When I get emails from brand new dSLR owners, this question is often among them. It’s the tell-tale sign of a brand-stinkin’-new dSLR owner who has no experience with photography. And that’s okay. Everyone has to start somewhere. Sometimes when you’re so new, you don’t even know what to ask to get you on the right track.
The answer, of course, is there is no ‘best setting’. Photography isn’t that cut and dry. You can’t make a list that says, for portraits use an ISO of _____, a shutter speed of ______, and an aperture of _______.
Such a thing would be impossible. You might as well use Auto.
Every photo depends on the following variables (and more!)…
- available light
- time of day
- distance to your subject
- number of subjects or what you want in focus
- moving or still subject
- indoors or out
- purpose / output of the image
And sometimes, even within a single photo session, those variables change. Therefore, without seeing the same instance you are seeing, there are no “best settings” that work across all of those variables.
Photography will require you to take some initiative and educate yourself. And nothing flags you as a beginner more than searching for a formula of best settings for your shots.
Learn the exposure triangle, how those settings overlap and interact. Learn your in-camera meter and when to trust it, and when to think over what it tells you. Start with 31 Days to a Better Photo and Bryan Peterson’s book Understanding Exposure.
Come back tomorrow, we’re going to talk about shooting in public.
I’m a newbie. So I can appreciate this post! I’m going through your 31 days to a better photo series and I had already ordered Understanding exposure. Thanks for the tips!
I ordered Understanding Exposure (even tho I feel I understand it pretty well) on the iPad & was reading it within 2 minutes!! ♥ that darn iPad!!!
I ordered Understanding Exposure (even tho I feel I understand it pretty well) on the iPad & was reading it within 2 minutes!! ♥ that darn iPad!!!
I’ve had that book for a while and need to dig into it again going sloooowly. So glad you recommend it.
I have been waiting so impatiently for this series, Darcy! Yet another one I can send all my friends to for tips. You rock.
xo
Understanding Exposure was the first photography book I ever bought. I keep it on my desk and still go back and refer to it when I have questions. I think every budding photographer should read it!
I’m going to have to go back and read your 31 Days to a Better Photo. These are wonderful tips – thank you so much for taking the time to share!
bellissimi post Dracy, come sempre.
Ti seguo con affetto
Brunella
I definitely wave those beginner flags.
this should be a fun 31 days!
I’m definitely enjoying this series! My husband just got me PS CS5 Extended for my birthday. I feel so unworthy! I must take better pictures….now!
I’m also a 31 Dayer….
I don’t even know what an sLDR is.. have to google it!
I don’t know either!!!!
I remember taking a nikon school course two years ago when I got my camera and the answer to almost every question about settings was ” it depends”. It was frustrating, but now I get it!
I used to be so much better with all my settings, but I am embarrassed to say that I have become extremely lazy and use auto. It’s a shame… I know ;(
Hi Darcy,
I am a new dSLR user, and yes, I wanted to have those blanks filled in:) I’ve gotten out twice with my camera this week. The lights came on for understanding the in-camera meter, and the switch is on to manual shooting:) I also ordered a copy of Peterson’s book at the library. Thanks for this series!
i’ve read the book… read the posts… still struggling to find perfect exposure, that creamy, crisp image. ..