Auto ISO
Paul Malley • 4 April 2022
A very useful feature on most cameras nowadays is Auto-ISO. As competent Photographers, we have come to know the importance of ISO, alongside Shutter Speed and Aperture in the infamous 'Exposure Triangle', whereby a variance in one of the three interlinked functions, requires a change to another, in determining or maintaining what the camera sees as a correct exposure.
I like to use Aperture priority in my Wildlife work, to afford the correct depth of field for the subject. Often, in wildlife, (much as in sport and action work), the subject is fast moving (a diving bird, a running athlete etc). Not really much of a problem, as we could set a wide aperture and maintain a fast shutter speed by introducing a higher ISO; but why do that manually? What happens if the bird, runner, or subject enters changing light situations, as the sun appears or disappears?
For me, this is where Auto-ISO comes in. It is often located in the menu, or below the Native ISO reading on the camera. By simply selecting Auto-ISO, I can maintain a wide Aperture and a fast shutter speed and let the camera change the ISO as the situation demands. It has become a fundamental set-up in my workflow on site; I can even set a 'range' of the Auto-ISO, which the camera will maintain to ensure correct exposure, without making any change to Aperture or Shutter Speed (usually between 200-6400). Simply put, having confidence in the camera's metering ability, ISO handling capability and speed of operation, means I can concentrate on the action, instead of attempting to change values. It also gives consistency in a shutter speed, for action (or my elusive swooping birds).
As well as knowing when, to use Auto-ISO, like all things in photography, there is a compromise, hence there are times when NOT to use it. When working in a studio, or in a lighting-controlled environment, you have the time and ability to 'lock' the ISO and remove the need for any change. I do not use Auto-ISO in Manual mode, as I often apply + or - exposure compensation, and the Auto-ISO would trip in and attempt to correct or override my requirement. It is locked out by default in bracketing exposures, too, as it would operate to attempt to make each frame exposure correct.
It's fair to say that there are some wonderful technology features built into today's modern cameras. For me and my style of work, Auto-ISO is a step forward, but it should never lull anyone into having a firm grasp, understanding and knowledge of why and when to use it. At the end of the day, the Photographer 'sees' the image, the kit 'records' it.
I like to use Aperture priority in my Wildlife work, to afford the correct depth of field for the subject. Often, in wildlife, (much as in sport and action work), the subject is fast moving (a diving bird, a running athlete etc). Not really much of a problem, as we could set a wide aperture and maintain a fast shutter speed by introducing a higher ISO; but why do that manually? What happens if the bird, runner, or subject enters changing light situations, as the sun appears or disappears?
For me, this is where Auto-ISO comes in. It is often located in the menu, or below the Native ISO reading on the camera. By simply selecting Auto-ISO, I can maintain a wide Aperture and a fast shutter speed and let the camera change the ISO as the situation demands. It has become a fundamental set-up in my workflow on site; I can even set a 'range' of the Auto-ISO, which the camera will maintain to ensure correct exposure, without making any change to Aperture or Shutter Speed (usually between 200-6400). Simply put, having confidence in the camera's metering ability, ISO handling capability and speed of operation, means I can concentrate on the action, instead of attempting to change values. It also gives consistency in a shutter speed, for action (or my elusive swooping birds).
As well as knowing when, to use Auto-ISO, like all things in photography, there is a compromise, hence there are times when NOT to use it. When working in a studio, or in a lighting-controlled environment, you have the time and ability to 'lock' the ISO and remove the need for any change. I do not use Auto-ISO in Manual mode, as I often apply + or - exposure compensation, and the Auto-ISO would trip in and attempt to correct or override my requirement. It is locked out by default in bracketing exposures, too, as it would operate to attempt to make each frame exposure correct.
It's fair to say that there are some wonderful technology features built into today's modern cameras. For me and my style of work, Auto-ISO is a step forward, but it should never lull anyone into having a firm grasp, understanding and knowledge of why and when to use it. At the end of the day, the Photographer 'sees' the image, the kit 'records' it.
Merciless
Photo By: Paul Malley
Cadwell Wheelie
Photo By: Paul Malley
Louth Photographic Society
Last night’s Louth Photographic Societies outing to Kirkby gravel pits nature reserve was cancelled as some members preferred to watch some sporting gentleman by the name of Harry Kane. (Congratulations to the England team) The reserve is small, and simply laid out, a public footpath leads along a tree lined avenue to the river Bain at the back of the reserve. Historic sand and gravel extraction has left a large lake in the centre of the reserve, several ducks and waterfowl inhabit the lake and there is a bird hide on the shoreline. Returning to the road, there is a path running parallel to the road bounded by a hedge, insects of various types can be found in this area, damselflies, butterflies, and hover-flies are often prolific. Our outing to Kirkby Gravel pits is now scheduled for Wednesday 22nd July. Parking is on the verge by the roadside. Kirkby Gravel pits are fairly close to where I live, and it’s reserve that I often visit, these are some photos from a visit in July last year.
