We Have More Than 50 Years of Experience

Home|About|Blog|Services

Make Appointment
contrary to popular opinion You do not need to learn manual

contrary to popular opinion You do not need to learn manual

2024 Sep 29 | Blog, Photography

Crown Graphic Manual Camera

In 1970 this is the camera that I used to learn photography, and used at my first job as a photojournalist.

You don’t get much more manual than this.
Manual focus – by either using the range finder, or getting out the dark cloth and using a magnifying lass on the ground glass.

Manually using a separte light meter to pick the exposure.

Manually transfering those settings to the lens.

So when I say that you do not need to learn manual to create great photographs, I speak from a point of real experience with manual.

For the first 20 years manual exposure and manual focus is all I used.

But here’s the thing that nobody mentions: Manual cameras were designed to used manually. For example when I switched to my Nikon FTN I could change shutter and aperture without ever taking my eye from the viewfinder and the screens where large and bright.

Today’s digital cameras while they may have a manual mode are not really designed to be used manually. And why should they because

Besides a heavy tripod, you also need to use a separate hand held light meter, and if you followed Ansel Adams, you would meter

Using manual mode in photography can often create more challenges than it resolves, especially for beginners. Here are several reasons why relying solely on manual mode may not be the best approach:

Overwhelming Complexity for Beginners

Manual mode requires a comprehensive understanding of various settings, including ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. For those new to photography, this can be overwhelming and lead to frustration. Beginners might find themselves struggling to make quick adjustments while trying to capture spontaneous moments, resulting in missed opportunities or poorly exposed images[1][2].

Time-Consuming Adjustments

When shooting in manual mode, photographers must adjust settings for every shot, which can slow down the process significantly. This is particularly problematic in dynamic environments where lighting conditions change rapidly, such as outdoor scenes with varying sunlight. In these situations, using automatic or semi-automatic modes (like Aperture Priority) allows for quicker adjustments and more successful captures[2][4].

Risk of Poor Exposure

Without experience, photographers may frequently encounter issues with exposure. Manual mode does not automatically compensate for changing light conditions; thus, users may end up with a series of overexposed or underexposed images. In contrast, other modes can help manage exposure more effectively by allowing the camera to make adjustments based on real-time conditions[3][4].

Lack of Creative Control

While manual mode offers complete control over settings, this doesn’t necessarily translate to better creative outcomes. Many photographers find that using modes like Aperture Priority or Shutter Priority provides sufficient control while allowing them to focus on composition and creativity rather than technical adjustments. For instance, if a photographer is trying to capture fast-moving subjects, using Shutter Priority can ensure sharp images without the hassle of constant adjustments[2][4].

Conclusion

While manual mode has its place—particularly in controlled environments or specific types of photography like long exposures or astrophotography—it is not always the best choice for every situation. For many photographers, especially those still developing their skills, using automatic or semi-automatic modes can provide a more manageable and effective way to capture high-quality images without the stress of constant technical adjustments[1][5].

Citations:
[1] https://www.digitalphotomentor.com/real-photographers-only-shoot-manual-mode/
[2] https://www.mikesmithphotography.com/blogindex/camera-modes-why-manual-mode-isnt-the-best-option-for-you
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZC3NWJGnE9U
[4] https://digital-photography-school.com/myth-reality-shooting-manual-mode/
[5] https://www.lightroompresets.com/blogs/pretty-presets-blog/17796936-7-days-to-mastering-manual-mode-why-shoot-in-manual-mode
[6] https://www.reddit.com/r/photography/comments/19c2n5f/i_just_cant_use_manual_mode_am_i_missing/
[7] https://www.athomewithkids.com/common-manual-mode-mistakes-most-photographers-make/
[8] https://www.photo.net/forums/topic/467691-manual-mode-problems/

Why aperture priority is better than manual

2024 Sep 29 | Blog

Aperture priority mode (often denoted as “A” or “Av” on cameras) offers several advantages over manual mode, making it a preferred choice for many photographers. Here are the key reasons why aperture priority is often considered better:

1. Speed and Efficiency

Aperture priority mode allows photographers to set their desired aperture while the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed for optimal exposure. This significantly speeds up the shooting process, especially in changing light conditions, as photographers can focus on composition rather than constantly adjusting settings[1][2]. In contrast, manual mode requires adjustments to both aperture and shutter speed, which can slow down shooting.

2. Consistent Exposure

In situations with fluctuating light, aperture priority helps maintain consistent exposure across a series of shots. The camera automatically compensates for changes in light, reducing the risk of over- or under-exposure that can occur when manually adjusting settings[2][3]. This is particularly useful in dynamic environments like weddings or wildlife photography.

3. Creative Control

While providing automatic shutter speed adjustments, aperture priority still grants full control over the aperture setting, which is crucial for achieving desired depth of field effects. Photographers can easily create a blurred background or ensure sharpness throughout the image without worrying about shutter speed adjustments[1][4]. This balance allows for creative experimentation while maintaining technical accuracy.

4. Learning Tool for Beginners

Aperture priority serves as an excellent bridge between automatic and manual modes for beginners. It allows them to learn how different apertures affect exposure and depth of field without the overwhelming complexity of managing all settings manually[4][5]. This hands-on experience can build confidence before transitioning to full manual control.

5. Simplified Adjustments

With aperture priority, exposure compensation can be easily adjusted with a single dial if needed. This flexibility allows photographers to quickly adapt to specific lighting conditions without losing focus on their subject[2][3]. In manual mode, adjusting exposure typically involves more steps and can distract from the creative process.

In summary, aperture priority mode combines speed, consistency, and creative control, making it a versatile option for photographers at all skill levels. It simplifies the shooting process while still allowing for significant artistic expression, which is often why it is favored over manual mode in many scenarios.

Citations:
[1] https://photographylife.com/aperture-priority-mode
[2] https://digital-photography-school.com/aperture-priority-over-manual-mode/
[3] https://www.lightstalking.com/aperture-priority-most-preferred-shooting-mode-by-photographers/
[4] https://expertphotography.com/how-when-to-use-aperture-priority-mode/
[5] https://fstoppers.com/education/benefits-aperture-priority-mode-602663
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLIsDjx553M
[7] https://www.mikesmithphotography.com/blogindex/camera-modes-why-manual-mode-isnt-the-best-option-for-you
[8] https://www.reddit.com/r/AskPhotography/comments/pz6e20/help_me_understand_when_to_use_shutter_vs/