DIY Photography

Your one stop shop for everything photo-video

  • News
  • Inspiration
  • Reviews
  • Tutorials
  • DIY
  • Gear
Search

Submit A Story

Shooting everything in manual exposure mode isn’t the badge of honour you think it is

May 22, 2022 by John Aldred 2 Comments

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Flipboard
  • WhatsApp

YouTube video

Shooting in one manual mode is one of those “You’re not a real photographer if you don’t…” kinds of things. It has been for years and it’s a constant debate whenever you jump into photography groups on social media. And while I personally believe it’s important to understand how to shoot in manual mode, I don’t think actually shooting in manual mode all the time (or even most of it) is essential.

That’s the topic explored in this excellent video from Pixel Village. After having somebody recently show them their work and regularly pointing out that images were shot in all manual mode, he dug a little deeper into why this photography felt it was so important to mention. His answer was basically that his photographer teacher was perpetuating the “You’re not a real photographer…” myth.

In the video, he mentions that it’s actually quite rare for him to shoot in full manual exposure mode. He hasn’t done since cameras started offering automatic and semi-automatic exposure modes, like aperture and shutter priority – even with film – typically preferring to use aperture priority mode.

There are times when manual mode offers big advantages over automatic modes. When you’re using a flash that isn’t TTL, or when you’re combining multiple flashes, for example. And it’s the use of flash that means the vast majority of my own stills are shot in manual mode. Or maybe you’re facing extremely tricky lighting conditions that the camera does create a good exposure for, but not necessarily the exposure you want.

For a lot of things you might shoot, though, the automatic modes will do the job just as well. And they’ll often let you get to where you need to go more quickly than shooting in manual mode, too, especially in situations with rapidly changing lighting conditions. Even if you do end up setting your aperture and shutter speed manually, your camera will be able to adjust your ISO way quicker than you can!

Ultimately, whatever mode lets you get the shot you want is the right mode.

Do you always shoot manual? Do you never shoot manual? Or do you switch between them as the situation dictates?

FIND THIS INTERESTING? SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Flipboard
  • WhatsApp

Related posts:

This is why I choose to shoot in manual exposure mode Zeiss Starts New Manual Focus, Manual Exposure Loxia Line This in-depth beginners guide shows everything you need to know about manual exposure The three things you need to know if you’re new to shooting in manual mode

Filed Under: Inspiration

John Aldred: from diyphotography.net

About John Aldred

John Aldred is a photographer with over 20 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter - and occasional beta tester - of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.

« We tested BonfotonUP, a gadget that turns your room into an upright camera obscura
The world’s first camera that could shoot MPEG-4 back in 1999 was basically a vlogging camera »

Submit A Story

Get our FREE Lighting Book

DIYP lighting book cover

* download requires newsletter signup

Recent Comments

Free Resources

Advanced lighting book

Learn photography

Recent Posts

  • SmallRig x Mikevisuals Tracking POV Kit is an interesting if niche camera rig
  • Modern-day Snow White wins International Wedding Photographer of the Year
  • The slow death of creativity in modern photography
  • Holiday Gift Guide – Our favourite gadgets and accessories of 2023
  • Stability AI’s new AI generator creates images faster than you imagine them

Udi Tirosh: from diyphotography.netUdi Tirosh is an entrepreneur, photography inventor, journalist, educator, and writer based in Israel. With over 25 years of experience in the photo-video industry, Udi has built and sold several photography-related brands. Udi has a double degree in mass media communications and computer science.

Alex Baker: from diyphotography.netAlex Baker is a portrait and lifestyle driven photographer based in Valencia, Spain. She works on a range of projects from commercial to fine art and has had work featured in publications such as The Daily Mail, Conde Nast Traveller and El Mundo, and has exhibited work across Europe

David Williams: from diyphotography.netDave Williams is an accomplished travel photographer, writer, and best-selling author from the UK. He is also a photography educator and published Aurora expert. Dave has traveled extensively in recent years, capturing stunning images from around the world in a modified van. His work has been featured in various publications and he has worked with notable brands such as Skoda, EE, Boeing, Huawei, Microsoft, BMW, Conde Nast, Electronic Arts, Discovery, BBC, The Guardian, ESPN, NBC, and many others.

John Aldred: from diyphotography.netJohn Aldred is a photographer with over 20 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter - and occasional beta tester - of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.

Dunja Djudjic: from diyphotography.netDunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.

Copyright © DIYPhotography 2006 - 2023 | About | Contact | Advertise | Write for DIYP | Full Disclosure | Privacy Policy