APERTURE priority vs MANUAL mode for landscape photography

[@ralphwatson7036]

Dipping into some of Mads' older videos today. There are some great nuggets back here. He explains in detail.

[@boscoe2]

Every video of Mads' that I watch always has a few take aways of something new I learn and am anxious to go out and try. Great teacher with a style very well suited to reaching his audience.

[@rscottadams7082]

Excellent presentation. The “cloth” technique around misty, moving water was one of those “Duh!” moments for me and now a nice microfiber square is part of the kit for that use only.

[@MarcTerryPhotography]

Hi, as a newish photographer, I have always been pushed away from Aperture and Sutter speed modes and told it's manual of nothing by a camera club I was in. I started to use Aperture priority a lot from last summer and I have started to really enjoy my photography again and have some amazing shots I know, I would have missed or messed up on manual mode. I never knew what the exposure compensation wheel did and always left it on 0. Now I have another thing to learn. Thank you.

[@azpiazu]

Esch mode has its uses and benefits. Shuttee prio is also useful if you are doing street, so youncan decide wether to freeze or to allow movement and and let aperture and ISO be auto so youncsn get quick snaps and peoperly exposed.

[@Sapphire61]

Click! No not the shutter button, but my brain *finally* understanding the concept. Typically making it much more complicated than it actually is. Thank you for your patience and fabulous teaching.

[@mountainfrost7095]

If someone asks what meditation is? point them to videos of Mads. Your voice and photographs are so soothing. 👍

[@madeleinegille383]

Tack snälla du för så himla bra filmer. Jag har fotat några år men först nu börjat med landskap. Ska prova dina tips i skogen höst. Ska bara hitta några bra platser. Har redan hittat en lång brygga som jag ska börja med🙂📸 Stort tack igen!

[@steffen3112]

Finally someone - YOU - are helping us, beginners and others I'm sure, to really understand what is going with this and that. GREAT VIDOES .. and what a fantastic e-book you have made. All very inspiring and now a new hobby for me. Thanks - tak Mads.

[@areadinglight8465]

I think I found a teacher in you to advance my skills; I've come to understand that good videography and photography involves a great deal of patience, the ability to be at the right place at the right time and an understanding of what your equipment can do. Your vocal tone, the patient way you move from point to point exemplifies the good traits of a fisherman, and of course your apparent mastery in your photos themselves speak for themselves. I'll be taking a look at your classes and books, thank you so much.

[@savagefrieze4675]

Good video Mads. Can’t wait for Nick’s rebuttal. The way I’m thinking about it now: when I walking around or doing sports photography in the environments I shoot in, I leave the cameraman aperture priority and auto iso. Get a shot, and the switch to manual when I settle in. As soon as the camera goes on the tripod it is set to full manual. That way I’m thinking about what I want out of a image. When anything is in auto the camera is still choosing the exposure vale and not changing it. Change aperture only changes the depth of field not the exposure value and I like to change values and expose for different parts of a scene.

[@lizr7979]

Mads I can't get enough of the little gems you share with us. Making the technical as easy as possible is just what I'm after. Thank you!

[@reiddickson]

I love the photo at 8:00... That's definitely one I'd print if I were you; it'd probably look incredible on paper.

[@larrywillette28]

thanks for the clear, calm and easy to stay focused, guidance! Beginner here!

[@rkdazet]

Thank you Mads! Excellent! Enjoying your excellent photographs and leaning at the same time. I couldn't ask for more! I notice that you often have fog in your settings. I love fog! it just adds so much to the mood of a photograph. It just doesn't happen much around here where I live. Photography is just a hobby for me. Railroad photography is one of my main interests. I view it as often a combination of landscape and action photograph where I have to control my shutter speed and my aperture. Shutter speed of at least 1/800 and aperture as small as possible for depth of field so at least f8 or smaller. So I'm in manual with auto ISO (camera is the A7III). It is a totally different and complex ball game because one needs a train, good light and sun angle and a nice landscape and they rarely happen all at the same time. The trains where I live are mainly freight trains and don't operate on any establish schedule like all the passenger trains in Europe. I've waited for hours on occasion. It requires a lot of patience and the ability to enjoy local Utah wildlife and landscape. A second camera for those is helpful! Thanks again! Your tutorials are extremely helpful to an enthusiast like myself who is trying to improve his skill and so inspirational!

