Don’t we all want to know how to take good pictures?? The best way to improve your photography is learning how to shoot in manual mode. Check out 5 Reasons to Shoot in Manual Mode if you need more convincing :O)
When learning how to shoot in manual mode you need to know and understand the “exposure triangle”. This is made up of your aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. You use these three components to get your light meter to be at zero. To find your light meter look through your view finder. It should be that little line graph at the bottom that looks a little like this: – 2 . . . 1 . . . 0 . . .1 . . .2 + (there should be a little flashing vertical line or “ticker” underneath the graph, this is what you are adjusting)
**Please make sure you check on your light meter which side the + and – signs are on. My example is for Canons. Nikons look like this + 2 . . . 1 . . . 0 . . . 1 . . . 2 - **
How to shoot in manual mode
Aperture
The aperture or sometimes called the “f stop” is what allows you to have those blurry backgrounds people often ask me about. The lower the number (f1.8) only has a small part of your photo in focus and then slowly gets blurrier as you go out from you focal point. On my 50mm, the lowest aperture I can go is f1.8. If I shoot “wide open” (on the lowest number your lens will go) then I will probably only have one eye in focus but will have a nice blurry background. It is possible to get both eyes in focus but you need to be sure you on the same plane as your subject. You would need your camera to be parallel to your subject’s eyes. Basically, get down on their level. :O) The higher the number of your aperture the more of your picture will be in focus.
For example, if you are shooting people and only want them to be in focus then you want to make sure that your aperture is at least at the same number as there are people in the photo. If I were taking pictures of both my girls I would want to make sure my aperture was at least at f2.0. I like it to be around f2.8 when I shoot my girls though. If there are 5 people then you would want to be at least at f5.0 and so on. When shooting landscape you would want your aperture number to be a lot higher so that the majority of your picture is in focus.
Changing your aperture affects the amount of light in your shot. The lower the number, the more light is brought in. The higher the number, the less light. Therefore, if you do a lot of indoor shooting, it is nice to have a lens with a lower aperture such as f1.8.
Remember: Lower number aperture = more light and a blurrier background / Higher number aperture = less light and a sharper background
ISO 100, ss 1/640, f4.5 (notice my aperture is at a higher number or closed up so both girls are in focus)
The type of lens you use is a big factor as to what aperture you can set it on. When I had a kit lens (the one that came with my camera body) on my old canon, the lowest it went was f3.5. This made it very difficult for me to use in low lighting situations such as indoor shots. Also, with an aperture that high you are less likely to get a blurry background. From the encouragement of a friend, I bought a 50mm 1.8 prime lens. This is an EXCELLENT lens if you are serious about learning how to shoot in manual mode, it is an inexpensive lens with a low aperture. Some cameras are not compatible with this lens, such as the Nikon d3000 and Nikon d5000. For those cameras maybe a 35mm 1.8 would be a better fit.
ISO
(pronounced by the letters – I – S – O)
ISO was once explained to me as the worker bees. If you have it set at 100, it is like you are sending out 100 worker bees to bring back the light for you. If you set it higher, 1600 for example, you send out more worker bees, 1600 in this case, to bring back light for you. The lower the number the less light. Something to keep in mind about ISO is it can sometimes affect the amount of “noise” in your picture. Noise is when your picture looks grainy or pixelated. If your photo is properly exposed it shouldn’t matter what your ISO is set at because it shouldn’t be grainy.
Here is a great article written about the noise of a picture.
Try to remember that typically if you are outside shooting then you can have a lower ISO such as 100 or 200. If you are indoors with low lighting you may want to increase your ISO to around 800.
Remember: Lower ISO = less light / Higher ISO = more light
ISO 400, ss 1/100, f2.8 (I should have opened up my aperture a little {lower number} to allow me to raise my shutter speed to at least 1/125. Luckily, she was sitting still)
ISO 1000, ss 1/50, f3.2 (I used the floor to set my camera on for this photo. I should have opened my aperture so I could have raised my shutter speed)
Shutter Speed
This is the amount of time that your shutter is open. When looking at your camera your shutter speed is written as 1/(a number). This means that your shutter is open for 1/(whatever the #) of a second. When shooting people and especially children try not to go any slower than 1/125. This will help to prevent a blurry picture. Sometimes 1/125 is not fast enough and you still get some movement in your photo, like in the picture of Kate running, but it is a good rule of thumb. If your shutter speed gets too slow such as 1/40 then “camera shake” may affect the sharpness of your photo. You shake your camera whether you mean to or not, which is why you want to keep your shutter speed as high as possible.
The lower the bottom number the more light will come in because your shutter is open longer. The higher the bottom number means less light will be coming in because it is open for less time. If you are in a low lighting situation and you are taking a picture of something stationary, you can lower your shutter speed to something crazy like 1/20 but just make sure you use a tripod!
Remember: Lower shutter speed = more light but your subject my be blurry / higher shutter speed = less light but possibly a sharper subject
ISO 200, ss 1/400, f2.0
ISO 100, ss 1/125, f3.2 (This is a good example to prove that 1/125 won’t always prevent motion blur in your photo; notice her hands are blurred. I should have opened up my aperture and then raised my shutter speed…this seems to be a problem of mine :O)
By adjusting these three things you will be moving the “ticker” back and forth in your light meter. Ideally, you want to adjust them so that the ticker is on the zero. It is considered a properly exposed picture if the ticker is on the zero. Personally, I like the ticker to be one tick to the positive so my photo is a little overexposed. Play around with it and see what you like :O) One thing some people have asked is, “In which order should you adjust these to shoot in manual mode?” It is a personal preference but this is what I do:
1. Set my aperture – that way if I’m trying to get a blurry background I have control over that.
2. Set my shutter speed – remember try not to go below 1/125; if my “ticker” is not where I want it after adjusting these two, then I…
3. Change my ISO – I try to do this one last just because I like my ISO to stay at the lowest number possible. Typically, I can get the exposure I want by just changing my aperture and shutter speed.
I will touch on this more later but just a little side note about lenses. As I said earlier, it is much easier to learn how to shoot in manual mode with a prime lens.
Prime lens – does not zoom {you move your feet if you want to get closer}, has a fixed aperture {meaning you control your aperture}, and most people say gives you a sharper image than a zoom lens.
Zoom lens – allows you to zoom back and forth, not all zoom lenses have a fixed aperture {I highly recommend a fixed aperture lens}
- most kit lenses have a variable aperture so be careful {the aperture changes depending on what focal length you use, not set by you}
How to change your ISO, aperture, and shutter speed:
Nikon D3000
Canon Rebel T1i
I challenge you to go out this week and take your camera off of the green auto square. Give it a try, shoot in manual mode. You never know, you may love it and never go back!!! PLEASE ask me any questions you may have. This was extremely hard to explain in writing :O) It is just one of those things you need to go out and play with.
Check out this post with over 100 photography tutorials if you have any questions or wish to learn more.
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Courtney Slazinik
@clickitupanotch
Latest posts by Courtney Slazinik (see all)
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At Click it Up a Notch you will find tips and tricks to improve your photos one click at a time. 
Looks amazing, Courtney! I emailed your link to a friend who just adopted her own DSLR. Love the bowling show pic… Fabulous!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Thanks Angie!!! Glad you stopped by!!!
This is great! No questions yet. It’s so much more fun to read here than in the instruction manual. Thanks for saving me the money of a photography class. I got a fancy camera a year ago (a big reason was so I could take pictures of birds with the telephoto) and am just now learning how to really use it.
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Martha, so glad the info is helpful! Let me know if you have any questions :O) I know the feeling about not wanting to read the instruction manual…mine is in Japanese :O)
Regarding increased aperture– Will increased aperture alone allow you to have all subjects in focus? Where should the focal point be? I was trying to take a picture of the 2 kids, but if I put the focal point to the right only T was in focus, when I put the focal point to the left only K was in focus. If I put the focal in the center neither kid was in focus. The camera focused on some random object in between the two children. In this situation do I need to choose all points of focus?
