Even the most sophisticated auto exposure systems can be fooled from time to time resulting in an underexposed (too dark) or overexposed (too light) image. The exposure compensation control found on most compact point & shoot digital cameras and digital SLRs, allows you to override the auto system in order to fine tune the exposure in small increments called “exposure values” (EV). The best way to use this feature is to take a picture and then review it on the camera’s LCD. Make adjustments using the exposure compensation tool and then re-take the photo. For example, if the original image is too dark, add light by adjusting the compensation to the plus side (+0 EV to +3.0 EV). If the image is too light, subtract light by subtracting EV (-0 EV to -3.0 EV).

You can also anticipate the exposure and make adjustments before you take the picture. If I’m in a deeply wooded area with low light, I preset the exposure compensation to +0.7. If I’m in an area with bright sunlight, I preset the exposure compensation to -0.3 or -0.7.

Be aware that the exposure compensation control stays where you left it even if you turn off the camera so remember to set it back to zero.