[@rogerjensen2037]

Great tip on photographing in wet sprays with manual settings.

[@ottowalch7233]

Hallo Mads! I take most photos also in aperture mode (80%). In two case I use M. 1.) If I make panoramas, I often have to stitch them with PTGui to get an interesting photo, where i can make a turn-around in the photo. 2.)The second need to take manuel mode is, if I make quik-motion sessions. I am operating afterward with LRTimelapse to get a good mood. I like your videos and I learn many things from you. The next adventure with you is the Photoshop Course. Thank you for all.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Ah yes, that sounds like what I would do too. I do however, often make time lapse video in aperture priority for the sake of now having to deal with the camera. It can be a little uneven, but usually does the job :)

[@NickPage]

Oh man oh man, am I going to have to create a video retort? :-) I would argue that once a person gets quick with manual mode it’s just as easy and fast as aperture priority, only you’re making the decisions instead of the little black box. Regardless you made your case well! Great video man

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Haha, thanks Nick. I guess we'll both benefit from increased views so by all means go ahead 😁👍 As I mentioned in the end'ish part of the outdoor sequence it is not often and it doesn't make a massive difference, but I would definitely argue Ap requires less fiddling with the camera 😁 Though, I would prefer to see a video on that 70-300 lens you showed off on Instagram 😉

[@Molybdan42]

If you turn the dial to change the exp.comp. or the shutter speed makes no difference in the end. It has nothing to do with "you’re making the decisions". Like Mads said, your shutter speed is determined by the exposure anyway.

[@johnhubble5156]

Nick, let me give you another perspective on this. I started photography in the 1970's with an East German Praktika SLR. It had TTL metering in the form of a match needle i.e. adjust exposure until the needle crossed a circle. Three of the four lenses I used had no form of stop down coupling to the meter so the process was: open the lens fully to get enough light to focus by, focus, and then stop down to the aperture you wanted to use and hope there was enough light to still see the meter needle to adjust your shutter speed. Exposure compensation was a matter of experience earned at the cost of many rolls of expensive film. Some times "you making the decisions" is great in theory but a pain in the ass in practice.

[@savagefrieze4675]

Nick, Can’t wait for Your rebuttal. The way I’m thinking about it now: when I walking around or doing sports photography in the environments I shoot in, I leave the cameraman aperture priority and auto iso. Get a shot, and the switch to manual when I settle in. As soon as the camera goes on the tripod it is set to full manual. That way I’m thinking about what I want out of a image. When anything is in auto the camera is still choosing the exposure vale and not changing it. Change aperture only changes the depth of field not the exposure value and I like to change values and expose for different parts of a scene.

[@davidmedeiros7572]

The little black box argument is a bit much, since you can see exactly what the camera is doing to each variable for exposure, nothing is really hidden that I can think of. You just relinquish the need to pre calculate these settings and manually enter them. I for one love the freedom of shooting in Ap and using exposure compensation for most of my work. But I've been doing this for a long time and know how to shoot manually (and often do for shots that require the extra control like long exposures etc). But I do think starting with Ap before fully understanding exposure or manual control is a mistake for most new shooters. In the end the best advice is usually 'whatever works best for you'. The results are what should usually be emphasized, not the methods.

[@tonytwyman]

Man you are so chilled but deliver with such passion.... great vid

[@dantera1983]

The tip about burst shooting and the lens cloth at waterfalls is pure genius! Wish I'd thought of that!

[@aurorasmith4632]

I absolutely loved this video, I'm just starting so there's a lot I didn't understand, but I can look at it as times as I need too. Thank you so much for taking the time to carry me with you on your journey.....

[@joanncampbell2472]

thank you for explaining things in a non complex way. I have always wondered how one thing relates to another through trial and error. Your videos make it so much easier to understand.

[@robertr3487]

Dear Peter, i love your video’s. You explain everything very well. I am glued to your explainations. Also I absolutely love your pictures. Your an artist. Thank you Peter. Robert Rua

[@davidcrossley7145]

Your tree reflection photo is amazing. And as you said aperture priority give a perfect exposure superb 👍

[@donovans.5241]

As an amateur photographer I love your videos. The way you explain things make so much sense. You should put together a landscape photography master class online! I'd take it 💯!