On a different note. Do you find that in our location with the constant changing of the skies that once you get all of your settings adjusted things change? I know that overcast skies are ideal, but we take what we can get on a given day. I have just found that I have a couple of shots that have good color and then the rest are overexposed or underexposed.
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Emily these are great questions! I’m going to touch more on focus point next week (you must have read my mind :O) I would put the focal point on one of the kiddo’s eye and if they are not sitting very close to each other have a higher aperture, such as f3.2 or higher. This increases your chance of both of them being in focus. You are right, it is the aperture you are trying to manipulate to make sure they are in focus.
Yes, with the clouds moving a lot on a sunny day I do find myself changing my settings more frequently. If you notice that the clouds move and the kids look like they are in brighter sun, check your settings. Normally, it is something as easy as changing your shutter speed to get it back to “0″. Hope that helps!
What about shooting in aperture priority mode so those slight shutter adjustments happen automatically?
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I don’t shoot in aperture priority so I don’t know for sure but yes, I believe you choose the aperture and your camera picks the shutter speed.
This was probably the best advice I’ve gotten so far! You really gave it to us in a way that totally makes sense. I found you on Ashley Sisk’s inspirations page and I’m so glad!!! Thank you so much for making this subject so clear. The video help that went along with this was perfect. I can’t wait to learn more on the focal point as well!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Oh, thanks for that wonderful compliment Marissa :O) I’m so glad you were able to find the info helpful!!
HI COURTNEY,
THIS BLOG IS AMAZING. I DON’T KNOW WHY I DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT IT BEFORE. I WILL BE SPENDING SOME TIME HERE. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Karren, I’m so happy you like it! Hope you can find some useful tips!!
Hi there! Thank you so much for the tips! I have only recently started using my new DSLR. I have the Canon 60D and I have an f2.8 sigma 24-70mm zoom and a 50mm f1.8 prime. I was a bit confused as to what lens to use and when. I did notice I have sharper images on the 50mm but I like the working distance I can get from the zoom so I tend to use it more. I am going to try and play with my 50mm a bit more. Thanks again as I have trouble getting a lot of my shots in focus. Will keep coming back for more tips!! If you have a chance to give me some feedback would appreciate it! My blog website is attached (very new so quite a few pics out of focus but it’s all a learning curve!). Thanks!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Thanks for stopping by :O) I’m glad you have found some of the tips helpful! I will head over and check out some of your photos :O)
You are an amazing teacher Courtney!! I have had my Nikon D5000 for 6 months and have done a ton of reading and playing, but I have always used P, A, and S mode because I never fully understood how they all worked together. I knew they worked together, but for some reason it would not click …..UNTIL NOW!!!!!
I found you by googling camera settings for Christmas morning. I am so glad to have found your blog! I am going to follow your blog and I can’t wait to read everything!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Thanks for your sweet words! I’m so glad you were able to find my blog and find it useful! Let me know if you have any questions!! Manual mode is so much fun! Hope you love it :O)
Thank you so much Courtney! This was exactly what I was looking for and needed to get me started with the 7D and EF lenses I just bought- my first venture into DSLR’s so it was a bit intimidating! I’ll keep playing, believe me!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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How exciting! Let me know if you have any questions!! Have fun with your new camera and lens!
okay, so literally I just tried this and OMG that was soo simple and WOW! can I tell you what a difference it makes (I have a Sony camera a550 and I always shot in P mode not auto but manual is sooooo much better!!) thank you for making it sooo clear and easy! I was always afraid to do this. eek.
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You can do it!
So, I know this post is a little older, but I’m seriously going through all of your manual tutorials and cannot thank you enough! I just got a DSLR (finally) for Christmas and was really eager to shoot in manual mode and not just click it over to all of the auto settings, but I was way too scared! I’m seriously sitting here focusing on the same reindeer and playing with my ISO and focal points. Thank you so much for making everything so easy!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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I’m so glad it is helpful!! Manual mode is so much more fun then auto!! I hope you enjoy your new camera! Let me know if you have any questions!!
I had a Canon 10d for a long time and have the 50d now, and have always had problems figuring out my settings. I always get underexposed photos with washed out areas where ever light is. Thought that I would finally give manual mode a try after reading this, but my ticker won’t move away from -2 and all my pics (practicing inside with different combinations)are almost black. I get so discouraged that I can’t get these numbers straight. What am I doing wrong? Thanks
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Mmm..it could be several things. I’ll email you some things to consider and maybe you can send me some photos with your settings for me to check out :O) I’m glad you are switching over to manual mode. You’ll love it :O) We will figure this out :O)
Hi Courtney…Thank you for stopping by my site! I have a question…I just recently bought a Cannon powerShot SX30is and I have a few questions I have tried taking pictures in m mode and I have tried to change the iso, ss, and f, but for some reason my pictures keep coming out pitch black? I can’t figure out what I am doing wrong…I am wanting to get the “blurry” affect, but I can’t seem to do it without using my photo editing programs. Please help! Thanks, Sarah
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Sarah, I’ll send your an email and we will figure it out :O)
This just helped me a ton! Thank you for posting the basics!
Thank you so much for explaining this in a way I can understand! I have been so afraid to come out of auto, and this gives me confidence
Great job!!
I’m so glad I found your site! You explain this in a way that I can actually understand it! I love shooting in Manual and actually don’t even understand how to use the other modes…LOL BUT I soooo need to learn how to use the SS/Aperture/ISO all together and you explained that…YAY…now to get some time to try it all out!!! Thanks! I’ve been just using the toggle to get the meter to “0″ and didn’t really worry about the others and it’s been driving me crazy trying to figure it all out.
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Yay! I’m glad I could help! Thanks so much for your kind words :O) Let me know if you have any questions :O)
Hi! I am super excited that I “stumbled” across your page. I have been taking photos pretty much all my life, but recently (1 year ago) I decided that I wanted to make a career out of taking photos. The only thing I have yet to learn is to shoot in manual, most of my work is done in Photoshop. I would like to call myself a professional photographer but am I if I can’t shoot in manual? So, this is where you come in! I really hope to gain much needed knowledge in shooting in manual mode and am hoping that my photographs come out 10 times better than they are now. Thank you so much for starting this site!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Yay! I’m glad you “stumbled” upon my blog as well :O) I look forward to seeing your photos as you tackle manual mode!!
I had never even thought that the “Zero” was so important, duh. I can’t wait to try this out, I’ve written up my note cards and I’ll be trying out some manual settings TODAY.
this was sooooooo helpful! thank you soo soo much!
Hi Courtney! I just found your blog and I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am! I have wanted to shoot in manual mode forever! I just couldn’t figure it all out. I needed examples to follow and low and behold, you offer them (for free!).
Thank you so much for sharing all of this wonderful information with us! I don’t want to be a professional photographer, I just want pretty pictures of my kids. I shoot with a canon rebel xsi. The f-stop will not go lower than 4.0. Is the prime lens compatible with my camera?
Thanks so much!
You explained this all so well. I feel clearer myself!
Kim C. recently posted..4 part 2
This is so clear and well written ! Thankyou so much .
Hi Courtney. I have recently been playing around with manual mode on my SLR camera. I took a photography class in high school and learned manual with a film camera. However, with time and the digital revolution I lost a lot of that knowledge. Thank you for the refresher course
)! Your simple explanations and examples have brought back a lot and have me excited about trying some manual shooting on my next outing. I am a teacher as well as an amateur landscape photographer, so I truly appreciate the concept of your site and look forward to exploring to learn more!
Emily recently posted..Magenta Macro 08.06.11
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Thanks so much Emily!! I’m so glad to hear you are going to tackle manual mode again :O) I love finding fellow teachers…WELCOME!
Thank you so much for all of your great tips and knowledge! I am very new to photography and am loving all of your useful information! I will be checking back regularly for more! At the moment I’m shopping for a new DSLR and lenses. I have been practising with my family members cameras up till now. I have use a Canon 450d and Nikon D60. What would you recommend in terms of whether to buy a DSLR kit or just buy a good body with a few lenses?
