I recently heard the P button that features on all SLR (single lens reflex) cameras described as the Professional button. Of course it’s a bit tongue in cheek, but what that photographer was referring to is that if you stick to the P mode the camera will make all your photographs look like they were shot by a professional photographer! To some extent I have to agree that the modern camera has become quite sophisticated that you can almost “get away” with leaving the camera on the Program mode. But where’s the fun in that, and what are all those other modes for anyway? (I can hear you saying) More importantly, if you enjoy photography then I would suggest that you should be take hold firmly of the steering wheel and guiding your camera deliberately around the creative corners to achieve the image you would have it (i.e. the camera) take.
A simple example. When I shoot a landscape, I want all my image to be in focus, however when I shoot a portrait I want to achieve a shallow depth of field (background out of focus, foreground in focus) and draw the viewer into the subject. A good starting point is the portrait-mode and landscape-modes that exists on most entry level digital cameras. These go a long way to achieving the look that we wish to achieve, but with some basic knowledge of managing exposure through the manipulation of aperture and shutter speed we can go much further.
Have I whet your appetite? I hope so. This technique will be demonstrated during my upcoming workshop on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 July. Over the next 10 days I will raise a new technique or discussion topic that we will be looking at during this short workshop. There are only 8 places available and there are still a few spots available. Please act fast and book today. Bookings will close on Thursday 22 July or when all the places have been filled. Book now.