[@paulverzantvoort9984]

Thanks Mads. I enjoy your videos for 2 reasons: 1) great content, explanation, etc. 2) damn I love the sceneries ❤️👍🏻...dramatic with serene beauty and mystification!

[@dolly_llamas_tea]

Wow!! You’re videos are so well put together!! Thank you for providing outstanding information.

[@jhonnybakkenphotography]

This one really took of. Just to get it right. Even if I have chosen to use Manual mode, there is now way I can justify Manual over Aperture. My choice to use Manual has always been as personal as it can be. Have loved Your videos , workflow and images since I first saw Your images on IG and KZbin. And I have loved Nick Page's videos, workflow and images just as much. There are a ton of amazing and wonderful images online that have been made in Automatic mode too, even JPG. How we shoot, what genre, whatever mode and if it's RAW or JPG doesn't matter at all as long as we love our work, and it gives us joy and happiness. I have fallen in love with Manual mode, and love using that. That doesn't mean my way of shooting images is the right way. a long time back someone said that all roads leads to Rome. Same with this wonderful hoppy and work Photographing. That fits the way of Photographing too, whatever Mode You chose or like with in the end lead to that "ONE" image You have been dreaming of. Practice, practice and then more practice is more important and being out shooting is more important than what Mode you use, at least that my simple answer to this. Thanks for some wonderful work from both You Mads, but also Nick.

[@gneeliesandthings6396]

How can this guy not have a million subscribers? Excellent insights and tip. Thanks very much!

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thank you so much! Hopefully I will cross the 100k very soon :)

[@stevenlennie]

I asked about your L-Bracket on the last video. I managed to get the Small Rig one and it’s perfect. Cheers for the help.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Great to hear, Steven :)

[@MsPernickety]

Me too.

[@azpiazu]

I was getting up to date with some videos I missed and just found this one. I usually use A, and only change to M in two situations: when there is running water present and Inwant to get some particular effect (silky or frozen, basically), or when it is windy and I do need a fast speed to avid movement. In this latter case I set aperture ans shutter speed, and just leave ISO in auto so it gets a proper exposure.

[@kittyclerico18]

This is great encouragement for novice photographers. No need to make the process complicated! Loved the calm, serene photos.

[@knutasper6830]

Loved the tip about using ISO to increase the shutter speed in Aperture priority

[@lisasimpson9343]

Interesting will def try aperture priority. I use mainly manual and I think it is important as you are learning to do this and then start experimenting with things like aperture priority.

[@domhaughton6809]

You've got me thinking this morning Mads. I'm a 95% aperture priority photographer but most of what I do is seascape where shutter speed is so important. I usually control it with ND filters and exposure compensation, but now I'm thinking I should use manual more often.

[@AmericanPatriot447]

Love your work brother! And your approach to landscape photography.

[@hurleygreen927]

MANY THANKS FOR THIS TUTORIAL! I admit that I shoot mostly in Manual mode. but I do find Aperrture Priority very helpful in outside or Landscape situations...thanks again!

[@subarnarekhaganguly3448]

Thank you .lovely video.it is also easy to understand as you speak in a balanced pace.i love your photos. I also love to shoit landscape. I am from India.

[@deniseg9047]

Fabulous instructional video, Mads.

[@ianslingsby682]

It's the photo that counts every time, doesn't matter which dials you twiddled to get it. You and Nick have the eye for composition which is the real "manual" mode that makes the difference. I shoot landscape, wildlife, macro, pretty much everything, spending quality time behind the camera and you soon learn which mode to use (often from mistakes). As a Canon user there is also the F mode to throw into the equation...

