our goal…we’ll get there

Our goal is to eventually get you to use manual or partially manual functions on your camera. Why? Because here is an example of the difference. These two pictures were shot inside my home (7:30pm while it’s dark outside) without a flash with my DSLR camera. [P] mode works in some cases but in darker situations, I am limited. Both of these images are unedited. Here are the settings that I used on each of these pictures:

The picture on the left:
[P] mode (program mode, pretty much automatic)
I set the ISO to 1600 (because I was inside my house in the evening)
The rest was done automatically by the camera (aperture and shutter speed)
no flash

The picture on the right:
[M] mode (manual)
I set the ISO to 1600
I set the aperture to 3.2
I set the shutter speed to 125
no flash

You will have SO SO SO much more flexibility and be able to shoot in so many more settings when you are (later) on manual. We’ll get you there. These pictures are just a little motivation. One step at a time, we’ll get there. For now, when it’s too dark like this, you’ll have to use your flash. :)

If you’re frustrated, (pics dark? pics blurry?) hang in there and feel free to use the green rectangle (auto) setting when you really do want your pictures to turn out. But don’t give up on me. It’s a lot to learn all at once. Let’s take it a step at a time. Keep practicing and feel free to use the comments section of this blog to post questions, comments, or things that I can help you with along the way.