What does it mean to "bracket" exposures?

Bracketing exposures refers to the technique of taking several photographs of the same scene at different exposures. This is done to ensure that a properly exposed image is captured, especially in challenging lighting conditions. By varying the exposure settings—such as aperture, shutter speed, or ISO—photographers can create a range of images from underexposed to overexposed.

This method is particularly useful in situations with high dynamic range, where both very dark and very bright areas exist in the same scene. By capturing a series of exposures, a photographer can later select the best one or use software to blend them together for a more balanced final image. This technique helps in achieving optimal details in highlights and shadows, thus enhancing the overall quality of the photograph.