Understanding when to use exposure compensation is a fundamental skill for photographers. It allows you to manually adjust the exposure level of your camera, compensating for tricky lighting situations. Whether you need to brighten a backlit subject, darken a snow-filled landscape, or capture the rich details in a high-contrast scene, exposure compensation is your go-to tool. By using positive or negative exposure compensation values, you can override your camera's metering system and achieve the desired exposure. For example, when photographing a black cat on a white background, your camera's meter may underexpose the scene. By applying positive exposure compensation, you can properly expose the subject and retain the details of the fur. On the other hand, when shooting a snow-covered landscape, your camera may overexpose the scene and wash out the details. By dialing in negative exposure compensation, you can regain the texture and depth of the snow. However, it's important to use exposure compensation judiciously as it can affect the overall tonal range of your image. Remember to check your histogram and review your images to ensure you achieve the desired results. Mastering exposure compensation will empower you to capture perfectly exposed images in challenging lighting conditions.