I am so excited I found your blog! Thank you for posting all these tips…I used to be really into photography, and I took several classes, but I lost the time (and my memory on how to do everything). I can’t wait to get back into it!
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Love your website. I wish I would have found it much sooner. I bought a notebook and am taking notes on this new journey of photography. Do you have any suggestions on where to buy a prime lens?
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I forgot to mention I have a Nikon. Thanks.
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Welcome!! I typically buy my lenses from Amazon (I have a link on my sidebar) and B&H Photo. I have bought one used on Clickin’ Moms one time and had luck with it. However, I have heard mixed reviews from buying a used lens from an individual. B&H Photo typically sells used ones with a warranty though. Something to look into!! Good luck!!! Thanks for stopping by and I’m thrilled to hear you found the info useful!! I would love it if you shared some images from your journey!!!
Courtney~~
I love your blog and website. I am a friend of Jessica’s from Frilly Coconut and saw her post on your new blog logo. I do photography so I thought I would look at your blog. I LOVE YOUR WEBSITE!!! I put you in my “favorites”! I loved how you explained how to shoot in manual. The way you explained it makes it so much more understandable! I really never thought about the O thing. My daughter plays high school volley ball and I am having a hard time catch the fast action shots in the gym. I shoot with a Nikon D300 and a 70-200 lens…..so I will be trying the manual mode at her next game!!!
Thanks, again for all your great blogs and posts! Love your site…..and your new branding by The Frilly Coconut!!!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Hey Ginna!! I just love Jessica! Didn’t she do a fabulous job on my new blog design!! Thanks for your sweet words about my blog! I’m honored you put me in your favorites!! I bet you can get some great shots of your daughter at her games!! One thing to keep in mind with sports is to try and keep your shutter speed at least at 1/250. I typically say 1/125 if you are shooting moving people but if you are shooting sports I would say the higher the better! I would love it if you shared some of your shots sometime!! Thanks again for your kind words!!
This was very helpful. I have a couple questions though….I am still unclear on how to tell if your meter is at 0….also why on my lenses does it say 1.8g but you can still adjust the aperature? Lastly, how do I install a filter on my lens? Thanks so much! This is great, I will be coming back often!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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When you look through your view finder you should see a small graph that looks like 2….1….0….1….2. You want the flashing ticker to be on the zero. Yes, your lens must be able to open up to f1.8. You can change that though to a higher number (more narrow depth of field). The number on your lens is showing you the widest it can go. I’m not sure how to install a filter since I don’t have one. Sorry I can’t help with that one :O) Let me know if these helped or if I just confused you even more :O)
I have had multiple people try to explain how to shoot in manual mode to me and you are the FIRST person that actually explained it clearly, you have an awesome way with words
thanks for the help, I understand the puzzle a lot better now, now I just need to get the muscle memory down!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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That is WONDERFUL news :O) I’m so glad it’s clicking now! Yay!!! Please let me know if you have any questions!
Hi Courtney,
I searched for “How to Shoot in Manual Mode” this afternoon – and got your blog! This is seriously a huge blessing! I just got a Nikon D3100, and while I have a basic understanding of photography, I’ve never seriously shot in (or truly understood) manual mode before. Your descriptions are amazing. I really feel like I could just take on the world with my camera now
Thanks for taking the time to write this – it’s wonderful (and now saved to my Favorites for reference!)! P.S. – Your little girls are precious 
Wow, thank you so much for posting this! I have attempted to shoot in manual when I got my D3000 but I couldn’t get myself to understand it. It’s funny that I found your article because I work with a D3000 and I’ve been using my 50mm 1.8 for about three months. Perfect article to stumble upon.
I’m excited to try this out on my camera!
Okay, this might be silly, but do all the 3 settings work together to really just address the light in the photo? I am sitting here playing with this and I’m so confused but it’s starting to click. Because everything I adjust the light is affected, right? (sorry if that is a totally stupid question)
And also – do you automatically know when going into a photo shoot what setting you will most likely use? Or are you adjusting the whole time during a shoot?
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Not a silly question!! Yes, all three work together to get the lighting you want in the image. If one of those is way off it will completely change the look of your image! No, I don’t automatically know what my settings will be. I may know that I don’t want my shutter speed below 1/125 or that I want my aperture at a certain setting for a certain shot, but I have no clue with the magic formula will be b/c it’s constantly changing :O)
Hi Courtney,
Just wondering why you felt that you needed a faster shutter speed on the bowling shoes pic? It looks great to my untrained eye, am interested to know what you didn’t like about it. Thanks heaps. I have shot in priority modes for the last 3 years on my compact, but got my first DSLR yesterday. I am so happy to have discovered your site. I think I might try full manual today…
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Well, you are right, the 1/50 worked for that image. However, I know from my own experience that sometimes when my shutter speed is that low then it isn’t a sharp because of the natural camera shake that happens when you are holding the camera. If I had changed my aperture to f2.2 then I could have raised my shutter speed which would have eliminated any worry about a blurry image. I hope you take the jump to manual mode! I promise you will love it :O) Congrats on your new camera!!
I just found your blog and I love it. Thank you so much for taking the time to teach all this confusing stuff to a newbie. I just got my husbands hand-me-down Canon XSi and can’t wait to learn how to take pictures of my son!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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I’m so glad you have found the info useful! Yay!! Welcome!!
hi! stumbled upon your site today through katie evans site and i am SO excited! just wanted to let you know that your manual mode explanation clicked with me! i am always harassing my husband for attempting to use the manual mode b/c i have always thought it was disastrous! but now i get it – hooray! this info is SO helpful b/c until now i have just not understood the meter. just wanted you to know you are appreciated:)
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Yay!! I’m glad to hear you are tackling manual mode! Yay!! Thanks for your sweet words!
Hi,
i have been reading on your site for an hour or so..you have great information and suggestions!!! I use the same lenses that you use for my outdoor photography. Could you elaborate on whether or not you ever use fill flash outside. I don’t want to have to use it but there have been times where i thought the faces looked dull..not necessarily underexposed just dull. Do you have any suggestions about fill flash or how to get around needing to use it?
Thank you,
Susan
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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I actually don’t use the flash on my camera. I don’t have a speed light or anything either so I just adjust my settings accordingly. I’m not sure what you mean by a dull face. If you would like to email me a photo like you are talking about with the settings I can take a look :O) clickitupanotch @ gmail . com
Your blog is awesome and packed full of so much great information. This manual mode explanation is so great. Thank you so much!!
You are a godsend! I have been getting into photography for the last two years and after reading so many books have not been able to crack the triangle you speak of. This one article did it for me and yes, I will never go back! My pictures look that much better. Thanks so much!!! xxx Lori
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Yay!! I’m so glad to hear that!! I hope you have been able to click your picture up a notch :O)
Courtney, I just stumbled across your blog today, and you really have a great way of explaining and instructing. I have been doing photography for over 20 years, and only went digital 3 years ago, and still feel like I have alot to learn. I live and breath photography and after photographing friends wedding’s, newborns, engagements, family etc., I decided I wanted to start my own business about 1 year ago. I now specialize in newborns, maternity and High school seniors. Its only part time for me because I work full time. I love reading and learning anything photography related, and I just have to tell you that this one article you wrote above, was amazing. I learned more, just in this one article than several books I have tried to get thru on this very subject. I really had an “Ah Ha” moment, after reading this 1 article. You really, write and teach amazing. I learned a whole new perspective on the “triangle”, and I love it. Thanks so much. I will be back daily! Tracy
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Tracy, thank you so much for your sweet words! I am a former teacher and my first passion has always been teaching. I’m so glad to hear that this post helped you! Yay! That makes my day!! Welcome! I look forward to getting to know you :O)
I LOVE LOVE LOVE that you shared this, I have just started over the last few months trying to do manual settings, most of the time it frustrates me, because I don’t understand it all. I am totally confused about fstop??? I have a Canon Rebel Digital XT, any helpful info on that? I would love any and all info you may have. I feel like when I shoot in Av mode indoors with no flash, if I don’t have it on 1600iso, then the pics are blurry because the kids are always moving…AND they tend to be grainy… Any tips? Thank you again for doing this I am trying to absorb all the info I can, it is hard for me because I am a hands on learner.
