Using Manual Mode: Hello everybody I always read and follow your comments and insights and I appreciate it, I have a question about using manual mode. I am still learning on using my...

araia

Hello everybody I always read and follow your comments and insights and I appreciate it, I have a question about using manual mode. I am still learning on using my DSLR camera. I have Nikon d7100. Depending on the condition of the light when I choose F-stop and minimum ISO, I am relying on the camera indicator for the Shutter speed, (metering) to be at zero, and then shoot photos. The photo is not bad, but do I have to follow that always or there is a better way. Any help is appreciated. Thanks
Araia

TucsonCoyote Loc: Tucson AZ

araia wrote:

Hello everybody I always read and follow your comm... (show quote)

When you say "The photo is not bad" I'm thinking you wished you could say "the photo is great!

"

You have been led to believe by the "pros" here that maybe anything other than Manual is not really "true photography" !?

There is so much more you can do in different situations and many of the situations have been predicted by the camera makers and programmers......I would suggest you not be so bridled by opinions and use all the little programs and features on your dials and settings,
Have some fun for a change .....be a cowboy and do some fast draw and gun twirling....no bullets involved here so you can't hurt yourself !

Robeng Loc: California

araia wrote:

Hello everybody I always read and follow your comm... (show quote)

Hi Araia,

I'm not exactly sure what you're asking. When I shoot in manual mode, I pick my setting ISO, F stop & Shutter. To get the image I want I'll take a shot and check the image on my display. If I need to make adjustments I go from there.

I hope that helps.

Rob

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

araia wrote:

Hello everybody I always read and follow your comm... (show quote)

araia, there is not necessarily a better way, just the way that works best for each shooting situation, on a case by case basis, and that can take many years/decades to learn.
Asking what you just did, you're not ready for manual. In a crucial situation, you're gonna blow the shot, lets just hope it's not your Grandchild's first step!!
I'm not a big proponent of starting on manual.
Yes, I know all the old dinosaurs here started on manual, but that's because there was no other way, and most probably didn't figure it out then either.
I suggest you learn instead, every mode on your camera, that's why you have such an advanced camera, then learn to apply the proper mode or modes to each individual shooting situation. THAT will give you the best results. No one size fits all, especially manual!
Good luck with the barrage of answers to come!!!
SS

araia

I noted your answer. Thank You

Mike D. Loc: Crowley County, CO.

Sharp Shooter has nailed the essence of your question. We are in the same boat with the same camera so I recommend you heed this advice. I too need to learn which mode to use for a given situation so don't be too hard on yourself or trying to get that "perfect shot" will become a chore.

Have fun and revel in the learning process. 👍🏼

LarryFB Loc: Depends where our RV is parked

TucsonCoyote wrote:

When you say "The photo is not bad" I'm ... (show quote)

Well said. Manual can be very good, even necessary is some cases, BUT aperture preferred, shutter preferred, or even auto have their applications and may even be more appropriate. It all depends on what you are shooting at the time!

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

i'm with sharp shooter, learn by using the camera modes. get a consise definition of what we mean by shooting manual, then practice where keeping the shots is not an issue. in time you'll learn as those of us who only had basic cameras and no meters did. a tip, ask about the [ sunny sixteen rule ] it's a good guide.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Dedicate a day for each mode and see what they do. They each have a purpose. I shoot mostly manual and raw (90%) and aperture priority (10%) but that suites my genre and it makes me comfortable. You are not doing anything wrong following your own path. I know a very good photographer who only shoots auto and jpg. I know another who only uses aperture and jpg and he is outstanding (although he uses manual and manual focus much of the time shooting incredible macro images in jpg). He has exhibits and is highly touted. Bryan Peterson has an excellent book you might consider, "Understanding Exposure, 4th. Edition". Good luck.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

I have a Canon SX50 and it has a C-1, C-2.... C= Custom. My favorite manual setting for flowers is in C-1 and my bracket set up is in C-2. Yes manual is a great setting technique. Taking on Auto can give clues as to what are good settings.

At times I cheat and look at my small Kodak Handbook fits in shirt pocket. Perhaps 1950's yep.. things change but remain the same.... as Bull Drink Water said the sunny sixteen rule still works... be it film or sensor.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

araia wrote:

Hello everybody I always read and follow your comm... (show quote)

I prefer Auto, A, P, or S.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I shoot manual 98% of the time. I usually set my ISO, and that's where it stays for the majority of the time. Then f-stop / shutter speed is a choice depending on what I'm photographing. The best you can do is learn how to meter. My suggestion is to look for posts here on ETTR, EBTR, etc. Also check out some of my recent posts, as some have explanations as to how I metered the scene.
--Bob

araia wrote:

Hello everybody I always read and follow your comm... (show quote)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

To say your photos are "not bad" makes no sense to me regarding the camera's settings. Either exposure is correct (the degree of light or dark that you desire) or it's not. Either the depth of field (how much of an image is in focus) is correct for what you wanted in the scene or not. Either shutter speed is fast enough to stop action, or slow enough to intentionally cause blur, or it's not.

There is that whole other aspect to photography called impact. Knowledgeable use of light (huge in my opinion - and I'm willing to bet that is part of your dissatisfaction. For example, are you shooting in harsh mid-day sun?) emotion, balanced and interesting composition, perspective...in other words, moving from snapshot to wow!

Post some photos to UHH and ask for how advice on how you can change them from not bad to great

PattyW60 Loc: Northwest Illinois

rmalarz wrote:

I shoot manual 98% of the time. I usually set my ISO, and that's where it stays for the majority of the time. Then f-stop / shutter speed is a choice depending on what I'm photographing. The best you can do is learn how to meter. My suggestion is to look for posts here on ETTR, EBTR, etc. Also check out some of my recent posts, as some have explanations as to how I metered the scene.
--Bob

You hit the nail on the head for me, Bob. I want to learn/start using Manual Mode, but have really resisted straying from my comfort zone, which is 99% Aperture Priority. I think the main reason I resist, is proper metering. I realize I could use Auto ISO, but for me personally, if I'm not going full Manual, I may has well just stay in AP. I have so much to learn....I will look up your posts. Thank you for the advice you gave the OP.

PattyW60 Loc: Northwest Illinois

SharpShooter wrote:

araia, there is not necessarily a better way, just... (show quote)

Great advice!