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/

Historic wooden grain elevators in Warner, Alberta, disappear into a late spring snowstorm. A gravel road leads toward the vanishing structures, while an abandoned rail tanker car rests on the tracks, adding to the scene’s eerie atmosphere.

Warner Alberta’s Historic Grain Elevators: A Vanishing Prairie Icon in a Spring Snowstorm

The prairies hold stories of resilience, industry, and the passage of time. Nowhere is this more evident than in Warner, Alberta, where the last remaining wooden grain elevators stand as silent sentinels of a bygone era. My latest fine art photograph captures this historic scene during a late spring snowstorm—an image that speaks to both the endurance and fragility of the Canadian prairie landscape.

The Story Behind the Image

Snowstorms in late spring are not uncommon in Alberta, but they bring with them an eerie beauty. In this scene, Warner’s grain elevator row disappears into the storm, its towering structures fading into the whiteout. A gravel road leads the eye past these monolithic wooden elevators, once the lifeblood of the region’s agricultural economy. A lone rail tanker car sits on the tracks in the foreground, a quiet reminder of how transportation and trade once centered around these structures.

A Legacy of the Land: The History of Warner’s Grain Elevators

Warner, Alberta, once boasted at least seven wooden-cribbed grain elevators, built between 1913 and 1960 along the Canadian Pacific Railway line. These towering structures played a vital role in Alberta’s grain industry, serving farmers who relied on them to store and ship their harvests. Today, only four remain, standing as one of the last intact elevator rows in the province.

Key Moments in Warner’s Grain Elevator History:

  • 1913: The first elevator in the current row was built by the Alberta Farmers’ Co-operative Elevator Company.
  • 1939: The Ellison Milling & Elevator Company constructed one of the most historically significant elevators, maintaining much of its original design.
  • 1960s – Present: Many of the original elevators were demolished as the grain industry shifted towards centralized inland concrete terminals.
  • Today: The surviving elevators primarily handle mustard crops and serve as a rare reminder of Alberta’s agricultural heritage.

These grain elevators are more than just relics; they are cultural landmarks. Their gradual disappearance mirrors the transformation of farming and trade in Western Canada, making images like this a crucial part of preserving their history.

Why This Photograph Matters

As an artist, my mission is to capture the beauty of fleeting moments—those that define both place and time. This image of Warner’s grain elevators disappearing into a snowstorm is a testament to the delicate balance between nature and history. It is a tribute to the communities that built and relied on these structures, as well as a reminder of how quickly the familiar can fade away.

Limited Edition Prints Available

This fine art print is available in sizes ranging from 4×6 to 40×60 inches. Every piece is meticulously crafted in my studio using the latest archival inks and museum-quality paper, ensuring a lifespan of up to 200 years. Whether unframed, mounted with a 2-inch matte, or custom-framed, each print is a lasting investment in artistry and history.

 

Preserve a piece of Alberta’s history. Own a fine art print that tells the story of Warner’s vanishing grain elevators before they disappear forever.

Purchase your own fine art print here
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