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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What confuses you about aperture?? What lens do you have?? If you have the kit lens does it change apertures when you zoom in and out (that is super frustrating). If you don’t have a 50mm 1.8 I HIGHLY recommend it. Honestly, I don’t think I would have mastered manual without that lens. Well, with your camera you images may be grainy at 1600 but if your image is exposed probably that will reduce the grain/noise. Here are a few posts I wrote. Let me know if you have any more questions or these even help. I know I had a MILLION when I started shooting on manual :O)
http://www.clickitupanotch.com/2010/11/aperture-the-basics/
http://www.clickitupanotch.com/2010/12/iso-dont-be-afraid-to-raise-it/
Courtney, thank you thank you thank you for sharing your photography tips! A lot of photographers do not want to share anything they have learned in their careers, so I appreciate your tips immensely! I found this tutorial on Pinterest today and it was very helpful in explaining the basics of manual mode. I have been playing around with my Nikon D80 for a few years. My goal is to someday take family/newborn pictures as a side job. But for now I practice on my 2 little ones under the age of 3. I am somewhat comfortable shooting in manual mode but am not “there” yet.
My #1 question is how did you get that perfect shot of the boy on the swing? Every time I take swing pictures of my daughter they are blurry. Did you shoot that one in manual mode? I had a photographer once tell me to use Aperture mode on my camera for quick subjects, but didn’t have any luck. Is 1/125 fast enough? Any further tips on this? Oh and I do have a 50mm prime lens also.
Question #2… editing. Do you use lightroom? I have a Mac and use Iphoto to edit. I also have Photoshop elements. Do you recommend lightroom like most other photographers?
Last question ; ) How many external drives do you back up to? Or do you have a post elsewhere that talks about your workflow?
Thank you sooo much!
Ashley
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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I’m so glad you found some useful information here! That is wonderful to hear!
I’m not sure which image you are talking about the boy on the swing?? For a swing shot, I would say try to get your shutter speed to at least 1/250. That will help you freeze the motion.
Yes, I use Lightroom and LOVE it!!! I think LR is extremely user friendly and easy to understand. If you do decide to get it, I have several tutorial videos under my editing sections to help you tackle it. I feel like it speeds up my workflow and saves me time. With 2 little ones running around, I don’t have all day to edit. I have PSE as well and don’t get it. I used to use iPhoto but found I wasn’t able to do the things I wanted and needed a little more advanced program.
Currently, I have two external hard drives. One is hooked up to my computer 24/7 b/c it is where I store all my images since I shoot in RAW. I have another smaller one that I try to remember to back up every now and then with the original but honestly, it is more for travel so I can put my images on it. I do use BackBlaze to back up my images each day.
Hope this helps!! Please feel free to ask me any questions!
just found this website and i am so excited! this is what I have been looking for. can’t wait to get out there and turn of my auto mode and shot in manual, thanks! i will be back soon
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Yay!! Would love to see some of your images posted on our FB page! We’d love to follow along on your journey!
I found this article recently and was so incredibly stoked about it!! I have printed it and read it and read it again and this weekend I am going to try and shoot my kiddies in manual mode for the very first time!! I have read so many other articles and this one “clicked” everything into place for me!! Fabulous job!!! THANKS A MILLION!!
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I’m so glad you have found it helpful! I hope you do try to take some images of your kiddos! Try it for a couple of weeks not switching back to auto and you’ll never go back :O) Good luck!! Would love for you to share some of your images on our FB page! We’d love to follow along on your journey!
Thank you for posting this!!!
Thankssssssssssssssss so muchhhhhhhh for your help!!! I cant wait and go Practice with my kidssss!!!!
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Yay! Hope you will share some of them on our FB page!!
I am so glad I ran across this while googling manual mode! I have been trying to get used to manual lately but couldn’t figure out how to change the aperture/shutter speed while in manual. I finally figured it out, thanks to you!!!
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That is fantastic news! I’m so glad to hear you are tackling manual mode :O)
I want to thank you for being so encouraging to so many! Your “you can do it” attitude is infectious and so kind.
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Oh, thank you!! I hope everyone DOES realize they can do it!!
Courtney,
but for now I’ll enjoy your wonderful blog and glean some great tips.
This is a terrific blog! I’ve been using a SLR for years (20+) I dreaded going digital since I’m a bit of a technophobe. I’ve finally done so with a very tame nikon p7000 gift from my father in law. Someday I’ll move up to a real dslr
*anna
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Don’t be scared to make the jump to a DSLR, Anna! They look scarier than they are. And if I can do it, I PROMISE you can figure it out!!! Welcome!!
Hi Courtney, I’m attempting to work in manual. Took the camera out for a spin and darn if I can not see the image on my screen. I tried everything I could think of, and finally left an email w/ Nikon support. The photography on you blog is so lovely. I’m gobbling up the tips and enjoying the (extensive) reading herein. You are very good at breaking things down/teaching, along with photography. Also, thanks for that sweet encouragement. I’m a little by slowly kind of gal where technology is concerned, however I’ve been on an uptick since starting this whole blog journey
Best,
*anna
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Anna,
Thanks for your sweet words! I’m so happy to hear you are tackling manual mode. Have you heard back from Nikon? Are you having trouble seeing the picture on the LCD after you take it or while you are trying to take it? What camera do you have? Hope Nikon can help!!
OMG! Thank you very much for this crystal clear explanation! I have never really fully understood how to shoot in Manual Mode until reading this! I tried taking a photo of my little cousin while watching a movie and I did it! Clear photo in Manual Mode! I was over the moon! Thank you!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Whoo hoo!! Look at you go!! Isn’t it fantastic when it all clicks and you start nailing your photos!! So glad I could offer some tips to help!
you rock! so happy i found this page and site! thank you!
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Thanks so much! Let me know if you have any questions!!
You did an awesome job explaining this! Thank you so much for taking your time to write this. I just took some pictures of my daughter using manual and what a difference. I will definitely be using it from now on
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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That is fantastic! It is amazing what a difference manual mode can make! Once you try it…it’s hard to go back :O)
I am a newbie to the DSLR world and I just found your blog! Teaching is certainly your gift! I’ve made flash cards to get it in my brain =) Looking forward to reading more of you – - Thanks!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Well, thank you for your kind words! I truly love teaching!! I love the idea of flash cards!! Genius!!
Love your description of manual mode! I am having problems with it though. I am getting entirely black photos when I shoot, even though I am changing shutter speed, aperature and ISO. What do I need to do to fix this?
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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It sounds like your meter is not in the center when you take your photo. If you would like to email me your photo with the settings I can help break it down for you. courtney @ clickitupanotch . com
It can be a bit confusing at first, but I promise you will get it!!
Hello Courtney,
First I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Lamielle. I was looking for some photography tips on shooting in manual when I bump up to your site. Thank goodness! You just don’t know how your informations made my day today. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your blog is so cute, cool and fresh. I hope you don’t mind me staying by here for a while. You’ve got a lot of great stuff of informations here, so refreshing and helpful. I hope you know that you are explaining things easily. I had a hard time understanding other photography tips and yours is so easy to understand. Really enjoy it. I just sign up on your newsletter and I am looking forward to hearing from you again. Now, I have a few questions to ask. I am just curious about your ways whenever you experience this challenge. Here it is: Low light situations. I usually set my shutter speed to 100 or more to make it faster and to avoid blurry photos, then my aperture is also set to 2.8 almost all the time and ISO 400. Then my meter won’t move to -2, which means really dark. How do you handle this kind of situations aside from using a really higher ISO, like you’ve mentions?
I hope I am not disturbing you at this very moment. I really appreciate your help and I am loving your blog. Thank you for helping people like us and giving us inspiration. Cheers from Switzerland.
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Hello Lamielle!!
