I have been making photos for over 50 years and still I feel like a beginner. I shot manual with my first camera’s because there was nothing else. Turned digital in 2003 and loved P mode since. Now I finally have a camera that handles Manual mode fast enough I turned back to M. I love the attention each scene requires, being able to tweak Aperture, Shutter and ISO through dials. If that process is too slow I simply turn the mode switch to P and shoot away. The message: don’t focus on which mode you SHOULD use, do your own research for what you WANT to use.
Thanks so much for the great content James, you’ve inspired me to consider a new career after years of working a miserable job 🙏🏻 Can I ask where you learnt/trained to become the photographer that you are (or are you mainly self-taught?), and would you recommend any particular professional course(s)? Keep up the great work 🙌🏼
Thank you dude - Makes me smile to hear that. I am completely self-taught. I did one course by Fig and Light on product photography/ light shaping. But other than that it was a lot of watching videos and practicing. Obviously, I would recommend my book Street Tools if you haven't seen that already, other channels for learning about the professional side of photography: WanderingDP, Scott Choucino, Tyler Stalman. Happy to discuss things in my DM's
@ Thanks for this man, super helpful 👊🏼 As it goes I went to The Photographer’s Gallery the other day and asked about Street Tools but they’d sold out 🙌🏼 Will order on your site. There’s a good chance you’ll find me pestering you with more questions in your DMs soon…!! Thanks again
For me I shoot program auto 90% of the time, aperture/shutter priority about 9% of the time when i need to freeze/blur action or adjust DOF, and only 1% of the time fully manual, only in special events when a lot of lights constantly messing up exposure, or sometimes needing to use the external flash when ttl doens't work correctly. Usually for personal photos auto works for me most of the time, but for events where lighting might be tricky might need to use manual. Usually i focus more on composition first then exposure and special effects second. But i think for event based photography where getting simple shots that freeze the action with high dof, manual might be needed.
That's a great way to make the most of both worlds! I would love to know how that's helped improve your photography? I'm sure others would want to learn from your experience
Auto ISO was the biggest shift between film and digital photography for me. I can set my preferred aperture and shutter speed, with exposure compensation if I desire, and the camera will figure out the optimal ISO. Genius! Put a cap on the max ISO and the camera will compensate as necessary when light levels drop. That being said, I became a better photographer when I decided the ISO first, which took me back to the fundamental limitation in film photography. Limitations make our brains work harder. No bad thing in developing mastery
Nice video. Not sure why photographers would push full manual on other users. 99% of the camera phone population take pics they like on their phones without thinking about anything except what’s on the frame (if that). And you’re right. I use Auto ISO on my pics met if the time but there’s always the occasions full manual would be better but life’s very short. Agreed the iso dial on the M is annoying - too hard to pull up, too easy to pop down! We probably paid £500 for that dial too.
I like to tekl my beginning friends to "practice" with manual to help teach them and warn them that they'll make mistakes. When its crunch time, I then recommend aperture priority for most things. I think there's value in practicing. Photography is a technical AND artistic skill that needs practice to master. Loving your channel! Keep it up!
I went from complete auto on a phone to full manual on my first mirrorless and the first images I took were horribly underexposed as i didn't even know about the exposure triangle at that point. Only recently have I started learning the more technical side of photography, but just going for what looked good to me started to make me understand these aspects in my own way without learning them from an outside source which i feel has helped to develop a style I really enjoy
What do you mean by manual though? I shoot with Medium and large format cameras that don't have automatic as an option, but I use a *digital* pentax spot meter, so really all I've done is standardised my exposure method across every camera I use, it's still digital, just not 'on camera'. I've found this method to be so efficient that I've stopped using the light meter on my Nikon F3, which I've found to be not good enough for my use case. since it was really designed for sports news stuff. I have a DSLR, but don't use it for photography. This is after 40 odd years of experience though, so would I recommend this for a beginner? Not really, and if they want to use film I'd suggest they'd be best buying a 90's/early 2000's pocket camera with a zoom option rather than anything else.
