Learning how to correctly use manual exposure rather than relying on camera 'Program;' or 'Auto' modes, despite their ability to produce 'the results', will allow us as photographers or artists to better convey our vision. Auto mode cant make decisions about how we want an image to look.
To get the correct exposure we use three settings to control the amount of light that reaches the sensor, Aperture, Shutter and ISO. Each control in turn allows us to be creative, to tell our story, to present our vision. Conscious decision making about these moveable parameters will affect the resulting image and have a profound effect on the people viewing those images.
The choices we make, for example in deciding the aperture size, will provide us with subject isolation (large aperture) or an infinite view (small aperture) allowing us to tell our story. Similarly, the choice between a slow or fast shutter speed will alter the vision and ultimately the story telling that an image provokes.
There are a number of ways to achieve the correct exposure but only one decision to present our vision and this decision should take priority over any other. The viewer is moved by the emotion of an image and not whether technically everything is perfect.
Simplicity is the key, As photographers we can become obsessed with the technology, the latest and greatest equipment, the next must have. But do we really need the next best thing which will soon be outdated? A good exercise for us all to undertake periodically is to simplify the process. Just use one camera/lens for a week or even a month. Learn how to use the pared down equipment to create your vision. Perhaps this exercise places obstacles in your way and restricts your vision as it takes you out of your comfort zone. Or, just maybe, it enhances your vision, allows you to be more creative.
To get the correct exposure we use three settings to control the amount of light that reaches the sensor, Aperture, Shutter and ISO. Each control in turn allows us to be creative, to tell our story, to present our vision. Conscious decision making about these moveable parameters will affect the resulting image and have a profound effect on the people viewing those images.
The choices we make, for example in deciding the aperture size, will provide us with subject isolation (large aperture) or an infinite view (small aperture) allowing us to tell our story. Similarly, the choice between a slow or fast shutter speed will alter the vision and ultimately the story telling that an image provokes.
There are a number of ways to achieve the correct exposure but only one decision to present our vision and this decision should take priority over any other. The viewer is moved by the emotion of an image and not whether technically everything is perfect.
Simplicity is the key, As photographers we can become obsessed with the technology, the latest and greatest equipment, the next must have. But do we really need the next best thing which will soon be outdated? A good exercise for us all to undertake periodically is to simplify the process. Just use one camera/lens for a week or even a month. Learn how to use the pared down equipment to create your vision. Perhaps this exercise places obstacles in your way and restricts your vision as it takes you out of your comfort zone. Or, just maybe, it enhances your vision, allows you to be more creative.
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