Thanks for your sweet words about my blog! Yay!!! Does your lens allow your aperture to go any wider than f/2.8? If so, go even wider (lower number). If not, then it sounds like the only option you have is to raise your ISO. Don’t be scared to raise your ISO. It’s a good thing if your photo is properly exposed. Other than raising your ISO then you would need to add more light, unfortunately, this isn’t always an option. You may want to check out this post about raising your ISO – http://www.clickitupanotch.com/2010/12/iso-dont-be-afraid-to-raise-it/ Let me know if you have any questions! Feel free to email a photo and your settings if you are still having trouble – courtney@clickitupanotch . com
I am just finding this! Great info and so easy to understand! Thanks!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Wonderful! Let me know if you have any questions!!
Hi Courtney! Thanks so much for this post I’m always reading daily to get stuff burnt into my brain! lol! I do have a question, I have a Canon D30 and I was reading others post about changing your meter? how do you do that I thought I knew but I guess I ‘m not doing it right mine is always blinking! And another problem I may have is someone ask me if I shoot in manual I said yes and they ask me if I have my iso set on auto? How does that work!? I thought in manual you set everything!? So far just finding your blog has helped me understand far more easier than alot of other info I have read elsewhere! Thank you for breaking it down in terms where newbies and semi-newbies can understand!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Hey Kelly!!
You are right about the ISO. When shooting in manual mode you set your ISO. As far as changing your meter, you will use your shutter speed, aperture, and ISO and get them to work together to put your meter ticker on the “0″. It is okay that it is blinking. Mine blinks :O) Does that make sense??
Hi i would just like to say thank i was looking around for more stuff on photography so i can learn more. I have been using my manual mode for a while now but i still have problems getting it right sometimes. You are the first persons blog i have come across that has made it super easy for me to understand better how to use it. Thank you so much.
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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That is wonderful you are starting to tackle manual mode!! Let me know if you have any questions!
Thank you so very much for this explanation, it was easy to understand and learn from!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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So glad to hear that! Let me know if you have any questions!
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I just found this website and im delighted that i did!i am a single parent of 2 little girls and since having my first photography has become my passion,i did an evening course in basic photography and am waiting to do a more advanced class in september so im really glad i found this site as the basic course didnt give me as much detail as this so at least i won’t be falling behind in the advanced class!thanks for a great tutorial
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How exciting that you get to take some classes!! I hope you love the more advanced course!! Photography is such a fantastic hobby especially with little ones as home :O) Let me know if you have any questions!
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What a delightful and educational website. I found it through Pinterest, which I found through Facebook (wheels within wheels!) I just finished a “basics” class on Saturday given by a wonderful local photographer (Jodie Allen, FreshArt Photography in St. Louis) and spent most of the day Sunday practicing with what I learned. This excellent article enhanced that and added one really great tip (get your light meter to zero) which I will definitely try when I get home from work tonight! I lived in Japan for 3 years with my DH when he was in the Navy and we had our first baby there (and our first 35 mm camera!) It was quite a life-changing experience and now I’m photographing our grandchildren!. Anyway, I’ll explore further in your blog. Thanks again!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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How fun you were able to take a class and I could help enhance the information!! I love that you used to live in Japan as well! We have really loved our time here!! Congrats on the grandkids! My mom always says if she had known how much fun they were she would have skipped the kids and gone straight to the grandkids :O) he he Let me know if you have any questions!!
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I was taking pictures last week in Manual but they were turning out black
Can you help out? Thank you!!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Hey Jackie!
Of course I can help! It sounds like your meter was too far to the underexposed side. You want to make sure you are adjusting your shutter speed, aperture, and ISO so that your ticker is on the zero or a little to the positive side. If you want to email me your picture with your settings then I can look at it and let you know what you could do in the future. courtney @ clickitupanotch.com We’ll figure it out :O)
I am so loving this blog!! I stumbled across it a few months back and it has helped cement some of the knowledge I’ve gotten in a few photography classes. But I have a stupid question (I know – no such thing). I have a Nikon D5100 and I just bought a prime lens (50mm f/1.4) and I love it. But I have heard some people saying that they also use a prime lens but at the same time talk about adjusting the aperture setting. You can’t do that can you? I know that on my camera it will let me change it, but the lens aperture is “fixed” so it’s not really changing, right??? Confused?
Melissa
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Hey Melissa! First off, Welcome :O)
Yes, your 50mm 1.4 is a fixed aperture lens. What that means is that you as the photographer will pick the aperture not your lens. It is mainly used when talking about zoom lenses. Some zoom lenses are fixed aperture lenses meaning you pick the aperture and even if you zoom in and out then the aperture stays the same. A zoom lens with only one aperture number in the description is a fixed aperture lens, for example, the Tamron 28-75mm 2.8. However, there are some zoom lenses that are variable aperture lenses. These lenses change aperture as you zoom in and out. Meaning depending on your focal length the aperture can only go so wide. You have no control over it (to a point). Lenses that have a range of aperture in the description are variable aperture lenses, fore example the Tamron 18-270mm 3.5-6.3. So, if you are shooting at 270mm the widest open you can shoot is f/6.3. Does that make sense? But since your lens is a prime lens and does not zoom you don’t need to worry about “fixed” or “variable” apertures. You get to pick the aperture on your lens. It is confusing. Does this help??
Hello!
I love your site, thanks so much for posting this! So helpful! One questions, I can’t seem to get my f stop lower than 5.0, what am I doing wrong? I have a Canon Rebel.
Thanks!
Heather
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Hey Heather!!
You probably aren’t doing anything wrong. It is your lens. What lens are you using? If you are using your kit lens then at certain focal lengths it may only be able to go as wide as f/5. Let me know what lens you have so we can double check :O)
I have two lenses and I don’t know much about them! One reads: EFS 55-250mm and the other one reads: EFS 18-55 mm. I typically use the latter one. I’ve been trying to shoot in manual mode more – I started a blog in January and have been attempting to take the photos of my food/drinks in manual mode, and my little one turned 3 in June so I have been wanting to take some good photos of him in manual mode as well.
Thank you!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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The 18-55mm is your kit lens and is what is restricting you from getting your aperture to where you want it. The 50mm 1.8 is a fantastic lens for what you will be shooting. Happy birthday to your little one!
SOO helpful. Thank you!
Hi Courtney,
I really love your blog, it is so helpful and you explain things so clearly. I have a couple of questions regarding metering…..
How do you meter off a forehead or cheek, as when I fill my frame with these I cant focus so nothing happens !
And I am struggling with manual, to get the pointer in the middle I have just been turning the wheel to move it to the middle… I guess this is wrong as it moves so much and takes ages at times to get it to 0… and I cant quite understand the shutter speed so wouldn’t know where it should be !
Also when shooting with for example a 50mm 1.8 at about 20 feet,with any aperture and the lowest iso I am getting alot of noise and the shots are just terrible, I am tearing my hair out as I so want to get it right !!!
Thank you for your time and patience !
Katie x
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Welcome!!
You actually don’t need to fill the frame with what you are going to meter off of. You can put your focal point on the check, the distance you want to take the shot, and it will meter off of that for you.
Don’t tear your hair out!! It takes a while to understand how all 3 things work together. Please feel free to email me one of your photos with your settings. I can help you figure out what you should have put your settings on for that shot. courtney@clickitupanotch.com You don’t really want your shutter speed to go below 1/125 or your photo may be blurry. If you get it to 1/125 and your meter is still not in the middle, consider raising your ISO or lowering your aperture number. Your photo shouldn’t be noisy at the lowest ISO. Strange. Email it to me so I can help you :O)
On the photo of your youngest daughter where she is alone and the green background is very blurry, how close are you to her when taking the picture and are you using your prime or a telephoto?
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Hey Elizabeth!
That was taken with my 50mm 1.8. I don’t recall how far away I was from her. Just a few feet, I’m sure :O)
I’ve noticed that sometimes the aperture can go down to F3.something but sometimes it won’t let me dial it down past F5.0 in manual. If I have the shutter speed or ISO set to a certain number, will it stop me from lowering the F number? I can’t figure out why sometimes it lets me and sometimes it won’t…
Amy
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Hey Amy!
