why is this happening?

[thisisirrational]

I take the picture. The exposure is just right, the image looks beautiful in the camera,  but......When I have transferred the images on the memory card to the Photoshop Elements organizer, the exposures are several stops underexposed, Why is this happening and what to do about it?

[hatstead]

1. Can you reset the white point or black point in your camera?

2. Have you calibrated your computer? Most default screen settings are too bright.

3  Open the picture in PSE Editor and make suitable adjustments. e.g. levels, brightneree/contrast, etc.. 

[thisisirrational]

I'm interested in your first suggestion,  can you tell me how to do this. I am using a D7100 Nikon camera, thank you.

[Greg_S.]

Books have been written to answer your question.

Are you talking about raw files or jpegs?  If you are shooting raw, the camera is processing the raw files within the camera.  When you view the raw file on a computer, it may look very different until it has been processed by a raw editor.  Viewing the images in the Organizer may also depend on what setting you have in the Edit>Color Settings screen:

[thisisirrational]

Do I go to Edit/Color settings in Photoshop Elements? Should I choose to optimize for computer screens? Thank you.

[hatstead · Accepted solution]

I select the option to optimize for computer screens, then under File>print>more options>Color Management>Color Handling: Printer manages colors.

[thisisirrational]

great, thanks for your answer.

[hatstead]

You're welcome. Glad to help.