Pri Loc: Philadelphia, PA

Hi guys,

I was trying to take pictures using manual mode at focal length 3.5 with full zoom on my nikon d5100 using 18-55mm lens to get the blur background effect. I have seen that all the pics have turned blank(white). The same works on Aperture mode but as I am new to dslr camera so I guess I am goofing up somewhere. Can anyone please help me guide how to use the M mode.

Thanks in advance.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

In M mode you have to set the aperture AND shutter speed (and the ISO) yourself. Your shutter speed was too slow for the correct exposure...resulting in a white or blank image. Try setting the camera to A, set the aperture for the setting you want, take a look at the shutter speed reading the camera gives you and start there for your shutter speed.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

^Yeah, what he said^

And the 3.5 is not focal length, its your lens aperture

Bob1190 Loc: Hatboro, PA

Not to be smart, but, Do yourself a big favor and read the manual.

jackm1943 Loc: Omaha, Nebraska

This may be a little controversial on this forum, but I think shooting in Manual is highly over rated with modern DSLRs. 99% of the time, you will be better off shooting
RAW and using either aperture priority or shutter priority and exposure compensation as needed. The exposure systems on modern camera are very good and quick, and any errors can be quickly corrected when converting RAW files.

I still use old medium and large format camera quite a lot and manual control is required for these, but not with modern DSLRs.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Manual is a very good shooting mode, for those that actually UNDERSTAND exposure and how to attain it. For those who do not understand, it should be avoided except as an experiment to see if you do or do not understand. Blank images tell the tale!

wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

MT would you tell me why shooting M is better than A or S (Nikon) If you use A or S you can set the one that you need for the type of shot you are going to take and the camera will pick the other with an exposure that is close. You may have to adjust after you look at the monitor. If you use M you have to guess, use a hand hold meter, or use the meter that is inyour camera. If you use the meter that is in the camera it will be the same as if the camera set A or S. I do use M when I shoot the Moon. - Dave

robert-photos Loc: Chicago

:thumbup:

ckcougar Loc: NATIVE FLORIDIAN

One suggestion was told to me on UHH & I found it worked.... besides "read the manual" (I have comprehension issues). Set the camera on "auto", note the settings, switch to "M, "A" or whatever, match the settings and shoot again. My "M" shots are becoming almost automatic to me & I rarely use "auto" settings anymore.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Play with this simulator a little and see if it helps. http://camerasim.com/camera-simulator/

You should see a simular (exposure) meter along the bottom or side of your viewfinder to help you make decissions on shutter speed or aperture settings.

Carolyn71 Loc: In hiding.

I agree it is good to "read the manual", but correct me if I am wrong, isn't this a photography discussion site? Sometimes the manuals are written in a way that makes them very difficult to understand. There are many learning styles. Some of us need another human to explain it in a different way! Let's keep the hobby fun!

robert-photos Loc: Chicago

Not to be harsh but reading the manual would perhaps provide the OP with a clue with regards to how to use his/her new DSLR camera. That is baby step#1. The next step is to come to an understanding with regards to exposure. If you don't have a clue as to the elements of exposure you shouldn't be diving into manual mode especially without cracking the new camera manual first.

If human help is needed then a beginner's photo class at say Calumet Photo in Philly or elsewhere would be better than what the limited space and patience in this forum can offer.

Just sayin' :thumbup:

Weddingguy Loc: British Columbia - Canada

:thumbup:

In the classes that I teach for newbies, one very strong suggestion is to wear out their camera manual in the first month.

After reading the manual there will be areas where he or she will not be able to comprehend . . . then an explanation from a forum would be a great help. Asking forum posters to read the manual to a new camera user is insane. You can't explain why a new driver should stay on the right side of the road in traffic, if they have no idea what a road is.

Just my 3 cents worth :mrgreen: :shock:

ohallboyz Loc: Boston, MA

You need to get a good understanding of the exposure triangle before shooting in manual. If you plan on shooting in manual mode, I would suggest getting the book "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson. There is also a ton of info on the web. If you get confused along the way, post your questions. HTH

ZingersMom Loc: Fort Wayne, IN

I think the question is: when is it most appropriate to use aperture priority, shutter priority or manual? Pri notes that his/her pics worked just fine in A priority. So, what is the benefit of taking the time to shoot in M if A works just fine? (Nikon abbreviations)

My "day to day" choice is aperture priority, with adjustments to exposure comp or ISO as needed. If I'm at a sporting event, I use shutter priority to assure that I am stopping the action as much as possible. Maybe that would change if I had a fast telephoto lens. Manual priority is super for tripod-based, long exposure situations (the moon, fireworks, etc.) I don't like to use it when I am planning to shoot a lot of photos over a short period of time. And I shoot completely in RAW, which gives me lots of options to "fix" what I missed in settings.

Yes, it's important to read the manual, but I also agree with other posters that it's important for Pri to take classes. DSLRs are complex little computers--just when I think I have it figured out, the darned camera surprises me with a new challenge. My manual is now falling apart!