Going semi-automatic

Believe it or not, most cameras today are semi-automatic - not in the shoot em’ up sort of way. What I mean is that camera settings, such as aperture priority mode (AV) or shutter priority mode (TV), will allow you to control one setting while the camera controls the other. Note: You still have to select the ISO, which can be accessed in your camera’s menu setting.

Why is this helpful? Believe or not, your camera is pretty stupid. All those settings like sunset, night, sports (or as I like to call him, running man) are just factory settings that some programmer put in. They are settings that are based on similar situations that may or may not correctly expose your photo. In addition, settings like AV and TV are baby steps to understanding and using your camera’s manual setting (where you are in control of both aperture and shutter speed).

What exactly is AV and TV mode?

• AV (aperture priority mode)
  - you select the aperture and the camera selects the shutter speed.
  
• TV (shutter priority mode)
  - you select the shutter speed and the camera selects the aperture.
  

How do I know which shutter speed or aperture to use?

• AV
  - The larger the number, the more depth of field you have (the more that is in focus). Opposite for smaller number.
  - You might use a high aperture (high number) if you were taking a photo of a city skyline, or a smaller aperture if you want to isolate a person in your photo from the background.
  
  
  

• TV
  - The smaller the number (smaller the fraction Ex: 1/200) the better your camera will be able to stop motion. Opposite for larger fraction (Ex: 1 second).
  - You might use a high shutter speed if you wanted to take photos at a sports game.

Experiment on your own and see what happens. Feel free to ask questions.

Photo credit: JF Photography