Speed): The shutter speed indicates how long the closure of the camera remains open and lights on the film. A short shutter speed (e.g. 1/500 second) "freezes" fast movements, while a longer shutter speed (e.g. 1/4 second or longer) can blur movements and leaves more light on the film. In analog photography, you have to choose the shutter speed with care because it has a direct influence on the sharpness and exposure.
- Film sensitivity (ISO): The ISO number indicates the light sensitivity of the film. A film with a low ISO number (e.g. ISO 100) is less sensitive to light and is well suited for bright lighting conditions, while a film with a high ISO number (e.g. ISO 1600) is more sensitive to light and is better with weak Light works. In contrast to digital photography, in which the ISO values can be flexibly adjusted, you have to choose an ISO sensitivity in analog photography before inserting the film.
Why is the exposure in analog photography so decisive?
In analog photography you work with a physical medium - the film - which, unlike digital sensors, cannot be adjusted afterwards. Every error in exposure has a direct impact on the end result. An incorrectly exposed photo can lead to important details: an overexposed image looks flat and without contrasts, while a underexposed image can be dark and low.
Analog photography requires a deep understanding of lighting conditions and the ability to correctly assess it at the moment of recording. There is no preview on a display and no way to adjust the exposure afterwards. This requires careful study of light conditions and an intuitive understanding of the settings of the camera.
The exposure as a creative decision
However, the correct exposure is not only a technical necessity, but also an artistic decision. The way light meets the film affects the mood and atmosphere of a photo. Thanks to the conscious game with the aperture and the shutter speed, photographers can create unique effects and express their own creative vision. For example, a longer shutter speed can bring movement into the picture, while a wide open aperture creates a nice bokeh and directs the viewer's gaze to the main motif.