D-SLR girls...

BackthePack

Do you mainly just use the Automatic setting on your camera or do you use the manual controls a lot? Just wondering

MrsSavannah

I always use manual.

mrsbluetoes

It really depends on the situation for me.  If I'm in a situation where I really get one chance at a shot (blowing out birthday candles, etc.), then I use the automatic setting.  If I'm just taking photos of still objects, or in a casual setting with no set expectations, I use the manual settings. 

802Forever

I shoot completely in manual now, but it took a lot of practice over the years to get to that point.  I took photography classes in high school and college but it had been a really long time since I had that training.... A LOT of trial and error for sure!

I really liked some of the other settings those - Program mode and aperture priorty are both good ones. 

AngelPack

I am just starting to really practice with full manual, but I never shoot in automatic.  I use Program mode.  I like being able to override the camera's decisions if I want but I like that it makes the initial decisions for me.  I hope to be full manual soon though!

BackthePack

802...first off, I love your photography!! I thought the pictures of that sweet girl with the turquoise truck were SO cute & when we were in Raleigh the other day we drove by the truck! Well, I'm assuming it was the same one...it's like 1 minute away from my parents house.

I'm looking into some local photography classes b/c it's definitely something that I would like to improve upon.

MrsHughesNC

We still shoot a LOT in automatic. We're slowly learning about the other settings though. We're definitely not using the camera to its full potential yet.

SpeedGlenn

I either shoot in Aperture Priority or Manual.  Every once in a while I switch to P mode if I'm just not sure what to use, or if I absolutely gotta have the shot and there's no chance for do overs.  Manual leaves a lot to chance if you're not sure what you're doing.

The best book I ever read was the Digital Field Guide for my model camera.  It's like the manual on steroids.  It doesn't just tell you where to find the settings, it tells you how to use them and when to use them.

BackthePack

OK...must look into different modes & check out the Digital Field Guide book...need to learn more! 

SpeedGlenn

I know this is filed under "d" for "Duh!" - but practice too.  The biggest thing that helped me was when I found other photographers work that I liked, I'd ask around or look on the web to figure out how they did that.  And then I'd screw around until I figured it out.  I'm by no means great, but the difference in my pictures from this year vs. last year is astounding (to me at least).

BackthePack

Great advice Speed. I've been trying to check out some things online & start bookmarking them. After months of looking, talking, and trying to decide we finally made the big purchase this week (Merry Christmas & Happy Birthday to us!), so now I get to have lots of fun practicing!!

alchris

I've never used the automatic setting on my SLRs -- that takes away all the fun!  I do have a point and shoot that I only very infrequently use and I keep that on automatic, however.  With my D-SLR, I usually keep it on aperture priority, though I sometimes use manual or shutter speed priority.  I've been shooting fully manual for 20 years, however.  You'll get to the point where you don't even have to think about it, and digital cameras let you cheat a bit since you can look at the images and the histograms right after you snap away.   Have fun -- cameras and related equipment are the best toys ever in my book!!!