The Power Line Magazine - October/November 2016 Issue - Tips for the Photograher: Auto Vs. Manual by James E. Crigger

Tips for The Photographer: AUTO vs MANUAL
by Rev. James E. Crigger

James Crigger Pic

   New photographers today may have a tendency to do everything in Auto mode. This is convenient, but may rob your photo of professional quality.
   In Auto mode, the only control you have is changing the ISO value. This may not be possible in some lighting situations.
   In Manual mode, you control your photo thru Focus; ISO; Shutter Speed; and or Aperture settings. These settings can allow you benefits such as control of foreground shadows and focus control to name some benefits.
   Manual control also allows you to learn more about the benefits of the various settings available in your camera.

If you are going to only use Auto Mode, you might as well just get a “point and shoot” camera. I have been a photographer for 59 years (since I was 10). I learned and developed my craft using film cameras with absolutely no automatic settings.

A photographer who knows his camera and what each setting can do is actually of more value than the highest price camera you might purchase. Skill over equipment=average photos. Skill and equipment = better photos. I could fill this page with various photos I have taken, but, that would not help or motivate you to begin to learn your craft. My photos would only illustrate what I can do. You need to become confident of what you can do.

Remember the old saying: “how do I get to Carnegie Hall? - - PRACTICE! This is true in music, photography or any other craft or skill you may try and develop. Automatic Mode does not require much from you. Manual allows you to develop your abilities as well as bring you the confidence you need to grow in that craft.

I would love to ask you to share your craft with others. Show what you have learned by sending us your best photo. E-mail the photo, your name and address and the technical information you used to make that photograph as well as the location of the subject. If a person is in the photo, you MUST send a model release signed my those who may be in the photo. Tell us your inspiration and the process you used to make the photo. E-mail this information to articles@powerlinemagazine.com. Looking forward to hearing from you. We will gladly comment on your photos and the technical aspects of your photos. Send them to us by November 10th and you will be in our Dec/Jan issue.

SHOW US WHAT YOU CAN DO!