DSLR Users: Shooting in Manual?

[Ryan]

I had someone send me a message asking for info about how to use your dSLR and shoot in manual mode (meaning you control the settings of the camera, rather than shooting in automatic mode, where the camera decides everything for you).

If you have a dSLR, the main reason you'd want to shoot in manual mode is to go without a flash when possible, for a more natural look (and no golden eyes), or you may want to control the depth of field (how the background of a photos blurs slightly). Using the built-in flash on your camera can not only wash out your subject and create some unnatural highlights, but it also tends to cast harsh shadows in your images.

Here's a few examples of photos taken when shooting in manual:

A couple of people:

If there are enough dSLRs users here, and you think it would be helpful, I'd be happy to write a tutorial and answer questions if I can. I just don't want to spend the time doing it if no one is interested in reading it, or if you don't think it would be useful.

[Carole (*Koda*Monty*Bindi)]

Oh I'd would be incredibly interested in reading it if you're willing! Thank you!

~Carole

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

I also would love to learn. I shoot in automatic and the "P" mode mostly. My husband will play around with the "A" and "S" mode because he "gets it" better than I do. I just can't seem to wrap my hands around the Aperture settings...at least, on the fly. If I get my notes out and preset up the f stops, etc. then I might get what I want. But to just be out there shooting and changing settings is overwhelming for me!!! I think it is an age thing...lol

[Kathy (Ellie & Oliver)]

I would also be interested in reading any info that you have to share. I'm planning on purchasing a dSLR camera soon. Thank you for offering to share your expertise!!

[Sue]

I understand manual. My problem is getting the snow to look white instead of grey, and taking pics of dark colored dogs on snow. Should I use plus or minus exposure value? thanks

[Ryan]

Wow, this is a really tough one. If you raise your exposure, the white of the snow is going to lose definition and become overpowering. But, if you lower the exposure, you'll lose more definition on the dark doodle.

If I were shooting this situation, I'd do it one of two ways:

1. I'd use a flash aimed directly at the dog's face or body. Play with how far away from the dog you are. The key will be finding a distance where you are far enough away to not overpower the dog with the flash, but not so far away that it does no good. I'd think about 5-10 feet, depending on the camera and flash, should give you enough of a highlight to bring out more detail on the pup. Then manipulate in Photoshop, etc.

2. Shoot without a flash and tweak in Adobe Lightroom, or a similar software. There is a setting in Lightroom for Fill Light, which does just that: it fills the image with light, bringing out details even in the hard shadows. I use this method A LOT on my two schnauzers, who brown eyes are often lost in their black spots.

Downside to this method: depending on your camera's resolution, you might get grainy images when adding fill light. The software is basically adding or enhancing details that may or may not be there, so image quality can be compromised. If it's a subtle adjustment, no big deal.

Also, if you go this route, make sure you are shooting in RAW and not JPG, if your camera supports it and you have editing software to manipulate the software. RAW captures more data than the JPG format, which means you'll be able to manipulate the photos more (the trade off: larger size of images, which means fewer images per card).

[Sue]

One more question about the Adobe Lightroom. Is this a stand alone program for editing? Will it support a plugin like topaz? I'm using a Nikon d300.

[Sue]

Thank you! I am using matrix metering, so the whole scene is taken into consideration. I guess I will experiment this winter with different adjustments. I don't have a post-processing program yet. Looking into Lightroom 2, or Elements 8.
Haven't tried shooting in RAW yet, but eventually will try it.

Sue

[Elaine]

Thank you for the info...I've been in this group about a week and have already learned new things to try with my camara! I am so excited to see if Leo (my dog) will be as excited as me!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I think there are many of us who have or want to get a dSLR and that there would be lots of interest in and appreciation for a tutorial.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Beautiful pictures BTW.

[Jersey, Jasmine, Jypsy and Diane]

Thanks Ryan for the tutorial, I'm interested too.

[Ann Kendig]

That would be great, thank you!