What are the Key Concepts when Learning About Manual Mode?

When you use manual mode, there are three things you need to know how to use: ISO, aperture (also known as f/stops), and shutter speed. These things all control different parts of the camera and how your photo will look. ISO controls the amount of light let in. Aperture controls how your camera focuses, whether it’s super crisp throughout your photo, or if the background is blurry and just your subject is in focus. And shutter speed controls how fast the photo is taken, which can mean it’s super fast and can freeze time, or it can be a photo of the stars moving that takes overnight to capture. 

ISO

ISO controls how open the camera is and how much light is let in. This controls the brightness of your photo. The problem with this is that the higher the ISO is, the more grain that’s in the photo. So, because of that, the rule is to keep it as low as you possibly can and let the other settings help boost light as well. 

Aperture

This controls the amount of things in focus in the photo. If you want only your subject in focus, you’ll do a lower number; if you want more in focus, you’ll do a higher number. However, this also lets light in, so the lower the number, the more light is let in, but the higher the number, the less light is let in. So when you need your iso to be at the lowest, but you still need more light, you can use this as well to prevent grain and add more light into the photo. 

Shutter Speed

This is how fast the camera opens and closes. The lower the number, the longer it’s open for, and vice versa. Say you’re shooting something fast, like running, you’ll want to use a higher shutter speed so it can look as if they’re frozen in time. But if you’re shooting something like the stars and want them to really show up, you’ll use a lower number so that the camera is open longer. However, this also affects the light let in; the longer it’s open, the more light you’re letting in, meaning it’ll be a brighter photo. And the less time it’s open (so a higher number), the less light that’s being let in. 

Why Manual?

Manual mode gives you the most control over your photo. You can control the light, focus, and shutter speed all to your liking. And once you figure out how to adjust it and what your preferences are, it becomes easy to use, like second nature. Manual mode can be used in every scenario, and you get to have the perfect settings for your surroundings.