It is not only the shutter speed, aperture and ISO that determine the correct exposure and quality of the image. The lighting method such as spot metering is equally important and to know how and where to metering.
Of course, and thank you for clarifying! My point was that the super fast shutter speeds give us headroom so that we can use a wide aperture and low ISO is broad daylight. Perhaps I could have been clearer
Nobody gives a stuff if you've shot in full auto or full manual, how many times has that criticism been levelled on social media? Sometimes photography isn't about photography, sometimes photography is about personal development and if the "professionals" don't understand that they shouldn't be giving advice. Enst Haas said "The camera doesn't make a bit of difference. All of them can record what you are seeing. But, you have to SEE." Once you SEE, then manual mode makes sense and has context.
For me shooting manual is about slowing down and focusing on the fundamentals to create a wonderful photo, vs spraying and praying. I find photographers with a strong understanding of the fundamentals (often those who shoot film and or manual), can capture better photos at a higher frequency. In addition, using a camera that does all the work for you, can get boring. The way I think about it: some people like watching while others like doing.
Great takes - I agree, I wouldn't want to be shooting Street with my Sony kit, because its almost too good. I think you are right, it's important to go slow, so that we can go fast. We slow down to understand what we are doing, to then use that later down the line, fast
I really like how this swats at gatekeepers and says, "Hey, find the art, and you'll figure out the science as you go." I learn all the time from fiddling with one dial more than the others, and over time, I put more and more of it together. Holy, when I >first< tried manual, I was just swirling aperture, shutter, and ISO wildly, >thinking< I understood what was going on. I'm glad I didn't tell anyone what I thought was true. ;)
I've seen I love shooting in Aperture Priority.. I always felt like I got better results more consistently. Also cos I don't have a million dials on my camera.. And finally, I realized as I started shooting more and more recently.. I actually don't care! 😂 When someone looks at the final product, they don't know what I did I had more fun and joy shooting in AP cos I could just shoot and not think too much BUT!! The plot twist... I bought a speedlight.. And suddenly, Manual has become quite necessary, and I feel I've now encountered it in a way that's more natural. Rather than chasing an ideal, I'm using a necessary skill for whatever mode of shooting I'm doing
I tend to use manual with film (unless it is with my Nikon F5/ F100 ) and aperture priority with digital. With film, I need to be more careful about exposure. With digital, it's less of a problem for me. It's good to know how to use a camera in manual mode, mostly to help read the light conditions. However, I think people should enjoy doing photography first, the technical stuff will come along later.
Whilst what you are saying makes kinda sense in 2024, I still believe that to be a photographer has nothing to do with knowing how to use a camera, not because isn't important, quite the opposite, it's a given, the camera, lenses and all other paraphernalia are the tools of the trade, been able to use the right tool for the job is a fundamental. Creating the image that you envisage in your mind is the only important thing, or what a client does, in order to do that consistently you have to master you trade. By the way I am in bed sucking up UA-cam recommendations as I am coming down with a flu, and being a photographer I get all sort of related feeds. In 2024 photography is easy, from a technical point of view, it has been for at least a decade, arguably longer, the approach that you are suggesting fits, at least it does with a novice or an amateur, concentrate on the art/composition at first, if then it rocks your boat get deeper in. Fortunately/unfortunately, my experience, learning curve, was way more painful, my first camera had a fixed lens, only B and 1/60 shutter speed, using a 127mm film, then I was fortunate enough to be mentored into using a Nikon FM2 for a couple of afternoons, still only manual focus and settings, back then the technology didn't exist, only in the early mid 90's I was able to afford a camera with Af, Ap, Sp, P. For what I can see the issue isn't that learning how to use a camera is difficult, the issue is that most photographers don't have a clue how to teach, most UA-cam photographers aren't really photographers, earning a living from ads and sponsorships isn't a genre of photography, frankly learning haw to use ISO, shutter speed and aperture isn't really rocket science, I learned when I was 10 years old, at the age of GCSE's I was controlling shadows in camera and highlights in the developing tank, dodging and burning on the enlarger and all the rest. Some of the OLD generation might be acting as gate keepers, but most of us are just ignoring the gear and how to use it, we got bored to death with it, been there , done that, got the T-shirt and ain't wearing it anymore as it is falling to pieces. We get jobs commissioned because we have the reputation of delivering.
