Every photographer needs to learn the “exposure triangle” of ISO – Aperture – Shutter.
For a brighter picture you can do any of three things:
- Higher ISO
- Lower “F-number”
- Slower shutter speed
For a darker picture you can do the opposites:
- Lower ISO
- Higher “F-number”
- Faster shutter speed
Those are the only ways. Whatever mode you use, whatever compensation you use: these only use the mechanisms above.
So it is best to start off in manual mode, with auto ISO disabled. If you are not familiar with the above, start today: manual, auto ISO disabled, and go crazy. Try – and do not confuse exposure (“how bright an image is”) with colour, focus, or blur.