Welcome to Photography class - the new and the old, the seasoned pro and the tyro. This thread isn't meant to divide us into groups (teachers and students), but rather to promote a free exchange of information. We all have something to learn from each other, and I welcome all those with questions, and also any "Guest Lecturers" who'd like to contribute.

This first chapter is aimed not only toward those new to photography, but also any who might be a bit frustrated that their shiny new auto-everything camera is not performing up to expectations.


Chapter 1: Leaving "Auto" Mode behind.


As camera technology becomes increasingly complex, it's easy to forget that Photography is basically simple. Sure there can be a lot of nuance involved, but the mechanics are no more complicated than they were 100 years ago. This is an invitiation to switch that dial away from "Green Mode." Permanently!

Why, you ask? I give you this...


It is a commonly held belief that "Auto" mode requires less thinking on the part of the photographer, produces the Optimum picture of a scene (or at least an Acceptable picture), and is generally better suited for use by beginning photographers! In reality, just the opposite is true. Think about it.

When shooting in "Auto" mode (and "Program" mode for the most part), one must actually posess a GREATER understanding of photographic principles, and must know ALL of the quirks particular to the camera they are using (because the camera software is INHERENTLY Unpredictable and Inconsistent, and always will be). Anyone who's looked down at one of their pictures on the display and frowned, wondering why the camera focused on this or that, or why a youngster's face isn't even distinguishable, will agree.

For instance, a camera set to multi-point focusing will often focus on an unintended target (sound familiar?). It looks for the closest object with sufficient contrast to focus on). Voila! Sharp leaves, but blurry bird. Or it may miss the center of interest entirely, and focus on some tree branches somewhere. The point is, is that one may never be able to perfectly predict what the camera is going to focus on in any given situation! The best solution is to either select the "Spot" autofocus frame (or "Center" autofocus frame on the 717, W1, P100, etc). You aim at what you want to focus on, half-press, recompose, and shoot. Autofocus becomes a friend now instead of a misbehaving brat. Getting off of "Auto" mode will put a smile on your face.

So, what about the other settings you ask?


Well this is how I take pictures. Day in and day out, from first turning on the camera.

I turn the dial to Aperture Priority mode. A large aperture will blur the background and increase shutter speed. A small aperture will place more of the scene in focus, but requires slower shutter speeds. In low light, you may have to resort to maximum aperture (to keep blur to a minimum).

Now keep your eye on the shutter speed. If the shutter speed gets too low (and I'm still getting too many blurry pictures), then I raise the ISO. (Noise can be dealt with, but blurry pictures are forever ruined).

That's it.



Seriously, for 99% of my pictures, those are the only three considerations. Focus, Aperture, and ISO.

If the picture is a little too dark on the screen, then I'll add some ( + ) exposure compensation (like if I'm shooting with the sky in the background). And as far as White Balance goes, you can leave it on Auto WB for now to keep things simple (most cameras nowadays do a great job with white balance).

So let's review...


1. Choose your aperture depending on whether you want the backgound blurred or not.

2. Bump up your ISO if you're getting too many blurry pics.

3. Focus on what you want, and not what the camera may decide on.


That's it. With these three simple steps, I guarantee that your "keeper" percentage will go up. Way up.

Is this a good enough case to get you off of Auto mode? Try shooting like this for a bit. I think you'll be surprised at what a good photographer you really are.