The Truth About Manual Exposure vs Other Modes

Invariably about this time in a course (a couple weeks into it) some students email me feeling discouraged about their own abilities. 9 times out of 10, they say that they are not getting good pictures and the they are shooting in the full Manual mode.

Horses Hearing This Way © Jim Miotke All rights reserved

If you're in this boat too, please don't feel discouraged. Many people assume that shooting in the fully Manual mode is the way to go. They have either been told that they must shoot Manual by some well-meaning photographer or teacher, or they simply want to feel more in control of the picture-taking process.

Here's the truth: you don't have to shoot in Manual. There are other options that will both a) help you learn and gain control over exposure, and b) allow you to still get great pictures while you're learning. I shoot in the fully Manual mode once every blue moon. There... I've said it :)

There is a place for Manual but it really is rarely required. There is nothing wrong with shooting in Program, Aperture Priority, or Shutter Priority mode. I usually shoot in Aperture Priority or in the shiftable Program mode (where I get an automatic reading and then can "push" it in one direction or the other depending upon what I want).

Have no worries about learning exposure and gaining a feeling of confidence and control. You don't need to use the fully Manual mode to learn exposure. Shooting in one of three modes I mention above, you'll quickly feel on top of this whole exposure thing.

Comments

[Deb Resch]

I wondered why the heck I was driving myself crazy trying to guess the settings in manual mode. Thank you for answering this question. I am a beginner. Until I have more experience taking photos, with exposure, lighting, etc. . . I have no idea what settings to use. I talked to a friend who is a professional photographer and he said this comes in time, but right now I am still pretty much guessing.

[Jim Miotke]

Thanks, Deb. I'm glad I could help set your mind at ease. You might as well have fun and get great pictures while you're learning. Enjoy!

[Avan]

Hi, I'm a beginner and still wondering how to make a proper exposure. The problem using automatic exposure, such as Aperture priority, is that the metering changes as I recompose. I can push the AE lock button, but unfortunately the button in my camera is not placed in an easy position and it lasts only for a few seconds. I need more time to make a good composition and when I ready to press the shutter button, the camera resets its metering.

[Jim Miotke]

Ah yes! I know this frustration all too well, Avan. You're not alone.

What I do is continually hold down the button as I recompose but this is a bit of a hassle.

Some cameras allow you to use a different button to lock and hold the exposure as you recompose.

However, if your camera has an M manual mode, this is what I might recommend for you, given how you've described how you work. You may be happier first taking your reading with Aperture Priority and then turning to the Manual exposure mode. Then dial in the shutter speed and aperture you noted... and you won't have to do all that button holding. It will remain constant for as long as you keep it in the Manual mode.

Just remember to change back to Aperture priority when you go on to the next shot. Or of course you can shoot all the time in Manual mode if you like. Many "old school" photographers do just that. I use Aperture Priority, though, because I find it faster and easier in the long run. Whether we are talking about camera functions or Web site deployment, I am a big fan of using automation to help me get the job done.

[Jim Miotke]

Sorry - I see now that you were already using the AE Lock button. Ignore that third paragraph. We'll say it's there for other visitors who may not have that button :)