It’s your lens that is preventing you from going that low. Are you using your kit lens – 18-55mm. This is called a variable lens which means depending on your focal length that is how wide (low number) your aperture can go. So if you are at 18mm you can go as wide as your lens will let you. My guess that is f/3.5. Then if your lens is zoomed out to 55mm it probably won’t go any wider than f/5.6. My suggestion would be to get a prime lens or a zoom with a fixed aperture. You will know if the zoom has a fixed aperture because there will only be one aperture number behind the lens instead of a range. For example, the Tamron 28-75mm 2.8 is a fixed aperture lens. That means no matter what the focal length YOU decide the aperture. However, if you use a variable aperture lens it has a range of the aperture like your kit lens it looks like this 18-55mm 3.5-5.6.
I could never understand for the life of me the working of my camera, No matter how many times I read up on it. I could never figure out the Aperture mode, ISO and Shutter Speed. But the way you explained it sounds so easy and I think I finally got it!!
Thank you so much and I’m so happy I found this site through Pintrest. your photos are beautiful.
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Welcome!! Yay! I’m glad it’s starting to click with you! Thank you for your sweet words!!!
Hi there
Thanks very much for your review. I do shoot manual and I am always looking for tips and photos to inspire me. One question I have, the photos of the girls are incredibly sharp and clear. Were you using your 50mm f1.8 for those shots? I am going out this lunchtime with my Canon 60d and 50mm prime to get shooting.
Thanks very much
Steve
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Steve,
Yes, I believe that photo was taken with my 50mm. Hope you had fun on your lunchtime shooting!! Let me know if you have any other questions!
Thank you so much for explaining it so clearly!!! I have been taking pictures in A-Dep mod with my Canon T2i and I was frustrated that I could not change Aperture on my Manual Mode… so Thank you thank you thank you!! I am pregnant with my first and have been dieing to buy a lense that is better than my kit lense but the names of the lenses were all mombo jumbo! SO thank you for explaining it all:) I am going out right now to buy the one you mentioned! I can’t wait to read more of your blog!
Thanks!
Cherie
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Congrats on your pregnancy! What a blessing!! We just welcomed our 3rd daughter about 3 months ago! Hope you enjoy your new lens!! Let me know if you have any questions!!
Seriously, you’re a rock star. Your article made it all sound so easy and has given me so much control over my pictures. Thank you, thank you!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Yay!! I’m so happy to hear that you are tackling manual mode!! Seriously, I love the control it gives me over my images!! Let me know if you have any questions!!
hello i love all you work yes i need your help please email me and i will talk to u thank u
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Hey Anwar! Feel free to shoot me an email if you have any specific questions! courtney @ clickitupanotch.com Thanks!!
Thank you for the great post. I do have a question. I have a D5000 and I currently use an 18-250mm f3.5-6.3 lens. I am still getting use to manual and usually end of giving up and going back to auto/no flash. My question is, when I do try manual, why does my shutter speed change after each photo? Is there a way to set it so that it doesn’t change?
Alas, i think i figured it out. It was the bracketing setting…..i think.
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Oh, good! I’m glad you figured it out
just received my new Sony nex f3. I am so ready to get off auto mode!! I am interested in mastering(haha) nature photography. I can walk thru small galleries for hours reveling at photos of trees, paths, waterfalls, leaves, etc
I am so glad I found you here!!
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Welcome!! I love walking around and just shooting for me too :O)
So reading your “How to shoot in manual mode” just gave me a serious A-HA moment!!! I felt like a kid on christmas morning. The you tube video with you changing the ISO, aperature and shutter speed was BRILLIANT. thank you so much!!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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I’m so glad to hear that!! Let me know if you have any questions!!
What an awesome post! I’m not one for reading I’m more of a hands on show me and i’ll learn but your blog is awesome! Even though I don’t have an SLR camera it has still helped me with my manual settings working with the ISO. I’m still trying to figure out how to set the apeture. Not exactly sure if my camera will do it. My main thing is I want to have the shutter speed and the depth of field (where the background is blurred). I just recelty had a baby 2 months ago and LOVE taking pictures of her but there is nothing like a picture that has the main focus on that special object!!
BTW-I have a Sony DSC-H20 I don’t really want to spend the money on an SLR right now so I’m trying to figure out how to use the camera I have and have had for over 3 yrs and just been using the easy mode.
I’m already starting to enjoy Manual mode!
If you have any suggestions with the depth of field/apeture with my camera please send them my way. :O) Thanks a bunch!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Hey! First off, congrats on your new little one!! We have a 4 month old so I know how fun they can be
I am not familiar with the Sony DSC-H20 but I was just looking at it online and saw that it does have manual mode and a variety of ISO features. Yay! The blurry backgrounds are created by your aperture. I wasn’t able to see what your camera can do as far as aperture. The lower the number the wider the aperture. You want to be shooting pretty wide open to get the blurry backgrounds. Probably around f2.8 or lower. Hope that helps!! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hi Courtney,
I’m interested like so many others in switching to manual mode-YAY! I’m going to take your suggestion and buy a new lens that will help me learn. I have a Nikon D3000 and am interested in getting one of the 50mm f/1.8 lenses. I’m seeing two different types for my camera…AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D and AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G. Do you know what the difference is and which might be best to start with?
Also, I’m interested in taking a few family photos while I save and purchase my new lens. One image I’d like to capture is a photo of my husband, infant daughter and myself. I really like the backlighting in some of your photos especially the ones where the sky is a nice golden hue with great bokeh. I have my kit lens and an 18-105mm lens (not sure what the lowest aperture setting is?!?) any suggestions on how I can capture an image like that with what I have currently?
Thank you,
Faith
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Hey Faith!
Check out this post http://www.clickitupanotch.com/2012/04/50mm-1-8-vs-1-4/ I talk about which lens you are should get for the D3000. You would want to get the 50mm 1.8G because it will autofocus where the 50mm 1.8D will not autofocus and you would have to use manual focus. Check out this post for the backlighting – http://www.clickitupanotch.com/2011/03/6-steps-to-create-a-haze-effect-in-photos/(I emailed it to you but I thought I would post it here as well
I am using the sony nex 3 and I am not sure if it has a tickler?
Any one know
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Mmm…I am not familiar with that camera. Check out this post. Maybe it will help – http://photographyconcentrate.com/three-steps-creative-control-sony-nex/
I’m an aspiring photographer and have to say that you have been so helpful. I’ve read my manual, articles online (probably hundreds…literally), tutorials, and so many other things, and this is the first time that I FINALLY understand how to use ISO, Aperture, and SS together to shoot in manual. It just hit me! I’ve always known what they do alone, but now I can practice shooting in Manual (versus Aperture Priority) and not feel like an idiot! My exposure meter is actually doing what it’s supposed to now! Thank you so much for explaining this! You did a wonderful job!
Lauren
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Hey Lauren!
I’m so glad you found this helpful!! Yay!! So glad you are tackling manual mode!! Thanks for your kind words!!
Twitter: foodalogue
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Just discovered your blog and immediately signed up for rss. This is the best explanation (by far!) of aperture, shutter speed and ISO I have ever seen. My favorite tip was in ‘aperture’ about if you’re shooting 2 people vs 5 people. It’s such a simple way to remember.
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Welcome!! I’m so glad you found those tips to be helpful! Please let me know if you have any questions along your journey!!
Thanks so very much for the information! So here’s the question…what if I want a lower aperature, but want to change the focal point of clarity (ie. what I want in focus is say in the bottom left corner, and I want the rest to be blurry)?
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Hey Charissa! So, do you want to change your focal point?? Check out this post – http://www.clickitupanotch.com/2010/09/changing-your-focal-point/ By changing your focal point, what you put the focal point on will be the sharpest part of the image and the rest will slowly blur out if you have a wider (lower number) aperture. Does this help??
thanks SO much!!
