Why I No Longer Use ETTR for Wildlife Photography

If you're still "exposing to the right" (ETTR) like we all did back in 2012, it's time to rethink your wildlife photography strategy. I did it myself for years—but recently realized the rules have dramatically changed.

Modern camera sensors, such as those in the Canon R5, R3, Nikon Z9, and Sony A1, have drastically improved dynamic range and shadow recovery capabilities. Today, intentionally underexposing your images slightly can actually preserve critical highlights and provide greater editing flexibility later on.

In this article, I'll explain why ETTR is outdated for wildlife photography in 2025, how I now expose my images, and when ETTR might still be beneficial.

What is ETTR (Expose to the Right)?

"Expose to the Right," or ETTR, is a photography technique that was popularized more than a decade ago. The concept involves pushing your camera's histogram as far right as possible without clipping highlights. By maximizing the amount of captured light, you collected more data in the brighter areas of the image, resulting in cleaner files with less noise and better color quality—especially in the shadow areas.

This approach made perfect sense back in the era of early DSLRs like the Canon 5D Mark II or Nikon D700. These cameras had (relatively) limited dynamic range, particularly at higher ISO settings. Pulling up shadows in post-processing would often reveal ugly noise, discoloration, and loss of detail.

ETTR was the logical solution, allowing photographers to capture more image data upfront and reduce reliance on heavy shadow adjustments later. However, the photography landscape has significantly evolved.

A photo captured with Canon R3 at 20.000 ISO

Why ETTR is Now Outdated for Wildlife Photography

Today’s mirrorless cameras have completely changed the game. Sensors in cameras like the Canon R5, R3, Nikon Z9, or Sony A1 offer incredible dynamic range and impressive shadow recovery. It's now common to recover shadows by three stops or even more without noticeable quality loss.

But there’s one big catch: blown highlights are still irrecoverable. Once highlights clip—like bright feathers on a bird or sunlit fur on a predator—no amount of editing can recover those details.

In wildlife photography, conditions change rapidly. Animals move unpredictably, backgrounds shift, and lighting conditions vary in seconds. Using ETTR in these scenarios often means guessing exposure, risking highlight loss, and potentially missing shots you can't retake.

Underexposing slightly, on the other hand, helps preserve essential highlight detail, giving you more flexibility when editing RAW files later.

My New Approach: Smart Underexposure

My current technique involves intentionally underexposing images by approximately two-thirds to one full stop, especially in high-contrast or brightly lit situations. This approach ensures I retain highlight details and gives me room for shadow recovery without compromising image quality.

Here's exactly how I set up my camera in the field:

• Shoot Manual mode with Auto ISO: This lets me precisely control shutter speed and aperture while the camera automatically adjusts ISO to balance exposure.

• Enable Highlight Alerts (Zebras): This visual indicator quickly shows if highlights are close to clipping, so I can adjust accordingly.

• Histogram management: I aim for a histogram that approaches the right edge without touching it, ensuring no crucial details are lost.

• Rely on RAW data, not JPEG previews: The camera's JPEG preview can be misleading. Always check your RAW histogram and confirm recoverable details later in post-production software like Lightroom or Capture One.

By following this workflow, even in challenging lighting, I maintain maximum flexibility to adjust shadows and exposure in post-processing.

Is ETTR Ever Still Useful?

Does this mean ETTR is completely obsolete? Not quite—there's still one specific scenario where ETTR remains beneficial: extremely low-light photography at high ISO settings.

For instance, pre-dawn wildlife drives or evening shoots in dim forests are scenarios where noise—not highlights—is the primary enemy. Here, pushing the exposure slightly to the right helps produce cleaner images straight out of camera, reducing reliance on shadow brightening, which can drastically increase noise.

In low-light situations, I:

• Open my lens aperture wide (f/2.8 or f/4).

• Lower shutter speed as far as practical for sharp images.

• Push the histogram rightward cautiously, ensuring no highlights clip.

Since these environments typically have low contrast and limited dynamic range, capturing a brighter initial exposure minimizes noise and produces higher-quality images overall.

Final Thoughts: Smart Underexposure is the Real Wildlife Photography Hack

While ETTR had its merits in the DSLR era, modern mirrorless cameras have shifted the photography landscape significantly. In 2025, careful, intentional underexposure—prioritizing highlight protection—is the superior strategy for wildlife photographers.

By exposing for flexibility, protecting highlights, and confidently working with shadows in post-processing, you'll consistently capture better wildlife images.

Still struggling with tricky lighting and high ISO scenarios? You're not alone. I made a comprehensive video on managing low-light wildlife photography, packed with practical insights for cleaner, sharper photos.

Watch my full video guide on managing tricky low-light wildlife photography here.

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Photographer's Guide to Sossusvlei: Capturing Namibia's Iconic Landscapes

Nestled within Namibia's Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossuslvei is a haven for landscape photographers. Its towering red dunes (the tallest and oldest in the world), stark white clay pans, and ancient camelthorn trees offer a surreal canvas for capturing nature's artistry. Over the years I’ve been visiting Sossusvlei multiple times and those incredible views never fail to amaze me. However there are a few things I learned over time that I wish I had known earlier. Drawing from my experiences and insights from fellow photographers, here's a comprehensive guide to making the most of your photographic journey in this mesmerizing desert landscape.​

1. Secure Accommodation Inside the Park

To truly capitalize on the enchanting light of dawn and dusk, it's imperative to stay within the park's confines. In fact, Sossusvlei operates with two main gates:​

• Outer Gate: Opens at sunrise and closes at sunset, restricting access during prime photography hours.​

• Inner Gate: Opens one hour before sunrise and closes one hour after sunset, granting photographers the coveted golden hours.​

If you consider that from Sesriem you still have to drive 40 to 60 km to reach your shooting location (plus 7km on sand and 20 mins walking for Deadvlei) it’s clear that the outer gate timing won’t allow you to capture the beautiful golden hour on the dunes. For this reason is paramount to get accommodation inside of the park, past the outer gate.

