Photography Math: Exposure Value, f-Stops, Depth of Field & Hyperfocal Distance
Do the maths behind every photo yourself: exposure value EV = log₂(N²/t) and EV at ISO 100, the stop system (f-numbers as powers of √2, equivalent exposures), sunny 16 and light-meter readings, crop factor and angle of view, depth of field from the circle of confusion, a hyperfocal table with INDEX/MATCH, flash guide numbers with the inverse-square law, and the 500 rule vs pixel-level blur with a chart – 8 labs at one fictional photo workshop, every cell checked instantly. Educational only; not affiliated with any camera maker.
The first lesson is free — no account needed.
About this course
A photography math course that does the calculations behind every photo at one fictional teaching studio, Harbourlight Photo Workshop, in a spreadsheet, for photographers, photography students and teachers, and anyone who wants to know why the settings work. You turn camera settings into exposure values with EV = log₂(N²/t) and normalise them to ISO 100, derive the f-number scale from √2 and build equivalent exposures, convert sunny 16 and light-meter readings into settings, calculate crop factors, equivalent focal lengths and angles of view, build a depth of field calculator from the circle of confusion with near and far limits, make a hyperfocal distance table with INDEX and MATCH, scale a flash guide number with the inverse-square law, and compare the 500 rule with a pixel-level blur limit in a chart. Illustrative numbers, with no affiliation with any camera or lens maker. The first lab is free.
Lessons
- Exposure Value: EV = log₂(N²/t) and EV at ISO 100Free
- The Stop System: f-Numbers as Powers of √2, Shutter & ISO Stops, Equivalent Exposures Pro
- Sunny 16 & Light-Meter Readings → a Settings Table Pro
- Field of View: Sensor Size, Crop Factor & Equivalent Focal Length Pro
- Depth of Field: Circle of Confusion, Near & Far Limits Pro
- Hyperfocal Distance: a Table for Landscape Shooting Pro
- Flash: Guide Number, Power Settings & Inverse-Square Falloff Pro
- Motion Blur & Maximum Shutter Time: the 500 Rule vs Pixel-Level Blur (with a Chart) Pro