I Don't Use Manual Mode (& Here's Why You Shouldn't Either!)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 มิ.ย. 2024
- Learn how to PERFECTLY EXPOSE your portrait photos using this SIMPLE camera trick! (Works for Sony, Canon, Nikon, etc.)
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Chapters:
0:00 Use The Manual Mode, Right!? WRONG!
1:50 Large Flexible Focus Mode
3:22 Exposure Compensation (& How It Works!)
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Great tip, but this really only works if you are shooting in an already well exposed or even an over exposed area. The problem occurs when you are shooting in a lower exposed area, your shutter speed will slow down which increases motion blur. So especially if you are shooting portrait photography, you run the risk of blurry/out of focus photos from natural hand shake and body movement. I would recommend actually shooting in S/Shutter Priority if you don't want to shoot manual. You can somewhat change depth/aperture with positioning and movement. You even can create more depth if you are creative enough. Having your aperture changed by 2 or 3 stops in S/Shutter Mode is a lot less noticeable than having your shutter changed by 2 or 3 stops in A/Aperture Mode.
I am new to camera, i only understand manual and the rest mode i don't understand them
I see one problem in Av mode. You havent control on your time and if you have darken scene you can have slower shutter speed and motion blur in your photo. I tried now time priority (Tv) where you can set for example 1/100th (on 50mm) and you can know that wouldnt be there motion blur. Or in manual mode set ISO to automatic and set f stop and time.
I think maybe the bigger issue is the importance of understanding the interplay between shutter speed, aperture and ISO depending on what you are doing, rather than just suggesting a particular mode without more. By that I mean, shooting birds in flight against a bright sky has very different parameters than shooting a model by candlelight. If you just want to point and shoot, you can use a cell phone, and for many, if not most people, that's perfectly fine. It seems to me some discussion of shutter speed (i.e. not going too low) or ISO (not going too high) might have been useful. Also, I'm not sure that beginners should be messing around at f/1.2 or f/1.4 as you suggest for portraits, particularly if not using eye focus on a newer mirrorless camera. At such shallow depths of field, its going to be hard to nail focus on one or both eyes. I know it's in vogue to shoot wide open, but really, unless you are experienced and have very specific requirements, shooting at (at least) f/4 buys you some more depth of field to nail eye focus and doesn't really profoundly impact bokeh.
I think you are correct in that it is difficult to shoot wide open. Many lenses have issues when fully opened and seem to be better optimized if they are a stop or two higher. I used to shoot in A mode and rely on exposure compensation, but I figured out that if I need to use the wheel to compensate for exposure, I might as well select the exposure that gives me the image I want either in the viewfinder or whatever I think I need if it is a landscape or sports. It's not really rocket science.
I've been a portrait photographer for over 13 years and always shot in manual mode. Just recently switched to AV mode on my Canon R5. I also set a minimum shutter speed of 125. I'm kicking myself I didn't do this earlier. This change has made my raw photos so much more consistent across the board. Also works like a charm when you need to do a quick capture without manually changing your settings in a new lighting scenario.
Thank you so much ❤ for my whole life I didn’t know what’s the point of this but today you helped me A lot
My pleasure, Khaled. Thanks for watching! It took my Photography to a whole new level - hopefully it does the same for you. 📸 🙌
thank you because this video is so suitable everywhere
A agree with the author on the subject of the exposure compensation dial. I first had it on my G15 and wish my DSLR had the dial. In fact, it would be awesome if most mirrorless cameras made it a standard feature on top. My pocket camera is a G7x and that dial is used everyday. Just a brilliant addition to any camera.
100% agree gives you complete freedom of control plus the convenience is unmatched
Thansk a lot, Justin! I had tried using the Av mode but not considerig this recomendations.
Thanks Justin, great informative video 👌 ✨
Can it be used in video shooting also??
