What are the best practices for exposure bracketing for architecture in different weather conditions?

1 Choose your bracketing method

There are two main ways to do exposure bracketing: manually or automatically. Manual bracketing involves changing the exposure settings (aperture, shutter speed, or ISO) yourself between each shot, while automatic bracketing uses the camera's built-in feature to take a series of shots with different exposure values (EV) at a fixed interval. The advantage of manual bracketing is that you have more control over the exposure range and the number of shots, but it can be time-consuming and prone to errors. The advantage of automatic bracketing is that it is faster and more consistent, but it may not cover the entire dynamic range of the scene or give you enough flexibility. The best method depends on your preference, your camera model, and the lighting conditions.

2 Adjust your exposure settings

No matter which bracketing method you decide to go with, it is essential to adjust your exposure settings to get the best results. To do this, use a tripod to ensure that your images are aligned and stable and that you can use slower shutter speeds without camera shake. Additionally, use a remote shutter release or self-timer to prevent any camera movement or vibration when pressing the shutter button. Additionally, set the ISO as low as possible to reduce noise and preserve image quality. Choose a small aperture (large f-number) to increase the depth of field and sharpness of architectural details. Utilizing the histogram and highlight alert will help you check the exposure level and avoid clipping shadows or highlights. Finally, opt for the RAW format for more latitude and flexibility in post-processing.

3 Determine your exposure range

The exposure range is the difference between the darkest and the brightest exposure in your bracketed series. The wider the exposure range, the more detail you can capture in the shadows and highlights, but also the more shots you need and the more challenging the blending process. The optimal exposure range depends on the dynamic range of the scene, which is affected by weather conditions. For example, on a sunny day, you need a wide exposure range to capture both sky and building due to high contrast between them. A good starting point is to take five shots with a 2 EV interval, from -4 EV to +4 EV. On a cloudy day, you need a narrow exposure range due to low contrast between sky and building. A good starting point is to take three shots with a 1 EV interval, from -1 EV to +1 EV. For night scenes, you need a wide exposure range due to high contrast between artificial lights and dark areas. A good starting point is to take seven shots with a 1 EV interval, from -3 EV to +3 EV.

4 Blend your bracketed images

The final step is to blend your bracketed images into a single image with a balanced exposure and high dynamic range. Popular software options include Photoshop, Lightroom, Photomatix, and Aurora HDR. To get the best results, make sure to align your images to correct any misalignment or distortion caused by camera movement or the lens; remove any ghosting artifacts or inconsistencies caused by moving objects or changing light conditions; adjust the tone mapping to control how exposure values are combined and how contrast, color, and detail are enhanced or reduced; and fine-tune the image to make any additional adjustments to the exposure, white balance, saturation, sharpness, noise reduction, or other parameters.

5 Practice and experiment

The best way to master exposure bracketing for architecture in different weather conditions is to practice and experiment with different scenarios, settings, and software. Exposure bracketing is not a one-size-fits-all technique, and there is no single right or wrong way to do it. The more you practice and experiment, the more you will develop your own style and preferences, and the more you will improve your architectural photography skills.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?