Determine the correct exposure: ISO explained simply!

Simply put, in analog photography, ISO refers to the light sensitivity of the film and how much light is required for proper exposure. The ISO setting is one of the three key camera settings, alongside aperture and shutter speed, that determine how bright or dark a photo will be.

How do you find the right exposure?

The higher the ISO value (e.g., ISO 800 or 1600), the more sensitive the camera is to light—and the brighter the image will be. This setting is very useful for shooting in darker environments, such as indoors, on cloudy days, or during twilight and night photography, but it also introduces more grain in the image.

It’s important to note that when motion comes into play, you need to pair this high ISO value with a short shutter speed. For more details, check out our blog post "Determining the Right Exposure: Shutter Speed Explained!".

Films with lower ISO values (e.g., ISO 100 or 200) require more light but offer finer details and less noise. They are the perfect choice for outdoor photography on sunny days.

Since the ISO value in analog cameras is determined by the film used, it cannot be easily changed—unless you switch the film.

And never forget: Learning by doing!

A deeper and more practical understanding of the various effects and functions of the ISO setting is gained mainly through independent and continuous experimentation and practice. Just give it a try!

In summary, the ISO value is a powerful tool for controlling image brightness. However, it should be used carefully to maintain a balanced relationship between brightness and image quality.

This article was written by Marlena Brill.