Manual mode photography (manual exposure) means you have complete control over your camera’s settings, such as ISO, shutter speed, aperture etc.
Manual mode can be found on most digital DSLRs and point-and-shoots and is indicated as an [M] on your camera’s front dial or the LCD screen.
Manual mode photography has several advantages such as:
Creativity
You’ve more creative ways to shoot in manual mode because you’ve more options to try out different techniques to capture unique images.
Easier to edit photos
It’s easier to edit photos in manual mode. Manual mode photography allows you to control every aspect of your camera, such as aperture, ISO, shutter speed, white balance, focus, sharpness, noise, etc.
In contrast, AUTO modes make the files ‘challenging to edit’ because they give you a “final” photo to post. However, you will destroy files, cause colour degradation and noise, and lower the image quality if you try to adjust anything when shooting in JPEG instead of RAW.
More control over exposure
Manual mode allows you to adjust the exposure settings variously unlike that of AUTO modes. You can change each setting without it affecting the other, for example:
Capture motion:
A long exposure has made it possible to capture light trails along a train track. Taken on a Canon EOS RP with a Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM lens at 105mm, 32 secs, f/8 and ISO100.
By adjusting your camera to manual mode, and lowering your shutter speed you’ll be able to capture stunning long exposures like the one above.
The slower your shutter speed (sometimes called a long shutter speed), the more light gets to your camera sensor. Because your shutter is open longer, more visual information is captured, which can include the blur of motion.
Freeze action
A shutter speed of 1/1300th of a second was used to freeze the action of this owl. Similarly, tripods can be beneficial if you’re trying to capture birds as they land.
If you want to freeze a flying bird, a shutter speed of 1000th of a second will be fine. They flap their wings more slowly than the smaller birds so 1000th of a second will freeze the motion in most cases. For smaller, faster birds, such as the owl seen above, you should be aiming for 1250th of a second and above.
More time to think about the shot
Manual mode photography gives you more time to think about your subject, environment, lighting, etc rather than relying on AUTO mode.
A quick tip would be to practice each scene before you shoot so you are prepared and know what to do in certain situations. The more you practice the quicker you’ll be able to adjust your settings to new environments.
It helps you to create unique images
If you want to shoot some fantastic shots, then manual mode is the way forward.
It lets you control every camera aspect, giving you complete creative control. This means you can use the camera as an artistic tool rather than just a device that takes pictures.
As mentioned before, you can individually change each setting without affecting the others to achieve that creative artistic effect.
My favourite type of manual mode photography is low light because it gives me more time to think, prepare, and create a story unique to me and my subject.
Use flash with manual mode
Using flash with manual mode is a great way to add depth and clarity to an otherwise dull-looking subject.
There are a few concepts that you need to understand when using flash with manual mode.
- Shutter speed controls available light, for example, sunlight or a lightbulb.
- Aperture controls flash or strobes. In other words, how bright or dim the strobe light will hit the subject.
- ISO controls the overall exposure. ISO is the sensitivity of how the sensor will capture the light.
Manual mode photography for each scene
When shooting in manual mode it’s essential to adjust your camera settings for each scene.
To learn more about manual mode photography and how to adjust your settings to each scene, please view the video below.
As with most camera settings, manual mode is not for everyone and does have its disadvantages too, such as:
- Requires practice, more time and attention to adjust settings for each shot which can make you miss fleeting moments or opportunities.
- You also need to have a good understanding of the exposure triangle and how each parameter affects the others, as well as how to read the histogram and use the exposure compensation if needed.
- Manual exposure can also be challenging when shooting in changing or unpredictable lighting situations, such as outdoors, where you may need to constantly adapt and monitor your exposure.
- In some cases, manual mode may not be the best option. For instance, when shooting in a fast-paced or dynamic setting, such as sports or wildlife, you may need to react quickly and capture the action.
- Finally, if you are unsure about the effect or mood you want to create in your photos, you may benefit from the camera’s metering system or other modes.
As I mentioned above, shooting in full manual mode will give you the most consistent results. And it will force you to understand your camera better.
Additionally, when you introduce off-camera flash, a solid understanding of how to shoot in manual mode will be very helpful.
It’s also worth noting that not every photographer chooses to shoot in manual mode, so, don’t be put off by this. For example, sports and wildlife photographers will often shoot in Servo AF or subject-tracking mode.
Servo AF Mode continually checks and refocuses the lens each time the camera-to-subject distance changes, right up to the moment of exposure
In contrast, subject tracking is particularly useful when capturing children or pets at play and ensures sharp focus and quick response to capture your best shot.
Furthermore, Aperture Priority Mode is great for shooting subjects in motion. With consistent, good lighting, aperture priority can help your camera freeze objects in motion with the right shutter speed.
I prefer to use manual mode when shooting landscapes or long exposure in calm environments, in addition, I use manual mode to get creative when shooting still life, portraits, flora, or abstract art.
I hope you’ve found this article useful, If you’ve any questions or you would like to become a writing member of my blog please contact me below.
J. J. Williamson | The Norfolk Photographer
Jon Williamson is an ethical Norfolk-based award-winning photographic journalist with over fifteen years of experience in the photography industry, specialising in portraiture, boudoir, flora, landscapes, prints, frames, etc. For more information, please email the Norfolk Photographer below. A Member of the Guild of Photographers.