How can you adjust the exposure of an image in Photoshop?

Adjusting the exposure of an image in Photoshop can be most effectively accomplished using the "Exposure" adjustment layer. This option specifically targets the exposure settings, which include three main sliders: Exposure, Offset, and Gamma Correction.

The Exposure slider directly affects the overall brightness of the image by adjusting how much light is being accounted for in the image. This tool is ideal for images that may need significant exposure adjustment, such as those that are too dark or too bright as a result of poor lighting conditions when the photo was taken. Because it is an adjustment layer, it allows for non-destructive editing, meaning you can always go back and modify or remove the adjustment without permanently altering the original image.

Other methods, while potentially affecting the overall brightness or appearance of the image, do not specifically address exposure in the same targeted manner. For example, using the "Brightness/Contrast" adjustment modifies the overall brightness and contrast but doesn't give you the nuanced control over exposure parameters provided by the Exposure adjustment layer. Applying filters from the Filter Gallery or cropping the image does not adjust exposure at all; rather, cropping changes the composition and visual focus of the image without affecting its light values.

Thus, the "Exposure" adjustment layer is the most appropriate and effective option