Tips for using ISO

Tips for using ISO

 

I’m going to go over some tips for using ISO. But first, let’s talk about what ISO is. ISO on your camera refers to film speed and determines how sensitive the image sensor is to the light. Some of the camera speed settings include 100, 200, 400, and 800. Some cameras can go up to 1600 or higher depending on what camera you have.

A basic tip for using ISO is to use it no lower than 200 when photographing on a sunny day. If it is a darker area or if it’s evening, use the ISO from 400 to 800. When your environment is brighter turn down the ISO, and the opposite when it is darker. When shooting try to keep the f/stop in the range from 2.8 and 3.5 when in the ISO range of 125-200. If you aren’t familiar with the f/stop yet, I will go over that as well.

F/Stop:

A camera lens has two main components, the cluster of glass elements and an iris. An Iris is a circular set of blades that open and close to control the amount of light that is allowed in the picture. When the opening gets wider the lighter it will allow. If the opening is smaller that limits the amount of light allowed on the subject. If the f/stop number is lower you are allowing more light whereas If its higher you are allowing less.

 

F-Stop settings

 

Tips for ISO:

Every photo shoot is different and will have different lighting. So, it will take time and experience to know exactly what ISO or f/stop should be set at. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right away because it’s going to take time and you will get used to it. After a lot of practice with different situations, you will know right off the bat what to have it set at.

Start with shooting around 200 ISO, this allows you to use a faster shutter speed making your images sharper. This increases your depth of field as well and will make your image look great. When do I use a higher ISO you may ask? Well, for example at 400 ISO usually use this for a cloudy day when you aren’t getting a lot of sun. There will be less digital noise to your image when shooting at this level. If you want to stop a picture in action, move your ISO up to around 800 so you eliminate noise. In a situation where there is good lighting and you are indoors, move up to 1600 ISO to start. If you are struggling with getting enough light then you can move it up. I hope these tips for using ISO are helpful to you.