I just found your site via pinterest and LOVE it! I have pretty much given up on using my camera any more because any time I try to take pictures of my toddler indoors it is a disaster! My husband bought me a Nikon D3000(with the kit lens) about 4 years ago, and I used to think it was wonderful…this was when I never attempted to take it out of auto mode. When we had our son, 2 years ago, I quickly became obsessed with learning how to shoot in manual mode so that I could take breath taking pictures of him. I learned that it is best to always keep the shutter speed around 1/125…which was no problem if I was shooting out doors in day light…but any time I try to shoot indoors with that shutter speed, no matter how I adjust my iso and aperture, my picture ends up just being completely black. I am so discouraged by this and feel so defeated that I don’t even try to take pictures any more. Sad, I know. Am I just not figuring out the correct aperture and iso formula to keep that shutter speed, or is it just not possible due to my cheapy kit lens?
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Hey Lacey!!
Don’t give up!! It could be a combination of your settings and your lens. Kit lenses are such a challenge indoors with low light. Please feel free to email me one of your images with your ISO, SS, and aperture settings and I can look at it and let you know if it is the settings or the lens/llighting situation.
We will figure this out!! courtney @ clickitupanotch.com
courtney …. i have an olympus e420 could you possibly help me with the “where is” of the f stop and apeture and iso etc. im just new at this and been having fun i am starting my own photography buisness so i probably need to know these and i have found your information the most useful and soooooo thankful for it …. again thank you so much ….chris
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Hey Chris!
I wish I could tell you. Without the manual in hand or the camera in hand I have no idea where it is on that camera. Do you have your manual?? Look up where to change you shutter speed, ISO, and aperture or some call it f-stop. Wish I could help you!
Good luck!
you totally make this “make sense”,however i got lil confused again, on your bowling shoes pic.. when u said to use 2.0 or higher when shooting 2 people on apeture ect… u had the bowling shoe pic set on 3.2 but it still had a great blur without it being on a 1.8 or even 2… why was that pic different then the “people” rule?
)Lovin your blog btw! u make learning so do-able! lol
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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That is a great question! The reason the background is still blurry at f/3.2 is because background is really far away. The background can still be blurry at f/3.2 depending on how far away the background is from the subject. How that makes sense
Definitely the best article I’ve read so far about the exposure triangle, neat, easy to understand and remember! Thank you!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Thanks so much!! Please let me know if you have any questions!!
I’m trying to take a picture of my daughters on the floor with Christmas lights in front of them (in the dark). I have NO idea what I am doing! I have a Canon Rebel, but always use it on automatic! Is there any hope for me?!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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It will be a challenge with automatic. I would check out this post – http://clickitupanotch.com/2012/11/christmas-tree-lights-photos/ Also, if you are shooting on automatic I would still turn off all the lights and turn off your flash. I don’t know how it will work but you can give it a shot
Twitter: natashaylana
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I love how you explained this!
I have a Nikon d5100 what do you have set for auto focus?
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Hey Natasha!
Thanks! Have you checked out this post about changing your focal point? http://www.clickitupanotch.com/2010/09/changing-your-focal-point/ Does this answer your question??
Hi Courtney! Thanks soooo much for these tips! It makes sense…but I keep changing these things to match your examples and such, and I still can’t get my little “ticker” to be at zero. I have a Canon Rebel T3Ii and the lens I use (only one I own at the time) is an18-55 mm. Right this second, my “triangle” settings are at 1/125, F5.6, and ISO 200. What should I do to get my ticker at zero? Is there something else I should look at changing?? Thanks SO much!
*T3i
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Hey Haley!
Unfortunately, my settings will only work for you if you are in the same lighting as I was when I took the shots. I would suggest shooting during the day so you can take advantage of the daylight. If your ticker is still on the ” – ” that means your image is underexposed and you are not getting enough light. I would bump up your ISO or lower your aperture if you can. Hope this helps! Feel free to email me your image with the settings and I can help you figure it out in
clickitupanotch@gmail.com
Oh duh!:) lol I tried it out today in better light, and it did much better! Thanks so much!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Yay! I’m glad it worked out better
Twitter: melaniecgordon
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I just read this for the umpteenth time. I am sure I will be coming back to it over and over and over until I get enough practice in….so simple to read for a beginner.
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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So glad to hear you found it easy to understand! Yay! And congrats on tackling manual mode
Courtney recently posted..Holding on Little Tighter
Hey I would like to say thank you for me and my wife who is taking a photo class . We never even thought of using our camera in the manual mode but since the class I can see all the benefits. I was looking for someone to better help me understand the using of the camera and here you are.
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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How fun that you and your wife are tackling manual mode together
Let me know if you have any questions!!
Just saw your mood lighting post on pinterest, followed it over, and now I’m hooked on your site! You just put that all out in a way I could finally grasp, thank you thank you thank you!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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I’m so glad to hear that!! Welcome! Let me know if you have any questions!!
Twitter: Kerry Robertson
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Hi there, you make this all sound so easy. I just started using a Sony a55. I actually have no idea how to change the aperture number. Please help if you know!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Hey Kerry!! I’m not familiar with the Sony a55 but check out this discussion. http://www.flickr.com/groups/1507977@N21/discuss/72157625562950151/ Let me know if you have any other questions!
Thanks for teaching me! I finally grasp the “exposure triangle” and understand the rules to proper lighting and sharp photos. :]
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Yay!! I’m so glad to hear that!!
Hi I just passed over your site and find it very useful. I have a GE X2600 camera. I’m trying to shoot most of the time in and manual mode as in auto mode they don’t show well. The problem is that from loads of shoots I take only a couple will look ok and by fortune!. I’m asking myself if this camera is a good one or not. I’m using it to take pictures of hamsters inside a room and till now i cannot figure out how to set the manual mode can you please help me as it’s making me so crazy.Thanks in advance.
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Hello!
I’m not familiar with that camera. However, if you are photographing hamsters, I would recommend putting the cage by the window when photographing them so the lighting is great. Good luck!
wow! i have been looking for articles that will really explain to me how to use the manual mode..well there are helpful sites and articles but yours made it easier for me to understand..i just got an lx5 i dodnt purchased a dslr “yet” because i wanna know how to work with the different modes and i think i can learn it using my LX5..
at first i thought the “1/something” that i see on the screen is the ISO hahaha now i know why i dont get the image i want to have…IA is good but i know if i will be accustomed to manual mode..i can have better pictures..
again thank you so much ..:) happy new year!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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So glad you found it helpful!! Best of luck with manual mode
Let me know if you have any questions!!
hi ! yesterday i literally took note of your “remember:” and this morning i took photos again using manual mode and i also relied on the light meter..i remembered that it should always be at “0″
if you have time can you check those photos and i hope you can give a comment on those.
i want someone who is a pro like you to criticize my pictures so i know what to do next time.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/91283861@N06/
the first 4 photos are the pics i took this morning
thanks:) btw im from the philippines
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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So glad you got some shots!! They look good
Twitter: rockriverstitch
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Courtney, Thank you for having such a wonderful blog!! I just read your post and all the comments and believe it helps me more to understand shooting in manual, which I need to learn. I just need to make notecards so I can remember everything. I take all my photos in P and on RAW. Then use my Paint Shop Pro to edit them. I’m so comfortable taking in the P mode. But I think if I switched to manual I could get even better shots. I take mostly nature shots. Lots of bird photos. I’ve tried in manual mode taking pictures of birds, but they are so fast and I don’t seem to have time to be playing with all my settings to get a decent shot. Most of my shots are blurry or dark or over exposed. I give up and go back to my P setting. Maybe I just need to have more patience and keep trying.
Tammy recently posted..Still Here!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Welcome! Birds are tough b/c they don’t sit still. Maybe practice on trees or leaves
They may be more cooperative 
he he Let me know if you have any questions!!
Thanks so much for this. I have been taking a lot of pictures for two years now and have been pretty much afraid of trying the Manual mode. I will try it soon! This really helped me understand a lot about Manual, so thank you for taking time to write this.
I have a Canon SX40 HS that I haven’t played around with much; just used the auto, and then used photoshop for the rest. I really want my photos to be “real”.
Should there be any different settings in the aperture, ISO, and shutter speed, for water photos?
~Emily Albertson
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Hey Emily!
I’m excited to hear you are going to tackle manual mode! The settings change each and every time you take photo depending on the light. So, yes, it will change with water photos depending on the amount of light in your images.