Good morning, All, Last week at the club we had our monthly print competition, Trees and Open. There was a very good entry with a high standard of photography on show. Tony Gaskins was first in the Open and I managed a first in the trees, all the results are on our website and there is also a blog on the evening. This week, Wednesday 1st July, we are having an outing to Kirkby Gravel Pits, if we meet at 6.30 at the reserve, though you can arrive earlier as there are usually dragonflies etc around the entrance. If we walk straight ahead first, then anyone who arrives late can find us. I have struggled to find a map, but you can see the location on the Lincolnshire wildlife Trust website. Kirkby Grave Pits is also a good reserve for birds. Tattershall Road 1 mile south of Kirkby-on-Bain Woodhall Spa Nearest postcode LN10 6YN. Please note - postcodes are for the nearest registered address as we are unable to get postcodes for nature reserves.
A print competition was held last night with the categories of "Trees" as the subject, and "Open". Our judge for the evening was Gail Wrigg from Barton who did an expert job. The first category to be judged was the "Open" with the high standard of prints making the choice of top placement difficult, and Gail held back 9 prints for further evaluation. There were some chuckles from members around one of Richard Hildred's prints of wooden electricity poles titled "In my previous life I used to be one of them" an "in" joke from Richard, which totally baffled Gail. After the break Gail judged the "Trees" category, with 7 prints held back this time for awarding of higher marks, the beautiful colours of some trees, especially the autumnal images contrasting with the stunning monochrome infrared prints from Richard Hildred. It was a great evening, with excellent prints on display, and the website Competition page has been updated with the full results.
Good Morning All Last week we visited the nature reserves at Fir Hill quarry and Muckton wood. I have written a blog report on the evening which is on our website. You can always try something a little different like I did using camera movement. This week, Wednesday 24th June, a print competition will be held, with the categories of "Trees" and "Open" and is to be judged by Gail Wrigg. The following week we have an outing to Kirkby Gravel pits. If you want advice on camera settings etc the outings are the perfect opportunity to ask other members while we all have our cameras. Regards Graham
Each year Louth Photographic Society begins a new project, one photo taken each month on a specific subject, that's 12 photos presented on "Project Night" in January. Last year the subject was "Prime Time" one photo each month taken with the same fixed focal length lens. This year the subject is water, the subject sounds easy enough, and I've completed 5 photos already, but I'm struggling a little with a photo for June. I'm currently on holiday in Corfu, an island surrounded by water which should be easy, but I'm yet to find the "definitive" photo for the project. These are my photos so far this month: Best regards Derek
Good Evening All
Summer is here at last, maybe?
Last night a few of our members had an outing to Old Bolingbroke village. Initially visiting the Lincolnshire Wildlife Reserve of Sow Dale, off Spilsby Hill at the village entrance, I was a little hesitant at first at entering the reserve because of the grazing cattle. When the cattle herd moved up the hill we climbed over the stile and entered the reserve, as we began to take some photos around the reserve though, the herd returned, but seemed quite docile. Later in the evening we moved on to Bolingbroke castle, and took several photos of the castle, fauna, and flora. It was a lovely evening, good to get out with cameras, and socialise with others.
Good Morning All Last week I went to the Lincoln cathedral to see Queen by candlelight, a great night of music and some different lighting in the cathedral. Last week at the club we held our 1 st round of the LPA Battles against Grimsby and Scunthorpe. Members from the two other clubs attended making it a very full room with some excellent photography on show. Scunthorpe won on 255 points, Louth 2 nd with 250 points and Grimsby 3 rd with 245 points. This week there is a 2 nd round LPA Battle at Grantham on Tuesday evening, if any member wants to attend, please contact me for more details. We did decide to have an outing on Wednesday 10th June, I had thought of Donna Nook, but Derek has come up with another idea, Sow Dale and if time permits Bolingbroke Castle both out Horncastle way. Derek is going to see if it's worth visiting Sow Dale and will let us know. Don't forget to send your print titles to Dave Turner. Regards Graham
It was the LPA Battles last night, with Louth hosting Scunthorpe, and Grimsby. Diane Seddon was the judge for the evening, and gave excellent critique of all the the prints presented to her from the three clubs. Our club room was packed with our members, and representatives from Scunthorpe, and Grimsby clubs. At the break the points scores appeared fairly evenly matched. However, it was the highest scoring prints that swung the competition in favour of Scunthorpe, their still life prints of "Sunflowers", and "Weights and Measures" scored 20 points each, taking their cumulative score to a winning 255 points. None of Louth's prints achieved 20 points, but ended with a respectable 250 points. Grimsby produced some strong prints, "The Road to Talmont", and "What's Your Name?" received 20 points each, their overall score was 245 points. As Diane Seddon said the submitted print entries were of a very good standard, resulting in a closely matched contest. Congratulations to Scunthorpe for securing the lead in this LPA Battle round contest.
