Bracketing DrT style!

[P3D Dr. George A. Themelis <fj834@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Suppose I am in a very difficult lighting situation and I only have 3
pictures left in my camera to shoot.  I have to have a decent exposure.  No
more film, no more chances, once in a life-time situation.  Here is what I
will do: 

1. Take one picture at "best guess" (BG)
2. Take another picture at BG + 1 f-stop
3. Take a third picture at BG - 1 f-stop

This range of 2 f-stops will guarantee a good exposure within 1/2 f-stop! 
If the "best" exposure is within this two f-stop range, I have hit it
within 1/2 f-stop and that's plenty good for me.  

Not just in this special situation but in general.  If I ever bother to
bracket I do it in full stop increments and usually just one picture
towards the direction that I feel I am missing (usually overexposure since
I've had more problems with underexposed than overexposed pictures).

Those who bracket by 1/2 stop get within 1/4 f-stop of "perfect" exposure
and those who bracket in 1/3 increments get within 1/6 f-stop and either
waste film or miss it altogether.

Any comments?  Flames? ;)  I am ready!

George Themelis


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