How to Choose a Digital Camera Shooting Mode

Digital cameras offer great flexibility in adjusting light and shutter speed, even if you own a point-and-shoot model. Most digital cameras offer landscape modes for keeping distant objects in sharp focus and macro modes for zooming in on the tiniest details. In addition, modes for taking flattering portraits and freezing sports action are included. Understanding a little bit about shooting modes will allow you to choose the correct one for your photographs.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Choose an automatic mode when you have no time to adjust your camera because your subject is getting away. Most digital cameras come with a Program mode, often designated by the letter “P” for quick shooting. This allows the camera’s light sensors to automatically adjust the aperture and shutter to match the available light.
2. Switch your shooting mode to Portrait when you’re ready to photograph people. Often designated by a small head shape, the Portrait mode opens the camera’s aperture and adjusts the shutter speed to allow a sharp focus on your model, while slightly blurring the background, creating emphasis on the person.
3. Pick the Macro mode on your camera when you want to capture the smallest details of a flower or insect. Zoom in close and shoot bugs and the morning’s dewdrops for spectacular photographs that magnify the world around us.
4. Stop the action of sports events and children playing with the Sport mode on your digital camera. With the aperture narrow and a fast shutter speed, you’ll freeze the movement, resulting in a clear action shot. Good lighting when shooting in sports mode is crucial.
5. Light up a model against a bright sunset by choosing the Backlit mode. Instead of ending up with a silhouette of the person against the setting sun, your camera will automatically use its Fill Flash to capture the model’s facial features.
6. Use a tripod when you’re shooting in Night mode. When the light is gone, Night mode will allow you to use extra long shutter speeds to capture fireworks or other night elements, but only if your camera remains perfectly still. You can’t hold the camera still enough with you hands to use night mode but a tripod can.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with your digital camera’s shooting modes to create special effects. The portrait mode is great for food photography and landscape mode makes good panoramic photographs.

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