General photography settings
By Eugene Struthers
Recommended Settings.
Sunset
ISO:- Keep it on 100.
Exposure mode:- Keep it on Aperture Priority (A or Av).
White balance:- Change from auto to cloudy or shade.
Drive mode:- Keep it in continuous.
Metering mode:- Keep it in multi-segment (matrix/evaluative).
Focus points:- Switch to manual so they won't work.
Autofocus mode:- You have switched to manual so this is not applicable.
Three Photography techniques you may want to try:-
1) Just under expose when taking the picture in AV mode
2) Put your camera in AV Aperture priority with a large aperture (small f-number) i.e. f5.6, take a test shot and note down the shutter speed. Then switch to manual mode and input the aperture and then double the shutter speed given from the AV mode.
3) Put your camera on "P" Program mode and take a test picture. Press the information button, and take note of shutter speed and aperture i.e 1/200, f6.3. Then switch your camera on to "Manual mode". Dial in the aperture and shutter speed from the first image. Compose the glamour model between your camera and the sunset. Take the shot. If you experience any problems, you may want to turn your auto function off and put it on to manual focus. To darken the silhouette of the model against the sunset in the background, just increase the shutter speed. Pick one of these to perfect your own technique.
Portraits
ISO:- Keep it on 100 unless light levels drop, then use ISO 200.
Exposure mode:- Aperture Priority mode will assist to control depth of field.
White balance:- Keep it on auto.
Drive mode:- Keep it in continuous to catch the atmosphere of the moment.
Metering mode:- Keep it in multi-segment (matrix/evaluative), switch to Spot metering from your model's face if backlit or if the lighting is mixed.
Focus points:- Use single point and focus on the model's eyes.
Autofocus mode:- Keep it on single shot, so that every frame is crystal clear and sharp.
Nature
ISO:- Keep it on 100 unless you are in the shade, then use ISO 400.
Exposure mode:- Aperture Priority mode will assist to control depth of field.
White balance:- Change it from auto to Daylight.
Drive mode:- Keep it in continuous.Metering mode:- Keep it in multi-segment (matrix/evaluative).
Focus points:- Single point - focus needs to be spot on and accurate.
Autofocus mode:- Single shot, as the subject is static so every frame is crystal clear and sharp.
Pets
ISO:- Keep it on 100 unless light levels drop or shutter speed is too slow, then use ISO 400.
Exposure mode:- Switch to Shutter Priority mode as shutter speed is essential (Aim for 1/250 sec or faster).
White balance:- Keep it on auto as climate conditions may change drastically.
Drive mode:- Keep it in continuous as animals rarely stay still for very long.
Metering mode:- Keep it in multi-segment (matrix/evaluative).
Focus points:- Locate your camera's AF point button and then select an individual focus point.
Autofocus mode:- Keep it on single shot – this will limit the number of blurred shots.
See you all
next month