In this point-and-click world you might think that there’s no need for manual DSLR photography, but a DSLR really does open up so many more photographic possibilities. Mastering manual mode can be tough for the beginner though. There’s quite a bit of new terminology and a lot of moving parts that can throw you off track. That said, if you focus on the basics (and have a photography cheat sheet nearby) you can master it all with a little patience.
Beginning Photography Vocabulary
Before you start working in manual mode, you have to have a good understanding of photography terminology, so let’s review some common terms.
DSLR – Digital Single Lens Reflex. A type of camera that uses mirrors to reflect the image through the lens and back to the viewfinder. These cameras have larger sensors than most point-and-click cameras so they can create a much higher image quality, even with the same pixel size.
Aperture – The hole that lets light into your camera. It can be adjusted to various widths that are known as f-stops.
Shutter – The apparatus that opens and closes to let light into your camera. It can be set to different speeds.
Film Speed (ISO) – This used to be the rating of an individual roll of film. In a digital camera, it refers to your camera’s sensitivity to light.
Light Meter – A scale that measures the amount of light that is currently being let into your camera. It will tell you if you have too much, too little, or just enough light.
Depth of Field – How much space in the photo is in focus. If the background, middle ground and foreground are in focus, it is a wide depth of field. If only one slice of space is in focus, it is a narrow depth of field (also known as selective focus). Depth of field is controlled by the aperture.
Photo Noise – This refers to a loss of smoothness and crispness in a photo as you raise the ISO.
Learning to Shoot in Manual Mode
The video below will walk you through all of the basics to learn how to shoot in manual mode. You will learn how to set your aperture and shutter speed to get different effects, all while using your light meter to keep your photos properly exposed.
I’ve also included a free download of a photography cheat sheet that will help you navigate your camera as you start out. It’s also a coloring sheet just for some added fun.
Free Photography Cheat Sheet Download
Click on the link below to download a printable PDF of the Photography Cheat Sheet.
I hope these tools will help you as you start down the path of DSLR photography. Start slow and practice every day, and you’ll soon be taking great shots without a second thought. Good Luck!