Shooting in Semi-Automatic Mode!

Certainly having digital cameras that shoots in automatic or programmed mode has opened up photography to a much larger number of people.  Not only that,  it allows many more of us to just grab a camera and get some pretty decent shots.   In most instances they really do a great job for us.

But if you are interested in becoming more creative with your DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera you should periodically move out of Automatic or Program mode.  Now many of the compact cameras allow you control many aspects of the camera just like a DSLR.

You have three more primary modes to choose from, Aperture, Shutter and Manual modes.   It is usually suggested that you start with Aperture mode.  This is where you select the Aperture, the size of the opening in the lens that lets the light in, and let the camera select the shutter speed in order for it to make the correct exposure. 

Some camera manufacturers use different terminology for this so visit your manual and learn how to select Aperture mode.

Then read yesterdays entry and play with DOF (depth of field) by selecting different apertures from one extreme to the other and compare the results. 

Give it a try, take a chance and if you get confused, contact a mentor!