On your camera there is probably an Automatic setting, denoted on the dial by a green icon of some sort. In this mode the tiny brain inside your camera makes all the decisions regarding shutter speed, aperture, ISO speed, etc. In many situations it’s a handy tool to have in your arsenal. Taking photos at an inside/outside party? You don’t need to worry about changing settings as you move location.

Pros, or the seriously enlightened, will shun Automatic mode and those that use it, labeling them amateurs. When you have a $1500 f2.8 zoom lens it’s easy to act haughty. Automatic mode has its place but also has limitations. The camera will try to capture the best image possible based on the data it is receiving. Taking a photograph of a sunrise with Automatic mode will net you something like this:

Automatic setting: f4, 1/60

The wonderful thing about digital photography is the ability to experiment for free. Back in the day film and processing were expensive, as was setting up your own darkroom. Photography could be frustrating for the neophyte. Luckily this is no longer the case.

Twist that dial away from Automatic. Experiment with both over and under exposing your photographs. Yes, you can make changes in your image editing software but not to the extent you can in your camera.

This photo was underexposed (see the EXIF data for details.) The colors are far more vivid. It’s what a sunrise should look like:

Read your manual and experiment. It’s free, and fun, and you’ll be surprised with the results.

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