If people can just be great at composing and understanding lighting, and shoot in aperture priority with auto-focus - they are probably 90% of the way there, and will be taking tonnes of awesome shots.
@JamesParsons1 you described several fotographic Situation. A foto example of the situation could Support the understanding. The benefit of your explanation could be proved by another example. So the viewer could connect the problem and your solution with a visual.
Almost clicked away because of the weird, loud, and distracting background music. The fact I kept watching should be taken as a compliment for the good content. 😂👍
every time I try to use the semi auto modes, the camera chooses the wrong things if for example I try to use AV, and snap a photo of a moving subject the camera almost always chooses too slow a shutter.... Im stuck in manual lol
I have been making photos for over 50 years and still I feel like a beginner. I shot manual with my first camera’s because there was nothing else. Turned digital in 2003 and loved P mode since. Now I finally have a camera that handles Manual mode fast enough I turned back to M. I love the attention each scene requires, being able to tweak Aperture, Shutter and ISO through dials. If that process is too slow I simply turn the mode switch to P and shoot away.
The message: don’t focus on which mode you SHOULD use, do your own research for what you WANT to use.
Thanks so much for the great content James, you’ve inspired me to consider a new career after years of working a miserable job 🙏🏻
Can I ask where you learnt/trained to become the photographer that you are (or are you mainly self-taught?), and would you recommend any particular professional course(s)? Keep up the great work 🙌🏼
Thank you dude - Makes me smile to hear that. I am completely self-taught. I did one course by Fig and Light on product photography/ light shaping. But other than that it was a lot of watching videos and practicing. Obviously, I would recommend my book Street Tools if you haven't seen that already, other channels for learning about the professional side of photography: WanderingDP, Scott Choucino, Tyler Stalman. Happy to discuss things in my DM's
@ Thanks for this man, super helpful 👊🏼
As it goes I went to The Photographer’s Gallery the other day and asked about Street Tools but they’d sold out 🙌🏼 Will order on your site. There’s a good chance you’ll find me pestering you with more questions in your DMs soon…!! Thanks again
Dude you are such a legend
For me I shoot program auto 90% of the time, aperture/shutter priority about 9% of the time when i need to freeze/blur action or adjust DOF, and only 1% of the time fully manual, only in special events when a lot of lights constantly messing up exposure, or sometimes needing to use the external flash when ttl doens't work correctly. Usually for personal photos auto works for me most of the time, but for events where lighting might be tricky might need to use manual. Usually i focus more on composition first then exposure and special effects second. But i think for event based photography where getting simple shots that freeze the action with high dof, manual might be needed.
Been using manual with auto ISO nowadays. Can always adjust ISO if a bit too high but its a good starting point.
That's a great way to make the most of both worlds! I would love to know how that's helped improve your photography? I'm sure others would want to learn from your experience
This is my favorite way to shoot with my Sony and Fuji cameras!
Auto ISO was the biggest shift between film and digital photography for me. I can set my preferred aperture and shutter speed, with exposure compensation if I desire, and the camera will figure out the optimal ISO. Genius! Put a cap on the max ISO and the camera will compensate as necessary when light levels drop. That being said, I became a better photographer when I decided the ISO first, which took me back to the fundamental limitation in film photography. Limitations make our brains work harder. No bad thing in developing mastery
Nice video. Not sure why photographers would push full manual on other users. 99% of the camera phone population take pics they like on their phones without thinking about anything except what’s on the frame (if that).
