![\"Learn](\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/1_IntermediateMonth2-Exposureandlight-7usingmanual.jpg?width=581&height=363\")
<\/li>\n![\"Learn](\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/2_IntermediateMonth2-Exposureandlight-7usingmanual.jpg?width=581&height=363\")
<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nBecause It Slows You Down\u2026<\/h3>\n
\nAll photographers have found themselves in that situation where they\u2019ve just shot too many pictures of the same subject! Digital photography makes it easy to blast away without really thinking about which aperture or shutter speed is being selected, but switching to manual mode slows you down and forces you to take a more considered approach to your picture taking.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
![\"Learn](\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/3_IntermediateMonth2-Exposureandlight-7usingmanual.jpg?width=1500&height=1000\")
\u00a9 Daniel H. Bailey<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The result is quality over quantity. By considering carefully which shutter speed best captures the movement in your scene, and which aperture gives you the right depth-of-field, you will end up with fewer pictures, but these pictures will look like you want them to.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
When You Need Consistency<\/h3>\n
\nSmall changes in composition or the position of objects in the frame can cause automatic exposure systems to make small adjustments in camera settings. Even a third of a stop change in aperture or shutter speed can make a noticeable difference to a picture\u2019s brightness, which can be a problem if you need consistency between frames. You might be shooting a sequence of pictures that all need to look the same. Or you might be creating frames that will be merged together later as a composite or multiple exposure.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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\u00a9 Jack Graham<\/li>\n![\"\u201cLearn](\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/5_IntermediateMonth2-Exposureandlight-7usingmanual.jpg?width=581\")
\u00a9 Jack Graham<\/li>\n![\"\u201cLearn](\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/6_IntermediateMonth2-Exposureandlight-7usingmanual.jpg?width=581\")
\u00a9 Jack Graham<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nIn this case, set aperture, shutter speed, and ISO using manual, so the values won\u2019t change even if you slightly recompose.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
When Using Studio Flash<\/h3>\n
\nIf there is one time when you don\u2019t want your camera to go changing shutter speed, aperture, or ISO without you noticing, it\u2019s when you\u2019re using studio flash. This is because the ambient light detected by the camera bears no resemblance to the light that will be produced by the flashes. It\u2019s best to manually set a shutter speed, aperture, and ISO that suits the flash power you\u2019ve set.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
When Photographing Moving Subjects<\/h3>\n
\nThis is one time when \u2013\u00a0generally speaking \u2013 you\u2019re better off steering clear of manual mode. If the light changes as you\u2019re following your subject, then you could end up with photos that are badly exposed. Leave the adjustments to your camera by choosing an automatic or semi-automatic mode instead.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
When You Need to Concentrate on What\u2019s Happening<\/h3>\n
\nAgain, this is a situation when manual mode can be more of a curse then a blessing. You might be able to make adjustments to changing conditions yourself, but when doing so means you are paying less attention to your subject, you might be better off with a semi-automatic mode like shutter priority or aperture priority. A good example is portraiture, which relies more on interpersonal skills and forming a connection with your subject than being in full control of camera settings.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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\u00a9 Xing Liu<\/li>\n![\"Learn](\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/8_IntermediateMonth2-Exposureandlight-7usingmanual.jpg?width=581\")
\u00a9 Xing Liu<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhen You Need to Sharpen Your Skills<\/h3>\n
\nEvery now and again it\u2019s good to shoot something in manual mode, simply for the experience. Remind yourself of the purpose of apertures and shutter speeds by making a choice about them without assistance. It will make you a better photographer \u2013 even when you\u2019ve switched back to automatic!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Your Next Steps<\/h3>\n