All About Camera Modes for Beginner portrait Photographers.
Welcome to the Photography Fundamentals Series! If you’re new to using a DSLR or mirrorless camera (not just a point-and-shoot or smartphone), all the different modes might feel a bit overwhelming. You’ve probably heard that “manual mode” is best, but maybe it feels intimidating. And what about modes like Auto, Av, and Tv? Let’s break these down to help you choose the right mode for portrait photography. Editing Whites in Food Photography: 2 Simple Tips for Perfect White Balance
Here’s a quick guide to camera modes, with a recap at the end for easy reference.
Camera Modes Explained
Most DSLR and mirrorless cameras have four main modes:
- Auto Mode
- Aperture Priority Mode (Av)
- Shutter Priority Mode (Tv)
- Manual Mode (M)
Some cameras may have additional modes like “landscape” or “portrait,” but professional models focus on these four. These modes let photographers control settings like shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to achieve the desired exposure.
Let’s dive into each mode.
Auto Mode: Automatic Settings
In Auto Mode (sometimes labeled “P” or “Program”), the camera selects your settings based on available light. This includes adjusting both shutter speed and aperture automatically, balancing the exposure to what it thinks is best as you move the camera. However, you’ll have less creative control over the final result, as the camera is making all the decisions for you.
Aperture Priority Mode: Control Depth of Field
Aperture Priority Mode (Av) allows you to choose the aperture, letting you control the depth of field. Once you set the aperture, the camera selects the shutter speed to match your desired exposure.
- If there’s too much light, the camera will increase the shutter speed.
- If there’s too little light, it will slow down the shutter.
This mode provides more creative control, allowing you to decide how much of your image is in focus.
Shutter Priority Mode: Control Light Exposure
Shutter Priority Mode (Tv or Time Value) lets you set the shutter speed, while the camera adjusts the aperture accordingly. For example:
- If it needs more light, it will select a wider aperture (like f/2.8).
- If it needs less light, it will choose a smaller aperture (like f/8).
While it’s useful for controlling how long light hits the sensor, in portrait photography, Aperture Priority is often more valuable because your subjects are usually still.
Manual Mode: Full Creative Control
In Manual Mode (M), you have complete control over all settings: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. This mode requires a solid understanding of the exposure triangle (aperture, shutter speed, and ISO) but offers the highest level of creative freedom. Manual Mode is ideal for portrait photography because you can fine-tune every detail to capture your vision perfectly.
Choosing a Camera Mode for portrait Photography
For the most creative control in portrait photography, Manual Mode is best. In Auto Mode, the camera makes decisions based on “correct exposure,” but this doesn’t consider your creative intent. To fully express the mood or story behind your portrait photos, you’ll want to set each element yourself.
However, if Manual Mode feels intimidating, start with Aperture Priority Mode (Av). This is a great first step because portrait doesn’t move, so you can easily experiment with different depths of field to see how they affect your composition.
Working Your Way Up to Manual Mode
Here’s a strategy to gradually gain confidence in Manual Mode:
- Start with Aperture Priority Mode – Set the aperture based on how much you want in focus, and let the camera handle the shutter speed.
- Experiment with Aperture – Try different aperture settings for various portrait shots to get comfortable with how each affects your images.
- Transition to Manual Mode – Once you’re familiar with setting the aperture, begin adjusting the shutter speed and ISO to control exposure.
Manual Mode is Easier Than You Think
When you understand the exposure triangle, Manual Mode is much simpler than it seems. Many new photographers can start shooting in manual mode within a day of practice by learning how ISO, shutter speed, and aperture work together.
Recap – Camera Modes for Beginner
- Auto Mode: Camera sets ISO, aperture, and shutter speed.
- Aperture Priority (Av): You set the aperture; camera controls shutter speed.
- Shutter Priority (Tv): You set the shutter speed; camera controls aperture.
- Manual Mode: Full control over ISO, shutter speed, and aperture.
Recommended Starting Point: Use Aperture Priority Mode for portrait photography, then work your way up to Manual Mode.
Lesson Exercise
If you’re currently in Auto Mode, try moving to Aperture Priority (Av) with these steps:
- Set your camera to Aperture Priority.
- Choose the aperture you think works best for your portrait subject.
- Take a shot and note the shutter speed the camera sets.
- Experiment with different apertures to see how shutter speed changes.
Once comfortable, switch to Manual Mode and practice adjusting all three settings yourself.
Happy shooting, and don’t forget to let your creative vision guide you!