Blue Snow, Blurry Photos? ... Just Put it in Auto: Every time I run into trouble with my DSLR, and I post a question, I have a certain number of people who always tell me to put my...

Nightski

Every time I run into trouble with my DSLR, and I post a question, I have a certain number of people who always tell me to put my camera in an Auto Mode. I had my DSLR in auto mode for 5 years, and I came here to learn how to use it in Manual mode. Maybe they think my photos are so bad I'd be better off staying in Auto Mode, but if I'm going to do that, why not just use my Olympus TG1 and sell the Canon. What is the point of having a DSLR if you're not going to learn to shoot in Manual mode? And what's the big deal anyway? You Can Delete The Mistakes! And it doesn't cost extra! Anybody have any thoughts on this?

Annie_Girl Loc: It's none of your business

Nightski wrote:

Every time I run into trouble with my DSLR, and I ... (show quote)

I fully believe in learning how to use your equipment to it's fullest and moving away from Auto mode as quickly as you can. Use a semi-manual mode if need be (shutter or aperture priority) but leave Auto in the dust.

Nightski

Annie_Girl wrote:

I fully believe in learning how to use your equipment to it's fullest and moving away from Auto mode as quickly as you can. Use a semi-manual mode if need be (shutter or aperture priority) but leave Auto in the dust.

So here is one person who would stick up for me as I stubbornly stay in Manual mode, determined to learn to use it well.

Bmac Loc: Long Island, NY

You seem to want to shoot in manual mode, so move forward in that direction. Practice in aperture priority and shutter priority, experiment with different ISO settings and have fun. Soon you will learn the relationship between all the settings and can then try your hand at full manual if you so desire.

Keep in mind though that without knowing how to compose a photo and select interesting subjects it will not matter what mode you use. Learning composition is more important to learn in the beginning then mechanics, in my opinion.

Enjoy your hobby, don't make it a chore, with practice things will come together. 8-)

Annie_Girl Loc: It's none of your business

Sure will, I'm kind of hard headed any way, lol. If you have any questions, I'll even try to point you in the right direction.

Nightski

Learning composition is more important to learn in the beginning then mechanics, in my opinion.

Yes, this is so true. I've been reading the "Photographer's Eye". It takes some time to understand that what you see with your eyes is much different than what you get with your camera, and how to use your camera to get what you see.

BullMoose Loc: Southwest Michigan

Nightski wrote:

So here is one person who would stick up for me as I stubbornly stay in Manual mode, determined to learn to use it well.

I've been shooting for many years, and rarely use full manual (unless it's a group of images that I'll be stitching together for a panorama). Almost 100% of the time, I'm only concerned with the depth of field, and don't care about the shutter speed (always on a tripod), so I leave in aperture mode and let the camera do the rest. It's smarter than me anyway!

Use the exposure compensation to adjust.

EstherP

Nightski wrote:

So here is one person who would stick up for me as I stubbornly stay in Manual mode, determined to learn to use it well.

me too! :thumbup:

Nightski

EstherP wrote:

me too! :thumbup:

Thanks Esther :thumbup:

Swamp Gator Loc: Coastal South Carolina

Using any auto mode gives the camera permission to do what it wants to do rather then you telling the camera what you want it to do.

Although an auto setting can be appropriate at times, it's best to remember that the camera is frequently looking for a way to screw you, and an auto mode lets it do that.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Nightski wrote:

Every time I run into trouble with my DSLR, and I ... (show quote)

I fully agree.

Manipulating the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO is part of the creative process.

Having the camera do 1/2 or 2/3 of the process is like having a steering wheel and brake on the passenger side of the car and the passenger gets to push the brake or grab the wheel any time he wants and doesn't have to warn you. :)

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Swamp Gator wrote:

... it's best to remember that the camera is frequently looking for a way to screw you...

Having this printed on a t-shirt as we speak :)

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

Blue Snow lot Of Varables
http://digital-photography-school.com/

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Nightski wrote:

So here is one person who would stick up for me as I stubbornly stay in Manual mode, determined to learn to use it well.

Make that two :)

It seems daunting at first but to me...it's actually easier to understand because if something is wrong; you know YOU are the culprit and it can only be one of the 3 cake ingredients that you got wrong (ISO, SS, Aperture.)

So..go for it and in two weeks...you'll be amazed at how much more you understand about exposure and how much better you'll be!

Nightski

rpavich wrote:

I fully agree.

Manipulating the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO is part of the creative process.

Having the camera do 1/2 or 2/3 of the process is like having a steering wheel and brake on the passenger side of the car and the passenger gets to push the brake or grab the wheel any time he wants and doesn't have to warn you. :)

Exactly....hmmm I can't believe everyone is agreeing with me so far. This isn't the advice I usually get