Choose Manual Mode for MORE Creative Control

If you frequent this blog or my website, then you most probably know that I use MANUAL MODE most often; I expose for the ambient light and focus on making pleasing images. There is another compelling reason to choose manual mode; it makes the photographer (you) think about the three variables that lead to the correct exposure (ISO, Shutter Speed and Aperture). What is their relation to the image you are trying to make: Are you photographing a landscape and do you need a large depth of field? A bird in flight and do you need to freeze the action? would you rather create a blur? A bird on a perch and do you want a shallow depth of field? Will changing the ISO help me to achieve the desired result? I find that most photographers in my workshops who use anything other than manual mode are completely unaware of all that is available to them. If you find yourself always choosing aperture priority, shutter priority or program mode, then give manual mode a try next time you get out with your camera.