Correct Exposure

Why do we have to expose the film or CCD sensor correctly? - Working with Negative film

Under exposure of negative film

If the film is grossly underexposed the negative becomes very thin with little detail and no information in the shadow areas. When prints are made from this negative they tend to be very flat tonally lacking blacks and whites. While under exposure can be used to create certain effects, it is normally avoided, with optimum results coming from the correct exposure and development combination.

Thin or under exposed negative

Up rating film

However in situations where there is a lack of light, film can be deliberately under exposed and compensated for by over developing the negative. This is done by shooting the entire film at a higher ISO then the films rating. This is called Pushing the film.

With digital photography this does not work in the same way.

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