Getting out of Auto mode - Picture Perfect
Derek Smith • 14 June 2020
Getting out of full auto mode – picture perfect
Modern day digital cameras have a really powerful processor inside the camera to determine the correct exposure for any given photographic scenario, however the photographs taken on full auto mode may not have the impact, or depth that you as a creative photographer might have desired when you click that shutter.
So, let’s examine the other modes on a digital camera.
Program Mode (P)
In this mode the camera determines the correct exposure by computing the shutter speed, and aperture for a given scene, usefully the photographer is able to control the ISO. In a low light setting the camera may well push the ISO to 1600, or even 6400, resulting in an image that displays a lot of noise in the shadow areas of the image. Lowering the ISO to say 800, will achieve an image with less noise, remember though that in Program mode the shutter speed may well be slowed down, with the possibility of a blurred image by camera shake, or subject movement.
Shutter Priority Mode (S or TV)
This is the best mode for fast moving subjects, trains, boats, cars, motorbikes, aircraft, and any sports. In these situations the subject is the most important part of the image, and the background is unimportant. Choose a shutter speed of say 1/500 to totally “freeze” any action, ensuring a blur free image, slow the shutter speed down to achieve motion blur on wheels, or aircraft propellers. I would recommend setting ISO to Auto ISO, in this way ensuring the shutter speed is set as required, and only the aperture will be controlled by the camera.
Aperture Priority Mode (A or AV)
In this mode the photographer determines how much of the subject is in clear view, and the camera controls shutter speed for the correct exposure. In a landscape scene close, or “stop down” the aperture for a clear, sharp image from a few feet in front of the camera to infinity, a typical aperture would be anything from f/5.6 – f/16, the aperture settings are dependant on camera, lens, and sensor size, and only by experimenting will the correct aperture be found. Aperture priority mode is an ideal setting for portraiture, still life, and flowers. A wedding photographer may well choose an aperture of f/2, to give a sharp portrait of the bride, and groom, whilst achieving a soft blurred background. Again choose Auto ISO if the light is changeable, ensuring the shutter speed is fast enough to exclude motion blur.
Manual Mode (M)
In this mode the photographer has total control over all of the settings, some photographers contend that you should only shoot in Manual mode, personally I disagree, the camera is very capable of computing the correct exposure in Aperture, or Shutter priority modes. I do however use Manual priority mode in controlled situations, a studio for example, where the lighting can be accurately controlled. I use Manual mode in this fashion; firstly, I set the ISO to the base value of 100, or 200 (not low as this is a computed ISO), secondly I adjust the Aperture to suit, usually a fairly wide f/1.2 – f/4 to give the correct depth of field on the subject. Thirdly, adjust the shutter speed to ensure the correct exposure using the inbuilt camera light meter. Where I use an off-camera flash, typically I set the exposure to -2 then adjust the flash power to compensate.
Modern day digital cameras have a really powerful processor inside the camera to determine the correct exposure for any given photographic scenario, however the photographs taken on full auto mode may not have the impact, or depth that you as a creative photographer might have desired when you click that shutter.
So, let’s examine the other modes on a digital camera.
Program Mode (P)
In this mode the camera determines the correct exposure by computing the shutter speed, and aperture for a given scene, usefully the photographer is able to control the ISO. In a low light setting the camera may well push the ISO to 1600, or even 6400, resulting in an image that displays a lot of noise in the shadow areas of the image. Lowering the ISO to say 800, will achieve an image with less noise, remember though that in Program mode the shutter speed may well be slowed down, with the possibility of a blurred image by camera shake, or subject movement.
Shutter Priority Mode (S or TV)
This is the best mode for fast moving subjects, trains, boats, cars, motorbikes, aircraft, and any sports. In these situations the subject is the most important part of the image, and the background is unimportant. Choose a shutter speed of say 1/500 to totally “freeze” any action, ensuring a blur free image, slow the shutter speed down to achieve motion blur on wheels, or aircraft propellers. I would recommend setting ISO to Auto ISO, in this way ensuring the shutter speed is set as required, and only the aperture will be controlled by the camera.
Aperture Priority Mode (A or AV)
In this mode the photographer determines how much of the subject is in clear view, and the camera controls shutter speed for the correct exposure. In a landscape scene close, or “stop down” the aperture for a clear, sharp image from a few feet in front of the camera to infinity, a typical aperture would be anything from f/5.6 – f/16, the aperture settings are dependant on camera, lens, and sensor size, and only by experimenting will the correct aperture be found. Aperture priority mode is an ideal setting for portraiture, still life, and flowers. A wedding photographer may well choose an aperture of f/2, to give a sharp portrait of the bride, and groom, whilst achieving a soft blurred background. Again choose Auto ISO if the light is changeable, ensuring the shutter speed is fast enough to exclude motion blur.
Manual Mode (M)
In this mode the photographer has total control over all of the settings, some photographers contend that you should only shoot in Manual mode, personally I disagree, the camera is very capable of computing the correct exposure in Aperture, or Shutter priority modes. I do however use Manual priority mode in controlled situations, a studio for example, where the lighting can be accurately controlled. I use Manual mode in this fashion; firstly, I set the ISO to the base value of 100, or 200 (not low as this is a computed ISO), secondly I adjust the Aperture to suit, usually a fairly wide f/1.2 – f/4 to give the correct depth of field on the subject. Thirdly, adjust the shutter speed to ensure the correct exposure using the inbuilt camera light meter. Where I use an off-camera flash, typically I set the exposure to -2 then adjust the flash power to compensate.
Stay safe, and enjoy your photography.