What camera and lens did you use for shooting this video *(your studio)*
I like your video and audio quality
Thank you for the tips, they are really helpful for me!😉👍
The problem with this approach is that people will not truly learn the exposure triangle. Creativity comes from learning to use different shutter speeds, not just aperture. Also, aiming for the shutter speed that will allow you to get the shot you want at the lowest ISO possible is super important. If I'm off a tripod, I set ISO to auto, then adjust aperture first, followed by the shutter speed with an eye on both shutter speed and ISO until exposure is achieved with an acceptable ISO and shutter speed for the desired result. If I'm on a tripod and things aren't moving, set the ISO to the lowest possible (not in auto), the aperture to what you want, and then adjust the shutter speed to the desired exposure. Creating a workflow in manual right from the get-go will move the newbies forward more quickly than Av mode.
Thanks for your videos. I have a question: while using Aperture mode, what would be the optimal metering modes and AF settings for better results?
Your tutorial is good, but leaves out a major issue namely, that the shutter speed calculated by the Aperture mode may end up being too slow for human subjects. Therefore, one also needs to understand the relationship of ISO as part of the exposure triangle.
agreed. any tutorial on exposure that doesn't include the full triangle (and modern workarounds) isn't comprehensive.
for the examples in this video, any of them could have been further explained taking into account iso and shutter speed.
av has its usefulness
TV has its usefulness
M has its usefulness
all of them are more useable now with further advances in modern digital cameras. the histogram being the biggest plus. setting min/max shutter speeds and iso are also extremely useful adjustments.
one way of doing things is just that. there are many ways to shoot an image, or set of image.
knowing manual mode from the start (in conjunction with exposure knowledge) is vital. it's the springboard all other modes and tweaks stem from.
loved this video justin this was really helpful will have to test this out on my next shoot
Really glad to hear, thanks for watching and leaving such a nice comment. Feel free to reach out on IG and let me know how it goes - would love to hear 🙌
@@justinlaurens i will do what is your name on instagram! i usually use manual but using this may make it less stress when it comes to making sure the image is just right not too dark or too bright
@@JCPhotographyMallorca instagram.com/justinlaurens
Yeah absolutely, you're right. Now I can jump around different Aperture values and the correct exposure will automatically be chosen, so much less time wasted. Also, you can always switch back to Manual Mode once the Shutter Speed has been been determined using this method, I often do that. Again, helps to save a lot of time. 😊
I already using the same A mode with adjusting exposure dial to increase or decrease exposure. But I never tried Large flexible focus mode. Thanks for letting know. Will try A mode with Large Flexible focus 👍
Good stuff! Hope it goes well. It works like a charm for me. :)
Thank you so much for making this video 🙂📸😇
My pleasure 😊
Great information
as a candid / event / stage theater photographer. I stop using (M)anual ever since I started using the EOS R. I just set my Canon Mirrorless to Fv mode, set my ISO on auto. And adjust my exposure compensation according to what I see on it's EVF.
Depends on situation. I tend to use A when there is enough light to drop my ISO to baseline with chosen aperture and shutterspeed combination. However if that is not the case, then I must also think about ISO or put camera in Auto ISO and that complicates things, because otherwise shutterspeed will drop too low. Then I usually opt to M and either Auto-ISO for natural light or full manual if I control light with flashes. I can't imagine using A mode with flash in any scenario...
I think it heavily depends on what type of photography you are shooting. I feel it is better to understand your camera fully and use what is needed/wanted in the environment you are shooting in. Nothing wrong with using any setting as long as you know why you are using them. If you need to shoot in manual due to the situation you are in- there is nothing better than telling the camera what to do as opposed to not achiving what you want. Concert, event, light painting, motion, and astro photography are good examples of this. Learning why you use what settings is just a skill that allows you to be distinguished in your craft. You do it enough, manual shooting becomes second nature and is not intimidating. Same with natual light VS flash. It is nice to understand both but why you are choosing which one is just as important. If your goal is to shoot in one or two areas of photography, "fix" or "create" in edit, or have a common style this is great advice.
