Which Camera Mode Should You Use?

Manual mode is often held up as the mark of a professional photographer, and while it is definitely something every photographer should master, that does not mean it is the best choice for every situation. So, how do you know which mode to use? This quick and helpful video discusses what you need to know. 

Coming to you from Mike Smith, this great video will give you some tips for knowing which camera mode to use. Manual mode is quite useful and something that every photographer should master, as it gives you full control over both the technical and creative aspects of an exposure, plus it can be useful for keeping the exposure stable in evolving conditions when you do not want it to change. That being said, semiautomatic modes can be just as useful or even a better choice in certain situations. For example, wedding photographers often work in aperture priority mode (usually with a minimum shutter speed set), as it allows them to keep creative control of the depth of field without having to worry about quickly changing lighting conditions in addition to everything else they have to manage. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Smith. 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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3 Comments

I shoot P for 'professional' when I'm just walking around. I use manual with strobes.

I prefer Aperture Priority and Manual, depending on the situation.

When I shot film, it was all manual. With my Sony FF, it's AP.