Accommodations like the Sossus Dune Lodge, Sesriem NWR Campsite, and Oshana Camp are situated inside the inner gate. Staying here ensures you're on location when the light is at its best. Given their popularity, it's advisable to book well in advance - and I mean, WELL in advance. Accommodation inside the park is limited and might fill up very soon. I’d suggest you to book at least 6 months before your visit to secure your access.

2. Plan Your Shoots Around Optimal Lighting

The desert's lighting transforms dramatically throughout the day:​

• Sunrise: Soft, golden hues illuminate the dunes, creating long shadows and enhancing textures.​

• Midday: Harsh light can wash out colors and reduce contrast, making it less ideal for photography.​

• Sunset: Warm tones return, casting a magical glow over the landscape.​

Prioritize shooting during the early morning and late afternoon to harness these favorable conditions. Midday can be reserved for rest, scouting locations, or capturing abstract shots that play with the intense sunlight.​

My go-to daily schedule in Sossusvlei includes waking up very early, having a quick coffee and packing up so that we can be at the gat at least 10 minutes before opening. This will allow me to be amongst the first car to drive into the park. At sunrise I usually go towards Deadvlei, shooting for about 2 hours till the light becomes too harsh and the main tourists start coming in from the outer gate. I will then leave and drive back to Sesriem for a good brunch and some hours of rest in the shade before heading back at mid afternoon, usually around dune 45 or dune 39, to find my spot for the sunset session.

3. Equip Yourself with Essential Gear

The unique environment of Sossusvlei demands specific equipment:​

• Lenses: you can use anything from super wide to super telephoto, but expect to be shooting more in the mid telephoto range. The landscape is very empty and vast and the telephoto helps compressing elements, making for interesting, minimal compositions.​

• Tripod: Essential for stability during low-light conditions and for precise compositions. While you can always shoot wide open, if you are going for stylized, minimalist landscapes my advice is to stop down to f8 or f11, especially on telephotos, so that all the lines in your frame are sharp and crisp.

• Filters: I rarely use polarizers but Sossusvlei is one of the exceptions. The dunes are reflecting an incredible amount of light and using a polarizer will improve dramatically the contrast in your image.​

• Cleaning Kit: Dust and sand are unavoidable here, and it’s paramount to bring some camera cleaning tools. Expect to be cleaning your gear multiple times a day, and try to avoid changing lenses out in the dunes to prevent dust to reach your camera’s sensor.​

4. Explore Iconic and Lesser-Known Locations

Sossusvlei offers a plethora of photographic opportunities:​

• Deadvlei: This clay pan, adorned with centuries-old dead camelthorn trees set against white sands and encircled by red dunes, provides a stark and captivating contrast. Photo opportunities are endless, but it might also be quite challenging. It’s the furthest location you can access in Sossusvlei: form the inner gate in Sesriem you must drive the 60km tar road to the end, then you switch on your 4x4 and drive about 7km on sand. Once you reach the parking area you still have to walk approx 20 min over a small dune to access it.

• Dune 45: Easily accessible and famed for its elegant shape, this 80-meter-high dune is often dubbed "the most photographed dune in the world." The number indicates the distance from the gate, meaning that we will have to drive 45km back to Sesriem. This is a go-to spot for sunset sessions, as we can stay till the sun is set before driving back.

• Big Daddy: Standing approximately 325 meters tall, it's one of the highest dunes in the area and offers panoramic views for those who undertake the climb. You can do it after a sunrise session in Deadvlei, but remember to bring with you a lot of water - it gets crazy hot out there!

• Hiddenvlei: A more secluded spot, it’s a good option for photographers that don’t want to deal with the crowds in Deadvlei. ​

5. Respect the Fragile Ecosystem

The beauty of Sossusvlei comes with a responsibility to preserve its delicate environment:​

• Stay on Designated Paths: Avoid creating new trails that can lead to erosion.​

• Avoid Touching Ancient Trees: The dead camelthorn trees in Deadvlei are estimated to be around 900 years old; avoid touching or, worst, sitting on them. ​

• Carry Out All Waste: Ensure no litter is left behind, maintaining the pristine nature of the desert.​

• Stay within the speed limits: The limit inside the park is 60km/h. If you are ready at the gate at opening time, there’s no need to speed. Also avoid staying too late in the park and then speed to get out in time. There’s plenty of orix running around when is dark and it’s very likely to end in a car accident when driving at night.

• Do not use drones: Drones are not allowed in the park. Unless you apply for a permit trough the park service, avoid using them or you can get a very high fine. ​ ​

Photographing Sossusvlei is a transformative experience, offering scenes that seem otherworldly. By planning meticulously, respecting the environment, and embracing the unique challenges of desert photography, you'll capture images that resonate with the timeless beauty of Namibia's iconic dunes.​

Join Our Photography Workshops

If you're eager to explore Sossusvlei and other breathtaking landscapes with guided expertise, consider joining one of my photography workshops.

We offer tailored experiences that cater to various skill levels, ensuring you leave with both stunning images and enriched knowledge.

For more infos and inspiration about Sossusvlei check out this video guide: