A method and apparatus provide automatic stage scene detection. A first image of a scene can be captured using a luminance for automatic exposure control. A brightness contrast between a center region of the first image and areas surrounding the center region of the first image can be calculated. A brightness value can be ascertained for the entire first image. Whether the luminance of the first image should be adjusted can be determined based on the brightness contrast being greater than a contrast threshold and the brightness value for the entire first image being less than a brightness value threshold. The luminance for the automatic exposure control can be adjusted for correct exposure of the center region of the first image in response to determining the luminance of the first image should be adjusted. A second image of the scene can be captured based on automatic exposure control using the adjusted luminance.