Louth Photographic Society
Good Morning All Last week at the club we held our monthly PDI competition judged by Martyn Wrigg, the standard of entries was very high and well done to Tony Gaskins for a first in the Architectural Detail and Derek Smith for his first place in the Open. All the results are on our website under competitions. This week, Wednesday 18th March we will be holding a Committee meeting, just committee members for this one. The following week Chris Birchmore is the speaker for the night. Harry is now accepting entries for the PDI local competition, with the categories of "Local Nature" and "Open". We judge this competition in house so if you would like to judge one of the subjects please let me know. Regards Graham
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A PDI (Projected Digital Image) competition was held last night with the categories of "Architectural Detail", and "Open". Martyn Wrigg was our judge for the evening, and he competently judged the submitted images, although he diid surprise with some of his choices of placing, but that's a judges perogative. Martyn complemented members on the quality of the images presented, which had made some of his decisions difficult. First placed was "It's a Fixer Upper" in the Architectural Detail section, and "Dervish Musician" in the Open section. Congratulations to Robin Begley, who as one of our newest members submitted some impressive images, achieving a 3rd place in "Architectural Details", and 2nd in the "Open" category. All the results are now posted to our website Competition page.
Good Morning All Last week at the club member Steve Chapman gave us an insight into his life and especially his time at Ilam Park in Derbyshire photographing for the National Trust. Steve showed us many photographs he had taken of the people involved with the trust and the Peak District. The second half was dedicated to Steve's own work, some superb aircraft photography as well as many other subjects. There is a report on the evening on our blog page. This week, Wednesday 11th March we are holding a PDI competition, with the categories of "Architectural Detail " and "Open" to be judged by Martyn Wrigg of Barton. The following week is a committee meeting for the committee members only on that evening. For newer members we have two committee meetings a year. Regards Graham
Last night Steve Chapman presented a selection of images from his archives. Steve had previously been a volunteer photographer for the National Trust, and he showed many photos from the Ilam Park Estate, Dovedale, it was interesting to see some of the "behind the scenes" photos. The Jacobite reenactment battle scenes were amazing, the uniforms showed great attention to detail, and there were some real characters among the reenactors. After the break Steve showed some of his general photography, he has a great photographic eye, as some of his photos showed with different colours, shapes, and leading lines. Steve has taken many photos of agricultural machinery, and risked life and limb to create some close up aircraft photos. For atmosphere, just look at these horseriders at the top of the hill on a cool early morning. For heartstopping imagery look at these children on the side of a building, the children are photos on the side of the building, however, Steve wasted no time in capturing this stunning image. Many thanks to Steve for a fascinating evening.
Good Morning All Last week at the club I gave you a PDI (Projected Digital Image) presentation showing photographs I had taken on my travels last year, following up with some past and present photographs of Binbrook. I hope you all enjoyed the evening and maybe saw parts of England you hadn't seen before. This week, Wednesday 4th March, our member Steve Chapman will be showing us photographs he has taken. This is Steve's first time showing the club his work so will be a very good night. Harry is now accepting your PDI's for the next competition, with the categories of "Architectural Detail" and "Open". The closing date is Friday 6th March. Regards Graham
The N&EMPF Exhibition will be on display in Cleethorpes from 3rd March.
It was "President's Night" with Graham Harrison showing some of his images from short breaks, and holidays around the UK. Graham rented a holiday cottage in Newbiggin, Northumberland, and showed many of his photos from that area, including a visit to Lindisfarne, where the castle on the rocky outcrop made for an impressive photo. In Suffolk, Graham visited Pakefield, and photographed the colourful beach huts at the top of the shingle beach, he also showed several photos from the Lake District. One of my favourite photos from last night was St. Mary's Lighthouse, Whitley Bay, with the groins in juxtaposition. Thank you Graham for a very interesting evening.
Good Morning All Last week at the club Harry and Chris gave us an insight into how our exhibition preparation is going, we have a lot of historical photos to go on show and there may be room for some more up to date ones but Harry and Chris will see how much room we have left when they start putting it all together at the museum. I also took the time to find out what you wanted in the new program, filling in the competition subjects and outings. This week, Wednesday 25th February, it is the Presidents night, so that's my night and I will be showing you what I got up to in 2025. The rainbow at Brough castle gives you idea of one area I visited. Harry is now accepting entries for the next PDI competition, with the categories of "Architectural Detail" and "Open". The new program is nearly done and to give you a chance to get ready for the first two competitions in May and June the subjects are May, PDI comp - Landscapes with water and Open and June, Print competition, Trees and Open. Regards Graham
Good Morning All Last week at the club we held our Print Of The Year (POTY) competition, it's one of our highlights of the year and judged by Grahame Dunkin, it proved to be an excellent night with some very good prints on show. The results are on our website under competitions but the highlights were Dave Turner being placed first in the Pictorial, landscape and best Mono print in show; Robin Begley, First in the Record section, Keith Rossington first place in Portrait, Harry Kerman first in the photo/journalism (including Street) and myself taking first place in the Nature as well as overall Print of the Year. My photograph of a Hairy Shield bug was taken at Chambers wood on a camera club outing. This week, Wednesday 19th February, we are sorting out Prints for our 70th anniversary exhibition at Louth Museum. Please bring along any local prints you may have and maybe a few further afield for selection. Please also bring along any prints you may have that you think will be ok for the LPA Foster challenge and LPA Battles. They need to be mounted on a 500mm x 400mm mount and a maximum print size of A3. Don't forget to take a photograph of water if you are doing this years project, no real excuses at the moment. Regards Graham