I shoot M through the live screen. is this a bad habit?
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Hey Denise,
No, that isn’t a bad habit but I don’t recommend it. It does drain your battery life faster and since your arms are out stretched instead of close to your body by looking through the view finder you are more likely to get camera shake in your image. Is there a reason you shoot through the live screen??
Thank you so much for this! It was just what I was looking for. I needed explications that were shorter than what is in the manual… so thanks! The info you provided was just right.
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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I’m so glad you found it useful! Those manuals can be hard to understand
WOW …this is the best and clearest explanation of Manuel mode i ve seen so far ! Thank you so much !
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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That is so good to hear!! Thank you!
Hello Courtney, great tutorial I do have a question, I’m a beginner photographer, I’ve been doing it for a year now, and I’m getting the hang of it, but the one problem I’m having with my prime 50mm lens is getting enough detail on my subjects face. On my lcd screen the face of my subject looks fine. Yet when I upload my pictures to my computer I realize that there seems to be lack of DOF in my subjects faces making them look unfocused. I’m not sure if this is because my shutter speed isn’t quick enough, or if I’m doing something wrong. I was wondering if you can help me out, I have a client who wants Head shots, and I’m worried some of their pictures will come out unfocused. Thank you for your help.
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Hey John,
I’d have to see your images with the settings to know for sure but it sounds like your shutter speed may not be fast enough and/or your aperture may be too wide and not getting enough in focus. Have you seen this post?? http://clickitupanotch.com/2011/02/how-to-take-a-sharp-photo/ Feel free to send me an email with your image and settings and I can look at them – clickitupanotch@gmail.com
This is the best reading of learning how to shoot in manual mode that I’ve came across God bless you for this info you put up for free and also these photos are awesome I have to get a 50mm canon lens now LOL.
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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So glad you found it helpful! You’ll love the 50mm
how to focus the written letter in video option by using cannon d3000 cam
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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I’m not sure what you mean. Could you be a little more specific? Thanks!
Hi Courtney,
I have been shooting manual for 6mon now. I own a Nikon D90 and 50mm 1.8f lens. I wish I found your blog before. These 3 tips of yours helped me improve the sharpness in my pictures.
1. Don’t be afraid to increase the ISO in low light. — If the exposure is right, there should not be grain in the pictures.
2. Keep the shutterspeed at or above 1/125. — I used to not increase my ISO fearing grain in the pics, I was using low shutter speed and used to get not so sharp pics of my toddlers in low light.
3. Use backbutton focusing. — I just started this few days ago and I am loving it.
Your articles are very helpful and easy to understand. Thanks so much.
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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That is so great to hear! Those three tips are key for sure! Thanks for the comment
Hi! This blog is fantastic! I am a fellow photog, and I need to get out of Auto Mode! I have been playing with manual for awhile now but I just can’t seem to get the settings right. First of all, I can’t seem to get my lens to focus on anything in maual mode. Is this normal?
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Is your lens on auto focus or manual focus? I shoot on auto focus with manual mode most of the time. Is that the issue you are having?
I’m so so so glad I found this website, via CM! This just adds one more thing to my arsenal of trying to get better with my camera! I can’t wait to go thru this site, post by post, and suck it all in! I’m getting ready to take the Best Darn Beginner class as a SA, so I’m looking forward to that! Thanks so much for this site and being such a great help for people like me!!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Yay! Welcome! You are going to love Shooting 101! That was the first workshop I took at CM and it has so much great information! Let me know if you have any questions along your journey! So excited you are tackling manual mode!
Hi Courtney!
Well I bought a BODY only, Nikon D90. Playing with it, as much as I can. I have a few questions. As I play, I can find the ISO & the f-stop…but confused as to where to look for the ss? I don’t see the 1/1600…etc… Also…should I have it on iso-auto? I am shooting/learning to shoot in manual mode.
Blessings,
Shelly
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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When looking through your view finder the shutter speed won’t read like 1/125 it will just say 125. Does that make sense? If you are shooting in manual mode I don’t leave my ISO on auto. I like to be the one in charge of all my settings (I’m a control freak
Let me know if you have any other questions along your photography journey 
This is a great blog! It made me take out my Cannon SI 3 purchased in 2006, and use it to its full capacity in 2013. I just bought the 50 MM lens and hood and can’t wait to use them. I shot a few photos this past weekend outside in manual mode and LOVED it. Thanks for this easy explanation. I can’t wait to keep using my camera in manual mode.
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Yay! That is awesome you tackled manual mode! So glad you loved it
I do have some additional questions. Since my initial post, I found out that my camera is technically not considered a DSLR. So, I have to purchase a telephoto lens with adapter in order to achieve a similar effect that a 50mm lens would achieve. I did purchase them and I am eagerly waiting their arrival. I have been trying to get that blurred background effect but have a few questions. (it may be due to me not having the correct lens at this point) How far away from the subject(s) (my children) should I be? How much of the zoom on the telephoto lens should I use to achieve this effect?(mm) I am now familiar with the ISO, Aperture, and shutter settings.(thanks to your awesome blog) FYI, I am just an amateur who wants to take great photos of my children. I am not looking to start a business. Thanks so much!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Getting the blurred background is all about the aperture. http://clickitupanotch.com/2010/11/aperture-the-basics/ Hope this helps
I actually played with it this weekend and got a great headshot of my husband. I used f/2.8 and shutter speed of 1/300 or so and it came out great! Thanks so much for the tips on your site! I am now playing with photoshop elements and light room to see which one I like better. I know I can’t afford both. So much to learn!!!
Thanks again!
Venessa
Found your site the other day and I have to say you’ve inspired me to try manual more. Even bought my first lens with your suggestion. Thank you! I can’t tell you how many years I’ve taken photos with my DSLR and still haven’t tried shooting in only manual mode.
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Yay! So excited you are jumping into manual mode! Welcome!
Thank you so much for your tutorial! I have read lots of tutos but this is perfect! Thanks for your work!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Fantastic to hear! Thanks!!
Hi Courtney,
This must be one of the best articles I have come across on photography. You have brilliantly dealt with one of the most complex subjects in photography and with equally good examples. I will definitely switch to Manual Mode ASAP. I am sure that I gonna be bugging you with a lot of questions once I start shooting.
On another note, I am visiting my dad’s village this week end for a festival. It would be great if you can give me some tips on shooting night photos.
Description of the festival:
Annual temple car festival (Rathotsava). Thousands of people would have gathered around the chariot. The event usually starts after 7:00 PM. The next day there would be a festival of colour’s where in people spray friends and family with colored powders and water, and generally go a bit wild in the streets.
Cheers,
Bharath
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Hey Bharath!
Thanks! You can check out this post on night photography – http://clickitupanotch.com/2011/09/6-tips-for-night-photography/ Have fun at the festival! It sounds like a fantastic time!!
Just had to say this was a great post! I just finally got my first “real” lens (a Nikon 35mm 1.8) after using my D70s with it’s kit lens for probably that last 5 years! I used your tutorial and it actually makes some sense to me for the first time in my several attempts to understand how to shoot in manual. Thank so much – love your site!
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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I’m so glad to hear that! I’m sure you will adore your 35mm! Thanks!
This was very helpful and in terms that I can understand. I have been using my kit lens for over a year. I have a Nikon D5100. I was wondering if I should go for the 35 mm or the 50?
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Thanks! That is a tough choice. You can see the difference between 35mm and 50mm here – http://clickitupanotch.com/2011/01/comparing-at-20mm-35mm-and-a-50mm-on-a-crop-sensor-camera/ and http://clickitupanotch.com/2012/03/everything-you-want-to-know-about-camera-lenses-part-5-comparing-different-lenses/
Hi, I tried using aperture,shutter speed and ISO which I tried most of them but still cannot configure out and sometimes even a black page shows on the camera display. I’m adjusting it in f /3.2, shutter speed 1/40 and ISO to 64.
Twitter: clickitupanotch
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Are you photographing at night? Is there enough light??? Be careful with your shutter speed at 1/40 because you may get motion blur.