underexpose

American  

[uhn-der-ik-spohz] / ˌʌn dər ɪkˈspoʊz /

verb (used with object)

underexposed, underexposing

1. to expose either to insufficient light or to sufficient light for too short a period, as in photography.

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underexpose British  

/ ˌʌndərɪkˈspəʊz /

verb

1. photog to expose (a film, plate, or paper) for too short a period or with insufficient light so as not to produce the required effect

2. (often passive) to fail to subject to appropriate or expected publicity

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Etymology

Origin of underexpose

First recorded in 1885–90; under- + expose

Example Sentences

RAW photos have a great deal of latitude, too, but when shooting with this system, I found that it was better to underexpose than overexpose.

From The Verge • Sep. 8, 2022

Bright, reflective snow can trick your light meter, causing auto exposure to underexpose and create gray snow.

From Washington Post • Nov. 11, 2021

If I underexpose an image, purposely, it’s not looked at as simply my perspective or personal aesthetic.

From New York Times • May 20, 2021

Robert Trevis-Smith used a clever technique to underexpose this image and said: “It works best with blackbirds because they sort of blend into the dark background.”

From BBC • Dec. 25, 2013

They overexpose it, underexpose it, triple-expose it, superimpose three film tracks on a fourth, mix black and white, sepia and full color in the same shot.

From Time Magazine Archive