Photo How To

The technique known as Expose to the Right (ETTR) can make a huge difference in the images you capture in Raw, but this method is frequently misunderstood and can lead to compromised results if you take the wrong approach.

British landscape photographer Anthony Crothers demonstrates how to employ this approach correctly and avoid a number of common pitfalls. Here's how he kicks off today's important explainer: "Whether you're new to histograms or have been told to watch your highlights, this tutorial breaks down what ETTR really means and how it work in practical terms."

In the next six minutes he demystifies real-world histogram behavior, camera metering, and why slightly pushing exposure to the right can give you cleaner shadows, more details and data, and much smoother edits. The problem is that doing thing wrong is a quick way to spoil your photos.

You'll learn how to apply ETTR without fear of blowing out highlights, the difference between Raw and Jpeg previews, and why "this is my personal workflow when using the Canon 5DS R camera." Along the way Crothers also debunks several common misconceptions like "always underexpose."

Crothers explains how to employ this straightforward technique with whatever camera you own, even if it's an older model without the latest advanced metering modes. He provides a bit of interesting history, explaining that ETTR techniques were originally popularized by digital photography pioneers Michael Reichmann and  Jeff Schewe way back in 2003.

Reichman touted the powerful technique by insisting that "you can get a better signal-to-noise ratio if you intentionally overrule the camera's meter and move the exposure to the right side of the histogram." And this prophetic notion is just as valuable today as it was more than two decades ago.

As the saying goes, "it's better late than never," so jump on this powerful technique the next time you're out in the field. And don't forget to visit Anthony's instructional YouTube channel to learn more timeless photography tips and technique.

We also recommend watching our recent explainer featuring another experienced Brit who demonstrates the critical difference between your camera's Optical and Digital zoom settings for capturing photographs with maximum image quality when getting in tight.