And you’re right. I use Auto ISO on my pics met if the time but there’s always the occasions full manual would be better but life’s very short. Agreed the iso dial on the M is annoying - too hard to pull up, too easy to pop down! We probably paid £500 for that dial too.
I like to tekl my beginning friends to "practice" with manual to help teach them and warn them that they'll make mistakes. When its crunch time, I then recommend aperture priority for most things. I think there's value in practicing. Photography is a technical AND artistic skill that needs practice to master.
Loving your channel! Keep it up!
Very exciting approach to photography. Thanks for the video!
Glad you found it useful! Big love
@@JamesParsons1 🙏🏻 Greetings from Vienna
I went from complete auto on a phone to full manual on my first mirrorless and the first images I took were horribly underexposed as i didn't even know about the exposure triangle at that point. Only recently have I started learning the more technical side of photography, but just going for what looked good to me started to make me understand these aspects in my own way without learning them from an outside source which i feel has helped to develop a style I really enjoy
What do you mean by manual though? I shoot with Medium and large format cameras that don't have automatic as an option, but I use a *digital* pentax spot meter, so really all I've done is standardised my exposure method across every camera I use, it's still digital, just not 'on camera'.
I've found this method to be so efficient that I've stopped using the light meter on my Nikon F3, which I've found to be not good enough for my use case. since it was really designed for sports news stuff.
I have a DSLR, but don't use it for photography.
This is after 40 odd years of experience though, so would I recommend this for a beginner? Not really, and if they want to use film I'd suggest they'd be best buying a 90's/early 2000's pocket camera with a zoom option rather than anything else.
That's a really interesting process I'm glad you've found a way that works for you 🙌🏻 How long have you been using it for?
I like using manual for macro photography. But anything else I stay away from it.
It is not only the shutter speed, aperture and ISO that determine the correct exposure and quality of the image.
The lighting method such as spot metering is equally important and to know how and where to metering.
Of course, and thank you for clarifying! My point was that the super fast shutter speeds give us headroom so that we can use a wide aperture and low ISO is broad daylight. Perhaps I could have been clearer
Nobody gives a stuff if you've shot in full auto or full manual, how many times has that criticism been levelled on social media? Sometimes photography isn't about photography, sometimes photography is about personal development and if the "professionals" don't understand that they shouldn't be giving advice. Enst Haas said "The camera doesn't make a bit of difference. All of them can record what you are seeing. But, you have to SEE."
Once you SEE, then manual mode makes sense and has context.
Big facts
Where was this video 4 years ago??? I would have been better off focusing on composition and then added Manual later.
The biggest lie in photography is that RAW format is not processed in camera.
For me shooting manual is about slowing down and focusing on the fundamentals to create a wonderful photo, vs spraying and praying. I find photographers with a strong understanding of the fundamentals (often those who shoot film and or manual), can capture better photos at a higher frequency.
In addition, using a camera that does all the work for you, can get boring. The way I think about it: some people like watching while others like doing.
Great takes - I agree, I wouldn't want to be shooting Street with my Sony kit, because its almost too good. I think you are right, it's important to go slow, so that we can go fast. We slow down to understand what we are doing, to then use that later down the line, fast
I really like how this swats at gatekeepers and says, "Hey, find the art, and you'll figure out the science as you go." I learn all the time from fiddling with one dial more than the others, and over time, I put more and more of it together. Holy, when I >first< tried manual, I was just swirling aperture, shutter, and ISO wildly, >thinking< I understood what was going on. I'm glad I didn't tell anyone what I thought was true. ;)
I've seen I love shooting in Aperture Priority.. I always felt like I got better results more consistently. Also cos I don't have a million dials on my camera..
And finally, I realized as I started shooting more and more recently.. I actually don't care! 😂 When someone looks at the final product, they don't know what I did
I had more fun and joy shooting in AP cos I could just shoot and not think too much
BUT!!
