Bracketing explained: what you need to know about maximising detail

Try Exposure Blending

When you can't capture detail in the brightest and darkest parts of a scene in a single frame, you can take several bracketed exposures and blend them together later in Photoshop or similar software, such as Photomatix.

You'll need to mount the camera on a tripod while you take the shots to ensure that the frames will line up when you blend them together - and shoot in Aperture Priority mode so that the depth of field is consistent throughout the whole sequence.

Combining the well-exposed shadows and highlights from separate shots with the camera's 'midtone' exposure, you can create an image that has a wider dynamic range. This kind of treatment isn't to everyone's taste, however, because at its extremes it can create an unnatural, hyper-real effect.

+2 stops of compensation
All we're concerned about in this bright exposure is capturing the detail in the rocks.

+2/3 stop of compensation
Here, we're looking to preserve detail in the sea and the darker areas of sky.

No compensation
This exposure is exactly as the camera sees it. It's a useful image for revealing hidden detail in the clouds.

-1 1/3 stops of compensation
A darker exposure ensures that the brightest areas of sky retain some detail.

• Manual Focus: what you need to know to get sharp images