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Exposure Settings for Light and Dark Colored Animals

When photographing mostly white or mostly dark animals, you usually have to override the default settings of your camera somewhat to get a good image. This isn't absolutely necessary when you are using print film since the lab sometimes can adjust for images that are too light or too dark but it is good practice because if you ever use slide film you will have to make these adjustments. It also makes the lab's job easier and more consistent.

If an animal is predominately white, you must increase your exposure somewhat to keep the animal from appearing too dark in your final image. If an animal is predominately black, you must decrease your exposure somewhat to keep the animal from appearing too light in your final image. If you are unsure of the reasons behind this, refer to one of the many excellent books on photography for a full explanation.

I usually set positive and negative settings on my exposure compensation dial when I encounter and animal that is predominantly white or black. For a white animal, I usually add about 2/3 to 1 full stop of extra exposure. For a black animal I usually subtract about 2/3 to 1 full stop of exposure.

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