The plot twist... I bought a speedlight.. And suddenly, Manual has become quite necessary, and I feel I've now encountered it in a way that's more natural.
Rather than chasing an ideal, I'm using a necessary skill for whatever mode of shooting I'm doing
Great way to look at it man! Exactly the right attitude
I tend to use manual with film (unless it is with my Nikon F5/ F100 ) and aperture priority with digital. With film, I need to be more careful about exposure. With digital, it's less of a problem for me. It's good to know how to use a camera in manual mode, mostly to help read the light conditions. However, I think people should enjoy doing photography first, the technical stuff will come along later.
Just do whatever works for you; believe it.or not, some top tier photographers even shoot P or auto.
Define “top tier.”
Whilst what you are saying makes kinda sense in 2024, I still believe that to be a photographer has nothing to do with knowing how to use a camera, not because isn't important, quite the opposite, it's a given, the camera, lenses and all other paraphernalia are the tools of the trade, been able to use the right tool for the job is a fundamental. Creating the image that you envisage in your mind is the only important thing, or what a client does, in order to do that consistently you have to master you trade.
By the way I am in bed sucking up UA-cam recommendations as I am coming down with a flu, and being a photographer I get all sort of related feeds.
In 2024 photography is easy, from a technical point of view, it has been for at least a decade, arguably longer, the approach that you are suggesting fits, at least it does with a novice or an amateur, concentrate on the art/composition at first, if then it rocks your boat get deeper in.
Fortunately/unfortunately, my experience, learning curve, was way more painful, my first camera had a fixed lens, only B and 1/60 shutter speed, using a 127mm film, then I was fortunate enough to be mentored into using a Nikon FM2 for a couple of afternoons, still only manual focus and settings, back then the technology didn't exist, only in the early mid 90's I was able to afford a camera with Af, Ap, Sp, P.
For what I can see the issue isn't that learning how to use a camera is difficult, the issue is that most photographers don't have a clue how to teach, most UA-cam photographers aren't really photographers, earning a living from ads and sponsorships isn't a genre of photography, frankly learning haw to use ISO, shutter speed and aperture isn't really rocket science, I learned when I was 10 years old, at the age of GCSE's I was controlling shadows in camera and highlights in the developing tank, dodging and burning on the enlarger and all the rest.
Some of the OLD generation might be acting as gate keepers, but most of us are just ignoring the gear and how to use it, we got bored to death with it, been there , done that, got the T-shirt and ain't wearing it anymore as it is falling to pieces. We get jobs commissioned because we have the reputation of delivering.
If people can just be great at composing and understanding lighting, and shoot in aperture priority with auto-focus - they are probably 90% of the way there, and will be taking tonnes of awesome shots.
Who is Biggie?
But…why there is no tape on leica logo?
Sooooooooon ahahah
@ 😉
A few examples could have helped...
Hey Dirk - In what sense? Always looking to learn how to improve my videos
@JamesParsons1 you described several fotographic Situation. A foto example of the situation could Support the understanding. The benefit of your explanation could be proved by another example. So the viewer could connect the problem and your solution with a visual.
Almost clicked away because of the weird, loud, and distracting background music. The fact I kept watching should be taken as a compliment for the good content. 😂👍
Ahaha I take that as a compliment dude!
I actually like shooting manual as long as I can set the ISO in automatic, but now I'm wondering if that is actually considered manual lol
First 🤣
Welcome dude ;)
Since going full manual on my Nikon Z fc my photos have miraculously improved. Eat that.
Congrats dude - Glad that you've found a way to improve your photography! Was there anything else you learnt in the process that you can share?
every time I try to use the semi auto modes, the camera chooses the wrong things if for example I try to use AV, and snap a photo of a moving subject the camera almost always chooses too slow a shutter.... Im stuck in manual lol