Shooting in manual mode on a DSLR camera gives you full control over your settings, allowing you to take your images according to your creative vision. While it might seem intimidating at first, mastering manual mode is will elevate your skills as a photographer. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started.
Step 1: Switch to Manual Mode
On your DSLR, locate the mode dial found on the top of the camera. Turn it to the "M" for Manual. This mode allows you to control three critical settings: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO which you will be adjusting next.
Step 2: Adjust your Aperture (f-stop)
The aperture controls the size of the lens opening, which affects the amount of light entering the camera as well as the depth of field (the focal length in your image). A lower f-stop, such as f/2.8, creates a shallow depth of field, which will blur the background focusing on your subject. A higher f-stop, such as f/16, creates a deeper depth of field which keeps more of the scene in focus.
To adjust the aperture on a Canon DSLR, rotate the small dial located near the shutter button at the top of the camera while pressing the Av button which is found near the top-left of the camera to change the f-stop. There are many different camera brands so make sure you learn the buttons on your specific camera model as it may be different.
Step 3: Set your Shutter Speed
Shutter speed determines how long the camera’s sensor is exposed to light. A fast shutter speed like 1/1000 sec, will freeze motion which makes it ideal for fast-moving subjects. A slow shutter speed such as 1/30 sec can create motion blur, which is a cool effect perfect for capturing movement, like flowing water or busy streets if that is your vision.
To adjust shutter speed, use the same dial used to change the aperture to change the shutter speed. Simply rotate this dial on its own to change the shutter speed.
Step 4: Set your ISO
ISO controls your camera's sensitivity to light. A low ISO like 100 or 200 is ideal for bright lighting conditions and produces cleaner, sharper images. However, a higher ISO such as 1600 or 3200 is useful in low-light environments but may make your photos look slightly grainy or noisy.
To adjust the ISO, press the ISO button and use the small dial again to increase or decrease the ISO based on the lighting conditions.
Step 5: Check the Exposure Meter
Your DSLR has an in-camera exposure meter that shows how well your current settings will expose the image. You’ll typically see the meter in the viewfinder or on the camera’s screen, represented by a scale with a “+” and “-” symbol. The goal is to get the needle or the indicator in the center, which indicates proper exposure. If the indicator is on the “+” side the image will be overexposed or too bright, and if it's on the “-” side it will be underexposed or too dark.
If the exposure meter shows overexposure or “+”, reduce the amount of light by using a faster shutter speed, a smaller aperture (higher f-stop), or a lower ISO. If it shows underexposure or “-“. increase the light by doing the opposite.
Step 6: Take the Shot
Once you’ve adjusted your settings to your liking, take the shot by pressing the shutter button. Review the image on the screen and check that it looks as you envisioned it to. If it’s not quite right, adjust your aperture, shutter speed, or ISO and try again.
Manual mode may feel difficult at first, but with practice you'll understand how aperture, shutter speed, and ISO interact so you will never turn back to using the preset modes. Make sure to go out and practice in different lighting conditions and environments to see how these settings can change depending on the situation. As you get comfortable with these settings, you’ll unlock the full potential of your camera, capturing beautiful photos!
About the Author
Madison Shannon is a freelance writer and photography enthusiast with a passion for helping others master the art of DSLR photography. When not writing, Madison loves enjoying self-time exploring new things, especially experimenting with unique photography techniques and capturing the beauty of everyday moments.
