Exposure compensation is a powerful tool that allows photographers to take control of their exposure in challenging lighting situations. By adjusting the exposure compensation, photographers can make their images brighter or darker than what the camera's light meter suggests. This technique is particularly useful when shooting scenes with high contrast or backlit subjects. For example, when photographing a backlit portrait, the camera's automatic exposure may result in an underexposed subject. By dialing in positive exposure compensation, such as +1 or +2 stops, the subject's face can be properly exposed, while still retaining details in the highlights. On the other hand, negative exposure compensation can be used to darken a scene or to preserve highlight details in high-contrast situations. For instance, when capturing a landscape with a bright sky, negative exposure compensation can be applied to prevent the sky from being overexposed. Additionally, exposure compensation can be employed creatively to achieve a desired mood or effect. By intentionally over or underexposing a scene, photographers can convey a sense of drama or mystery. It's vital to remember that exposure compensation is most effective in modes like aperture priority and program mode, as these modes allow for manual control over the exposure variables. Finally, mastering exposure compensation requires practice and experimenting in various lighting scenarios to understand its impact on the final image.

Subject: A lone figure standing on a rocky cliff overlooking a stormy ocean.

Background: The background consists of towering waves crashing against jagged rocks, with dark storm clouds filling the sky. The scene is desolate and moody, evoking a sense of power and uncertainty.

Mood: The mood is dramatic and intense, showcasing the raw power and beauty of nature. The viewer can almost feel the strength of the wind and hear the crashing waves.

Camera Type: Full-frame DSLR

Lens: Wide-angle lens (around 24mm)

Aperture: f/8 to ensure a sufficient depth of field, allowing both the subject and the background to be in focus.

Shutter Speed: Approximately 1/250th of a second to freeze the motion of the crashing waves.

ISO: Set to 100 or the base ISO of the camera to ensure minimal noise and optimal image quality.

Exposure Compensation: Set to -1 stop to preserve details in the highlights, such as the white water in the waves and the texture in the clouds.

Other Settings: Shoot in RAW format to retain maximum image information and allow for flexibility in post-processing. Using a tripod is advisable to ensure a sharp image in such challenging conditions.

By dialing in negative exposure compensation, the camera's automatic exposure would be slightly darker to preserve the details in the highlights and create a more striking image with deeper shadows. This technique enhances the dramatic mood, showcasing the power of the storm and adding a touch of mystery to the scene.