Using The Sunny 16 (Simple) To Set Camera Exposure

Whilst it has been known by several different names over the decades, the ‘sunny 16’ rule has remained a constant resource for photographers to help them achieve good exposure in whatever lighting conditions the great outdoors gifts us.

You can use it to easily set a base exposure by switching to manual mode and inputting one of the following recipicols of shutter speed and iso. Note that the shutter speed should be set first dependant on the subject matter and your intention whether to capture them as still, with slight movement or blurry.

NOTE: Speeding up your shutter and raising the iso will not brighten or darken your exposure when following the sunny 16 guide as each setting balances the other out. Choose your shutter speed based on movement of subject, not exposure. Exposure will be determined by your aperture as below.

Shutter Speed 1/100 - ISO 100 (Good to give a sense of motion in moving people)

Shutter Speed 1/200 - ISO 200 (Slight motion in faster moving people)

Shutter Speed 1/400 - ISO 400 (No motion in people or cycles)

Shutter Speed 1/800 - ISO 800 (No motion in cars travelling inner city)

Shutter Speed 1/1600 - ISO 1600 (No motion in large birds in flight)

the pattern can continue to your minimum shutter speed or maximum iso - although this is rarely necessary.

Once you have your shutter speed and iso dialed in, you’ll now select your aperture using the table below. Base your choice on the lighting conditions you are photographing in. Determine the light by the sky above and the definition of the shadows on the ground. Dial in the appropriate aperture and you are ready to start shooting.