You're the beauty Justin ⚘️
Hehe na you guys are beautiful ✨
Thanks for sharing.
That's some good good stuff there my boy
😘
I always use the A mode and adjust the over or under exposure if needed. You can always ad the auto Iso mode too and set the iso to a maximum point but for PP and more accurate batch processing I d rather set my iso manually depending on the speed and lighting conditions
Kinda sorta. It gets an initial exposure, but tweaking the exposure compensation dial is really no different than tweaking the shutter speed. And of course there is still the ISO. You're still adjusting the ISO and exposure compensation which is the shutter speed. Better to use this mode in conjunction with auto ISO with set auto ISO perimeters. That way, you not only get an initial exposure, but you also eliminate ISO and shutter speed (2 parts of the equation) because you have auto ISO perimeters set and just focus on the brightness with the exposure compensation.
BUT, if you use a flash and not just natural light then ignore this unless you use high speed sync.
Excellent
Thank you! Cheers!
Agreed- to be perfectly honest, I’ve played around with all the settings & the camera is way smarter and quicker than we are
100% we paid for these expensive tools might as well use them to their fullest right?
Is there a large flexible focus on Nikon cameras? I don't recall seeing.
As a wedding photographer AV mode is king
Hi Justin!
I just discovered your channel and I will be purchasing your preset package with my next paycheck :). Do you have any tutorials on how to smooth people skin to make then look better? I think is called burn?
Thank you so so much!
You’re awesome my friend, thank you so much. Yes my portrait editing & retouching course is my most popular product: www.justinlaurens.com/access
Thank you for the kind words 🙏 let me know if you need anything at all
@@justinlaurens Change of plans, I will buy the course instead and then the presets . Thanks :)
Take your time, here to help with any questions you might have 🙏
As a beginner I've gotten to the point where I know exactly how each different adjustment will affect my photos and can do it pretty seamlessly with great results, I've tried modes like this and they just don't get that same personalization for me
For portraits on Sony
Aperture priority
Auto iso
Auto iso min SS - 1/125 - 1/250
Spot metering
Focus point linked to spot
Boom.
Super fast and accurate. Use exposure compensation to taste
Thanks for sharing! 🙌
Using the A mode is nice but it can lower the shutter speed and the photo will become blurry unless if using a fast prime lense which costs a lot, nothing better than M mode.
Yes sir! I've been shooting AP for eleven years!
It's the best right!? And then if you're happy with a certain Shutter Speed you can just switch it back to Manual no problem and use that automatically chosen Shutter Speed!
your channel is diamond
You are awesome, thanks!
what about using manual mode but with auto iso with all the other setting that you mentioned?.. will it give the same results?
You don't want to use auto-ISO because then it could introduce a lot of noise when shooting in low light settings which creates poor image quality
@@justinlaurens in my camera I can set the maximum limit the iso can go.
Hey, JL Can You Please Make A Video On Focus Points How They Works How To Use It
Please
i have the canon m6 markii. I am a street and portrait photographer. i would like to purchase a new lens, however it kind of difficult on which lens to choose. Any advice?
I recommend the Sigma Art series EVERY time now. Incredible quality and the price is super reasonable. For street photography I would get a 50mm Sigma Art lens.
Sigma Art 50mm f/1.4
hi justin
one month ago i brought your photoshop course...! your all tutorial are present..but no any comment box no any question box available in your tutorials bakground..if someone stuck or question, how to contact to u how to ask...!
Hey :) feel free to email me or message me on Instagram: instagram.com/justinlaurens
Seems not to find large flexible mode in Nikon, please help
What is the song name in the end of video? Please anyone knows, i need ut🤔🤔
Swif7 - No Games. It was bought from a stock music website let me know if you find it. I'll make sure you get it.
@@justinlaurens TYsM justin, i've found it on youtube 👍👍
Also you use Av mode for studio photoshoot?
