PHOTOGRAPHY 101: What is ISO and How To Use It
ISO, in the context of photography, refers to the sensitivity of your camera's sensor to light. It stands for International Standards Organization, which standardized these sensitivity values for film cameras. In digital photography, ISO represents the sensor's sensitivity to light.
The ISO setting on your camera determines how quickly it reacts to the available light. A lower ISO setting means the sensor is less sensitive to light, requiring more light to create a properly exposed image. On the other hand, a higher ISO setting makes the sensor more sensitive to light, allowing you to capture images in low-light conditions without a flash or with faster shutter speeds.
Here's a breakdown of how ISO settings typically work:
Low ISO (e.g., ISO 100): Use this setting in bright lighting conditions (mid-day in landscape photography) or when you want to capture images with minimal digital noise. It produces the highest image quality but requires more light.
Medium ISO (e.g., ISO 400): This setting is suitable for average lighting conditions (dark, rainy days, or shadows). It offers a balance between image quality and sensitivity to light.
High ISO (e.g., ISO 1600+): Use higher ISO settings in low-light situations (sunrise or sunset) or when you need to freeze motion with a faster shutter speed. However, increasing the ISO too much can introduce digital noise or graininess into your photos.
It's essential to adjust your ISO setting based on the available light and the effect you want to achieve in your photos. Keep in mind that higher ISO settings may result in a trade-off between image quality and noise, so it's best to use the lowest ISO setting possible while still achieving the desired exposure.
That being said, do not be afraid of boosting ISO to achieve proper light. When I first started, I found myself sacrificing sharp photos for an ISO of 100 because I thought it was the only way to get a quality shot. Throughout the years, I have gravitated towards bumping ISO up to 400-800 when I am shooting in rainy, darker conditions and have been pleased with my shots. In my opinion, grain gives the photo a sense of personality, leaning back toward 35mm film styles. Look towards the what sort of shutter speeds are appropriate for the subject you are shooting, then decide on the slowest speed and aperture that will allow a sharp shot. Once here, boost ISO back up to properly light your subject in the final photo. Chances are, you will hardly notice any grain or noise if it is lit properly.
Remember, no one but you is pixel-peeping your shots, especially when posted online. Once you feel comfortable with how your camera and photography style respond to ISO, you will find it not as intimidating.