Bracketing

Bracketing is a specific photography technique typically (but not necessarily) used with film cameras such as 35mm negative cameras. However this can be used with a digital camera that allows manual aperture and exposure settings. The photographer takes the same photograph several times at sequential aperture sizes and exposure times. Typically a light meter is used to read the approximate light level and suggest aperture and exposure setting. Next they take the photo at the suggested settings, one (or more) aperture setting smaller and larger, and then one (or more) exposure setting shorter and longer. This results in a series of the same image that often look strikingly different. Then during the darkroom printing process the best image can be chosen. This is essential because once a photograph is imprinted on a negative it can difficult to manipulate the image's exposure while printing. This technique allows the photographer total flexibility in the darkroom.