Regardless of whether you shoot black-and-white, color, film or digital, accurate exposure is paramount to high quality results. I don’t subscribe to the “bracket like hell” philosophy. Whether
shooting people, wildlife or landscapes, I think there is a “magic moment”—often short lived—when all the elements come together. Statistically, when you bracket, you’re more likely to fail to get the right exposure at the right moment. I find the best photographs are usually made when you are in control.
Some photographers feel there is enough latitude in today’s films and digital sensors to allow a careless approach to exposure. This isn’t so. Many films and digital sensors have a 4–6 ƒ/stop range before there is a noticeable degradation in image quality. For example, even though some digital sensors reportedly have a wider range of exposure, there’s a fair amount of noise past a certain point. Thus, many images require accurate metering to obtain full detail in the shadows and highlights, as well as minimal noise. A similar situation exists with film. Remember that if something is lost, no amount of chemical or digital manipulation will bring back what is not there.
