Moving to Manual Mode

When you start shooting in manual mode, here are some some basic settings to help you get a good exposure.

You don’t need to go full manual in the beginning, start with just one setting, for example, Aperture priority mode is a good place to start. In this mode you will be able to control your Fstop and let the camera worry about the rest. Controlling only one aspect of your settings until you start to understand how it effect the outcome of your images.

Here is a list of basic setting to start with and remember try one at a time:

  1. ISO: Set the ISO as low as it will go, such as 100 or 200 if you are going to be shooting outside during the day. Increase the ISO if you are shooting at night or in dim light. The higher the ISO the more chance for fuzzy (noise) or lower quality images.
  2. Aperture: Choose a mid-range aperture, around f/5.6 or f/8. This setting helps you keep both the subject and the background in focus.
  3. Shutter Speed: Adjust the shutter speed based on how fast the motion will be for what you are photographing. For fast-moving subjects, start with a faster shutter speed, like 1/500th, this freezes the action. For slower-moving subjects, try a slower shutter speed, like 1/30th of a second.
  4. Focus: Turn on the autofocus mode and choose a single focus point. Aim the focus point on whatever you are shooting or the area where you want the viewer’s to look. Half-press the shutter button, this allows the camera to focus before fully pressing it to capture the image.

Remember, these are just a starting point. Play with the setting you choose and make adjustments based on lighting conditions and desired creative effect. Experiment, experiment, experiment, and review your results to learn how different settings change your photographs.