Master Your Camera: A Guide to Shooting Modes for Stunning Photos

The shooting modes in photographic cameras help the photographer to quickly set up the camera and get professional arrangements, and they differ to a slight extent in terms of code between Canon, Sony and Nikon cameras.

1- Manual mode (M on all cameras)

This mode is denoted by M, short for Manual, meaning the manual mode. It is the mode used by professional photographers. In it, the photographer must choose the elements of the exposure triangle himself (aperture, shutter speed, ISO sensitivity) and change them as desired to obtain a suitable exposure.

2- Shutter Speed ​​Priority Mode (TV on Canon and S in Nikon and Sony)

In this mode the shutter speed takes priority. The photographer chooses the appropriate shutter speed and lets the camera regulate the rest of the settings in the aperture and ISO. It is used in sports photography situations and when your main goal is to freeze action by choosing a high shutter speed and letting the camera regulate the rest of the settings.

This mode is also used for long exposure, that is, when we want to use a slow shutter speed to obtain movement in the image.

3- Aperture Priority Mode (AV on Canon and A in Nikon and Sony)

In this mode, you can control the aperture and the camera automatically regulates the shutter speed and sensitivity to light. This mode is useful for people who want to have background isolation or photograph in low light settings. Thus, they are able to open the lens properly and let the camera choose the rest of the settings automatically.

4- Program Mode (P in all cameras)

Program mode P is a good option for learning to shoot in mode M because the camera selects the elements of the exposure triangle automatically. Here you can record your notes of what the camera has chosen, switch to manual mode to apply it, and get the same image.

In this mode, the photographer can intervene and change one of the exposure elements, such as aperture, shutter speed, or ISO sensitivity, and the camera will change the rest of them.

In software mode P, the camera will choose the three settings that control your exposure: Light sensitivity, ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. But it will allow you to set other things like white balance, focus mode and driving mode.

You can also change to whichever setting you want to use, such as the f / 4 aperture, for example. The camera will adjust other settings to give you a good exposure. So, it's actually a really useful mode to help you get familiar with exposure.

Use programming mode as an educational tool. Let the camera choose the exposure, then go to your choice and order the same settings yourself using the practice manual mode.

Return to Program Mode any time you need to grab a quick snapshot and you don't have time to tinker with the settings. And if the light changes too quickly, and you have a moving subject that you might miss if you take too long, these are good times to use Program Mode if you are not sure what to do.

5- The automatic mode - green

This mode is intended for novice photographers, we never recommend using it because it leaves the camera to choose all the elements of exposure and usually does not result in a professional photo.

Yes, this situation can be resorted to when you have to shoot quickly without the appropriate time to set up the camera, or when you ask another person to photograph you and you know that he does not have any experience with photography.