Using Intentional Overexposure To Create Artistic Photos

Blogged by: Carrie Bruner-Hillyard

Sometimes an artistic photo can come from taking a “bad photo.” In fact, I often take bad photos intentionally by overexposing my digital images.

Overexposing simply means that you are letting more light into your photograph. It whitens your photos and can be an interesting and easy technique for you to make one-of-a-kind images. Often times, the edges of the subject you are photographing will have a softened glow, especially with backlighting. (Yes, ladies, with the right lighting overexposed images of yourself can make you look slimmer!)

Before you try this on your own, you should be aware that overexposed photos usually take minor photo editing. I prefer to use software that allows you to adjust the midtones. Without editing, your photo may appear washed out. But after a quick increase of midtones, prepare to be surprised at what jumps out at you.

Shown above are some pictures I took with different levels of exposure.  The top picture, Photo A, shows the type of picture my camera took on the automatic exposure setting.  The sky has its natural color and all of the details of the trees are visible.  In the middle, Photo B shows a photo that is intentionally overexposed.  Notice the sky is no longer blue and everything has a whitened appearance, almost as though it has a thin layer of haze.  The bottom photo is also Photo B–with one difference.  Using my photo editing program, I quickly adjusted the midtones to reveal the exciting image that was hiding within my overexposed photo.

If you are looking for a way to make your photographs have a clean, edgy look—forget the rules of photography! Try changing your exposure setting to make a strong artistic impression.