Capture the Magic of the Holidays: In-Home Photography Sessions

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/

I have no idea what these wheels are. I am guessing they are supposed to be wheels of a steam engine, but while they are located right behind the Galt Museum, there is nothing that I could find on the museum site, or by any other search that even mentions the wheels. A few photos, but mostly just mentioning the High Level Bridge in the background.  

  I am guessing that they are supposed to represent the drive wheels of a steam engine, but because of the size, I doubt they ever where on a real engine.  

  What I can tell you, the wheels are not from this steam locomotive. This little guy is part of the Airdrie Train Park which has several different tracks and engines that you can ride on.  

  This one located behind the health unit in the old train station is a little easier to find information on because there is a plaque that details the history of Locomotive 3651, a oil fired steam locomotive.  

  Now we move from Lethbridge to Coutts, where we have the Coutts train station on it’s original site but boarded up in preparation for it’s move to the Galt Railway Museum in Stirling.  

  They made it to Milk River and brought it up and around the hospital  

  The move also required the use of the utility companies to either lift lines over the roof, or to actually take them down and other crews were required to remove other road side obsticals such as road signs