Mark W. Decker, an experienced photographer, maintains an in-depth knowledge of camera settings and tools. Mark W. Decker frequently uses ISO settings to make the best use of available light.

1. By Mark W. Decker

2.  Mark W. Decker, an experienced photographer,
maintains an in-depth knowledge of camera settings
and tools. Mark W. Decker frequently uses ISO
settings to make the best use of available light.
ISO, one of the most common acronyms in
photography, refers to the camera setting that can
adjust its sensitivity to light. The acronym itself
stands for International Standards Organization, the
body that standardizes all camera sensor sensitivity
ratings. Lower ratings indicate a lower sensitivity to
light, while higher ratings mean that the camera in
that moment is more sensitive to light.

3.  The sensitivity in a camera comes from its image sensor.
The lower the sensitivity, the longer the sensor takes to
get enough light to take the picture. Lower ISO settings are
most effective at capturing detail and preserving image
quality, provided that there is enough light. Most cameras
make it easier for the photographer to strike this balance
by providing a base ISO, or the lowest setting at which
image quality is clear.
Photographers looking to capture a moving subject may
increase the ISO to freeze the motion while ensuring
sufficient light exposure. Similarly, indoor photographers
may increase ISO to reduce subject motion and minimize
blurriness. Although this may create graininess,
photographers in search of a vintage look may choose this
effect intentionally.