Photogs DON'T Shoot Auto

Anybody who has a DSLR camera and is making money knows this for a fact. Photographers don't shoot auto. What I mean by this is that they don't allow the camera make decisions about how the photo should come out. This separates the amateurs from the professionals.

Automatic mode chooses the shutter speed, ISO, white balance, and f-stop based off of the lighting condition. Then when its too dark, the camera decides to use the built in pop up flash which creates an unflattering image with hard shadows. Auto mode limits the photographer's ability to create and is being run by the camera. By going manual you have total control over your camera and you become boss.

When I first picked up a camera all I wanted to do was make the background blurry and I learned how to do that through adjusting my f-stop. Here's a SIMPLE explanation of the camera I wish someone had told me. It is in no way the correct "scientific" way of explaining it but it helps...

Shutter Speed: How fast the camera clicks. The higher the number the more light you need. Meaning if there is a lot of available light (sunny day outside) shoot at a higher shutter speed. The lower the number the less light you need. Meaning if there is limited light available or you're controlling it (studio, external flash) you need to shoot at a lower shutter speed to allow more light into the camera

ISO: The darker the subject/location the higher the number. (Outside Day 100-200) (Studio 400-600) (Outside Night/no flash allowed 800 above)

F-stop: Clarity and amount of light the camera takes in. (lens plays a factor) Large number-everything in focus. Low number-only selected area in focus everything else is blurry or slightly out of focus.

White Balance: Temperature. Warm/cool settings for whatever look the photographer is trying to achieve.

If you're just a hobby shooter and you bought a DSLR to replace your digital point-and-shoot camera there is nothing wrong with shooting auto. The camera will get the job done just fine BUT if you REALLY want to get the most out of your investment I would strongly encourage you to learn the basics and exploring other modes.