[@oddsparrow8522]

Interesting - but I rather use Auto ISO instead if I go Auto. Im a manual shooter normally and want to decide the motion blur and dof. If I want to go Auto - I go ISO - I could always work with the noice and lack of dynamic range. I can't solve wrong dof or wrong motion blur. I have had that thinking sens my first digital camera in 2001 (Canon D30). That was that biggest advantage to go DSLR except the film cost for me . And during this time the sensor have been better and better and it have given me more and more possibility in that kind of workflow. Nothing right or wrong just different shooting technics. Really like your Denmark serie - really good work

[@joedwardes8041]

Thank you, Mads. As ever, you give a simple, clear explanation and illustrate it beautifully with your stunning photos. Always such a treat to watch. 👍

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thanks a lot, Jo! :)

[@harttschoolguitar]

Great explanation. While I usually shoot in Aperture mode I never analyzed why and when I switched to manual other than as you explained, night photography.

[@tonypulido8127]

It’s like you read my mind. I was just thinking about this, this morning! Thank you!!

[@davidstarkey3002]

I use manual mode most of the time , as soon as i got my first DSLR i said right just put it in manual and get on with it . So i use it because it makes sense to me . I also don't use a histogram as i use a nikon d7200 and it don't have one until you check to image you've just taken . I never blow my highlights because ive got to know how far i can push it with plenty of practice .

[@videomaker8532]

That location has sooo much potential

[@jimcooke5590]

Brilliant Mads thanks for sharing that demonstration

[@joshuab2582]

Just gave you a couple likes to help you out against being a "slave" to KZbin algos. Loved the slow and steady explanations; helped my slow mind process the info. Going to try your logic when I do a sunrise over the 'hills' tomorrow morning.

[@SimonTraffordphotographer]

I agree keep it simple and thoughts clear to concentrate on the composition 👌

[@Stillfilm1]

I use aperture priority most of the time plus exposure comp. Have done for many years. I only use manual for night photography. But I was very interested how and why you use manual for water which I photograph a lot. Many thanks for this, another great video.

[@perjensen6396]

Super flotte billeder og tak Mads for dine gode forklaringer, jeg føler tit at jeg for noget ud af at se dine video så vil se frem til at se hvad der kommer fra dig her i 2021.

[@alexp.4960]

Thanks a lot for the tips, Mads. I was indeed confused on how getting my shot right when birds are flying around when photographing a landscape. Just a true beginner here, but your videos are always very helpful and definitely help in getting more and more photos that I am starting liking a little. I have never been really satisfied with one of mine, but I am learning thanks to you and hopefully improving. Thanks a mil for your teaching and educational content !

[@drfayazhamza3531]

Hi Mads and Alex.. To take this point further, if as in a scenario that Mads faced as a group of birds flew in between his landscape shot and we r on AP mode and if we have to only change the ISO mode to include the flock of birds, will the easiest way be to push the ISO into Auto mode or increase it by how much to have that shutter speed??? Hope it makes sense... Thanks

[@klausfunke8244]

The trick to shot continues near water or spray is a great advice. Thank you for that. I will try it next time.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

You're welcome, Klaus :)

[@almostgreen9498]

I agree

[@mhmahamhm]

Enjoyed from the start till the end. Very useful tips. Time to go out :D

[@hcp0scratch]

TY!!! Perhaps another consideration in choosing might be one's camera? learning the specific capabilities and limitations of each setting for that camera might be crucial in choosing AP vs manual...???

[@PilotWanderlust]

I'm used to manual instead of aperture priority almost 100% but you are right that in the end the light conditions determine the settings. I'll try aperture priority and I'm really excited to see the results using new GND filters I was not used to before.

[@susanfirth2279]

Great video Mads. Makes me feel like it' really okay to shoot in AP and not always Manual, although I can see both arguments. That 2nd image was just mesmerizing. Such a serene scene.

[@barbarajames4473]

Now that I am out with the camera again, your videos are more interesting than ever. I enjoy these videos :)

[@richardbarnes1124]

Really enjoyed the video very informative. Thank you Mads.

[@duncanfarrant8025]

Thanks Mads, going to try the both with the tips and see what happens.

[@rodnazer4294]

Fabulous video - informative and entertaining. Thank you.

[@scottalexarnder3080]

Again Mads another great vid not only informative but calm and easy to understand looking forward to a great new year keep them coming 😊

[@eyeammjh]

Thanks Mads. Another great video. Loved the tips about using manual mode around water/scenes with changeable light.

