Two ways to get your camera out of
Auto mode!
Is your camera is set on auto mode? Don’t worry, you’re not alone…you’re just like most people!
I understand! That fancy camera of yours can be overwhelming and intimidating. As much as you want to take amazing pics of your family and friends, those knobs and buttons just sit there mocking and laughing at you. So you do what most people with a new camera do? Switch to Auto mode.
You may even take some really great pictures in auto! The problem is, when you’re in auto mode, you’re only using 10% of your camera’s capabilities. Which means if you stay there, you aren’t getting the most out of your investment.
I am going to give you a few tips to get out of Auto mode without the frustration of full on Manual mode.
1. How to Get that Blurry Background
One of the biggest questions I get asked is, “How do I make my background blurry?” Believe it or not, you can actually take some pretty decent photos with your DSLR camera you’ve already got. And, even better, you don’t have to know how to shoot in manual mode!
Spin the dial on the top of your camera until you see the “A” or “Av” mode. This stands for Aperture Priority {just be careful you’re not on the green automatic mode}. Next, spin the dial close to your right thumb or pointer finger. As you spin that dial, watch the numbers on your camera {they’ll probably be weird numbers like 3.5 and 5.6, etc}. I want you to spin your dial to the SMALLEST number!
When you have a small number, you will also have a really small area in focus — giving you that beautiful portrait look you’ve been craving! A note about your camera lens: the “kit” lens that came with your camera is fairly basic and the blur may be subtle. Invest in a fancier lens and you’ll see more blur!
** If you’re struggling to understand the aperture priority mode, there’s another setting that you may like! The portrait setting. I’m often asked how to get your kids or friends in focus with a blurred background. The portrait setting will make that happen. (And this isn't the same thing as the portrait mode filter on your smartphone.)
If you’re going to use an automatic setting, portrait mode will get you clear, beautiful photos. This is the setting that looks like the lady wearing a hat or the profile of a person.
2. How to take pictures of moving objects. (Kids, pets etc.)
Taking pictures of moving kids is very hard. Whether your kids are in sports or just very active, you may want to try Shutter Priority Mode.
Spin your dial again until you see “S”or “Tv” — that’s shutter priority. With your right pointer finger or thumb, spin your dial and watch your numbers. What you’re seeing is actually a fraction; meaning 800 actually means 1/800 of a second! To ensure your kiddos are no longer blurry in your photos, make sure you’re using a fast shutter speed. A good rule of thumb? Keep your shutter speed above 400. If your subject is sitting still or sleeping you may be able to go lower but be careful! Lower shutter speeds will capture YOUR movement so be sure to support your camera and stand very still. If your subject is running or jumping, you may need to increase your shutter speed to freeze the motion.
If you are having trouble with this, You can select the setting that looks like a person running.
Why am I sharing these tips with you?
We are part of the most documented generation of all time but there are hardly any printed photos to show for it. Everything is online and posted to social media, but few are actually printed on paper. This is why I want you to get the most out of your camera. The better you are at using it, the better you’ll be able to tell your story.
Let me help you become the boss of your camera!
My photography workshop covers all of the basics, like holding your camera and using accessories, and also gets into more advanced things like photo composition, shooting in manual mode and photo editing.
So whether you’re a beginning photographer who has no idea how to take a good photo or someone who’s taken a college course but needs a refresher, this course has got you covered; with personal attention to help you succeed!
Click the link HERE for more information if you are interested.