​Youth PhotoExpo Zambia

 

ISO measures the sensitivity of the image sensor (in an analogue camera the film) this determines how much light is needed to make a picture.

 

The lower the number, the less sensitive the sensor/film is and the more light you need. So why choose a low ISO? The answer is noise. Noise in your pictures (this looks grainy, see picture on the right) happens when you turn up your ISO. If you feel artistic you can play around with this, because it actually can give quite a cool effect. But an average it is something you want to avoid.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Camera's get better and better at it, with the newest ones going up to 32000 ISO without any noise, but if you are not such a lucky bird, keep in mind to keep your ISO as low as the circumstances allow you to.

When you start your shoot, look at your circumstances and choose the right ISO. Is it a bright and sunny day? You can go for ISO around 100. Is it cloudy? You are probably better of choosing ISO 200-400. Is it turning dark or are you inside? Choose an ISO 800 or higher.

Now the good news is, unless the circumstances change (like going from outside into a room or something like that) you can leave your ISO the way it is and focus on the next to musketeers: Aperture and Shutter speed.