When you're out shooting, deciding between camera modes can shape your entire photographic experience. Many believe manual mode is the hallmark of a skilled photographer, but choosing differently can significantly improve your workflow and your results.
Coming to you from Rick Bebbington, this insightful video challenges the common perception that manual mode is essential for quality photography. Bebbington hasn't shot in manual mode for over five years, yet his results have never been better. He prefers aperture priority combined with auto ISO, using exposure compensation to manage brightness levels. Aperture is his priority because it directly controls the depth of field, helping him highlight subjects clearly. While aperture priority is a common approach, Bebbington emphasizes auto ISO as the key factor to handle varying lighting conditions without manual adjustments.
This method lets you concentrate on your subject rather than constantly tweaking camera settings. Bebbington explains how setting an upper ISO limit allows flexibility in low-light scenarios, reducing camera shake without needing a tripod. He also stresses that modern cameras handle higher ISO remarkably well, diminishing the traditional fear of noise. Crucially, getting exposure correct in-camera is vital when using higher ISO, as these images have less room for correction later. Using auto ISO alongside a minimum shutter speed setting allows photographers to prevent blur effectively, especially crucial when photographing moving subjects or scenes with rapidly changing light.
Bebbington also discusses shutter speed management, suggesting you tailor minimum shutter speeds based on your shooting scenario—faster speeds for wildlife or action photography, slower speeds when camera shake is your primary concern. This advice is practical and adaptive, emphasizing that no single setting suits every scenario. Furthermore, he dismisses camera metering as something you should overly worry about. Instead, he advocates using the histogram in combination with the exposure compensation dial, pushing exposure to the right to maximize detail without losing highlights.
Expanding on this practical approach, Bebbington shares anecdotes of using these settings effectively during travel and professional shoots. His recent trip to the Faroe Islands, shooting handheld with aperture priority and auto ISO, exemplifies how effective these settings can be in real-world conditions. He also highlights a viewer's experience—wildlife photographer Derek—who successfully uses extremely high ISOs (up to 20,000) with modern camera technology, emphasizing the usability and reliability of current gear even under demanding conditions.
Beyond technical specifics, Bebbington's broader philosophy revolves around simplifying your process to focus more intently on your subject and composition. He firmly believes the mode you use is less critical than your ability to consistently capture compelling subjects and interpret scenes creatively. It's a mindset shift from worrying about the camera itself to using the tool effectively to express your photographic vision. He emphasizes that using automated features isn't lazy; rather, it's pragmatic, especially given the sophisticated technology modern cameras offer. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Bebbington.
