I have read various articles from people who advocate for using full manual on your camera.
What they say is true. By using and learning about the various controls available in full manual mode, it is possible to see a scene, and then use the various settings to create an image of that scene that evokes the expression of how you view that scene.
You can isolate by focus and exposure and cropping, and rivet attention on just those image elements that you intend to be noticed and enjoyed.
It’s all true.
However, what those articles generally do NOT tell you, is when using full manual is simply not appropriate for getting the shot.
🙂
Walking along a path in the sunshine, so your camera is set to f:11 and ISO 200, with a shutter speed of 320.
Someone says, “Oh look, there is a deer with a fawn!”
You look up, and in the shade of the forest edge, you can see the deer and fawn, but your camera is set to sunlight, not shade, so you look down and change shutter to 150, and aperture to f:4 and you bring the camera up to focus, and the deer is gone.
The fawn is gone. You did not get the image you were hoping for, because you did not even get a shot!
Your friend did. Their camera was set to full auto, and they got 3 shots, while you were fiddling with your camera.
Here is the truth. You cannot make the image of the scene if you don’t even get the shot.
Leave your camera on auto, GET THE SHOT.
Then, if the scene is static, and you have the time and position to explore creative settings, of shutter speed, ISO, and aperture, then, take that time to make that exploration on full manual.
Then go back to auto. GET the shot. THEN worry about making the image.
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