Yes it can be helpful at first when you're experimenting with different brightness settings on the light or different Aperture settings on your camera, etc. It's a helpful tool but then you can switch it to Manual Mode after you find a look you like.
Nice Tips
Thanks Bagus, hope it helps man 🙏
Great video…
Glad you enjoyed it Saul, thanks for watching 🙌
Great video, I shoot Av mode 95% of the time
Cameras are to good now. I only use manual when I use my external flash or when I’m trying to get a little more creative.
The very fact that you need to try compensating the automatic exposure setting is the first indication how flawed the idea is that one can achieve “perfect” exposure using automation. The only “perfect” exposure is the that fully expresses the photographer’s creative intent-and you won’t be getting that result consistently from any exposure automation. Depth of field is far from the only creative decision to be made any time you approach a subject with your camera. There is also motion: Is the subject moving? Do you want it portrayed that way? Or do you want to freeze it? Either way, the photographer needs to manually dial in the shutter speed that matches their creative intent rather than hoping the camera’s AE algorithm gets it right. You’re much better off setting an exposure manually and sticking to it so long as the lighting doesn’t change significantly. Not only is this far more likely to provide the desired outcome more consistently throughout the shoot, in the event there is a change in lighting that doesn’t get addressed, you only need to formulate a single correction and apply it to all the images in the sequence (because they all share an exposure value). Relying on automatic exposure will leave you potentially correcting every image individually to achieve a uniform result. Reaching an exposure via automation is the exact same as doing it manually-use the camera’s meter to achieve desired brightness. However, while the AE exposure with constantly fluctuate based on every change in composition even though the lighting hasn’t changed, the manual exposure will be stable until the photographer decides to adjust it. Control is the differentiator between an experienced photographer and a tyro.
It's just another tool to help Photographers achieve their own idea of perfection. One of many tools.
Tele us how to separate your photo in the thumbanil pls justin I need it
What do you mean?
You do not use automatic eye search?
No because the Large Flexible Focus mode helps tell my camera which Shutter Speed/Exposure is best for my model's face.
I don’t see flexible focus on my Sony a74
Interesting. Been shooting for 27 years and I have never had an issue as I shoot manual exclusively. So…scratch this tip. Side note…I’ve met many a photographer who doesn’t know how to control the 3 legs of exposure. In fact, many too many who don’t know anything about photography and let their camera figure it all out. Sad.
My thoughts. i dont think they really want you to use manual specifically, i think what they mean is learn it. once you do, now you can understand when to use A or S.
Yeah exactly, that's what I said in the beginning of the video. Good to learn but not always ideal to use. Thanks for watching!
Hi
Hey Mahamud :)
... an stupid me is still using incident light metering and manual mode. *scnr*
Another expert that leaves out so much that is important. F/1.4? When does your shutter set so slow that motion blurs? ISO knowledge needed?
You forgot: ISO AUTO Min. SS (Sony)
Love this comment, you're right this feature can be super helpful.
In 95% of cases, however, I prefer to keep the ISO as low as possible (at ISO 100) since when working with Sony's impressive Dynamic Range it is relatively easy to recover Shadows/Underexposure in post (if necessary). Thank you for this, though.
Just a little QUICK for Newbies
dont use manual mode? thats a first
Yeah this method works super well, now I can hop around different aperture values and the correct exposure is automatically chosen so no time wasted. Also, you can switch to Manual Mode once the shutter speed has been been determined using this method, if you like, I often do that. Again, helps to save a ton of time.
Great video as usual but got a question that may looks dumb. Can I use the aperture priority mode while using a flash off camera?
Hey Riley I use the aperture priority with flash on camera and it works super well; so I don’t see why it wouldn’t work with flash off camera 👍
@@justinlaurens I appreciate you answered my question cause most yo tubers don't. I've been told to always be in manual mode specially with flash so I'll try aperture from now on. Keep on I really like ur editing process (which I've copied) 👊🏾
You are welcome man, thank you for watching my videos and for your kind words! 👊