[@justineedwards3533]

This explained everything perfectly and clearly. I'm still feeling nervous about shooting completely in manual and it was so good to hear your thoughts about the decision making process behind your decision to shoot in AP and manual. Thank you so much for this.

[@DflyDude]

Very informative and reasoned approach. I will have to try that out. Always good to learn new approaches and see what works best for me. thanks

[@susanbreau]

I was expecting this video from you! Beautiful calm images; all the best for the New Year Mads.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Maybe you saw the Instagram story? ;)

[@susanbreau]

Mads Peter Iversen No, 2 photographers having a discussion about this topic on another video.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

@@susanbreau interesting, I haven't seen that one :)

[@foto-dk]

Hi Mads. Happy New Year! Excellent video, clear explanations and very useful tips 👍 Kind Regards from Jan

[@jmg5878]

Mads, thank you so much for your KZbin tutorials. I’ve learned so much from them since I discovered you about a year ago or so. You and Nigel have really improved my skills as a photographer and in my post process game. 🙏🙏🙏

[@MannyScoot]

I photographed for years in Program and then discovered Aperture priority and in the last couple of years into Manual mode...... I guess it's a learning curve, that you discover on your own.

[@harryc560]

A great professional who knows how to make a tutorial look easy. Thank you so much 👏👏

[@welshchap]

Very useful video, thank you for creating it. Astonishing command of the English language by the way!

[@davebailey2584]

Fantastic understandable explanation for expanding my style...(just a hobbiest but every bit helps) thanks! Love Iceland too...I'll be back when we are all safe to travel again..

[@juanmm9297]

I love both, manual for long exposure and aperture for single shots

[@justinlintecum]

Good info, I usually use Aperture priority. The other day it was foggy mist/rain at the river and I was using a ND filter to try to get some long exposures. The camera was only setting shutter for 1/2". I had to wipe the lens a few times of rain and the shutter jumped to 5" I had to pull back the highlights but that photo turned out the best. I will use manual next time that happens.

[@carlosjaviergallardo6842]

A very interesting video. I shoot in manual mode almost always, but I think I'll try aperture mode sometimes.

[@NYskyHI]

This video was great. This will improve my shots.

[@robgerety]

I'm getting back into photography after over 20 years. At the start of my return, I am using manual with auto iso mostly. I think it is good for me to shoot like this because it renews my feel for exposures. As time goes on, maybe Aperture Priority. You make a good case.

[@statboysffl]

Great video and explanations. Really enjoy understanding your thought processes and your enthusiasm for what you do is inspiring.. Your photographs are stunning. Thanks for the great videos!

[@valk-photography]

Again a super educational video Mads, thank you ! I must use Aperture Priority much more. Now I almost use 80% manual and missed several shots with birds in the landscape. Your example in the video was spot on for me ;) . Zebras isn't for me, it distracts me from my composition ..... love using only the histogram. My favorite picture in this video is @ 8:01 .

[@10mansa]

Thank You, Mads, I often prefer aperture priority too ....

[@nedjatnuhi]

Great Video and Tipps Mads! Thank you!

[@johnwilleyjr6814]

I was on a summit setting up my camera for a composition when a twin prop plane buzzed right by. I wished I had seen your video about your bird photo beforehand, because that was quite a scramble!

[@MadsPeterIversen]

But remember, you have to shoot in M always, to be a pro photog! 😜

[@nerajesh]

❤️ from India. The way you explain is so soothing not like other photographers who make lot of noise. Thanks for starting the channel and teaching us the techniques. God bless and ❤️. 🙏

[@timhuelsman1039]

Great video, Mads---so much great info. I'm gonna bookmark this one for mandatory viewing before each time I go out. Thanks.

[@sprout995]

Thank you so much for the wonderful content. I've been shooting for around 30 years. It is nice to see other people's prospective. After all that is what makes us different, and the same.

[@EmmanuelOkorie]

This is really handy. I have been confused as to which mode is best to use when taking landscape photos. The way you have explained it should make it easier for me. Great video and keep up the good work... :-)

[@jerrykita8767]

Mads, great content. I've been shooting exclusively in manual and now understand why I should include aperture priority in my toolkit. Great explanation! Thank you ... and Happy New Year.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

You are very welcome Jerry :)

[@inkslinga1]

Thank you, great video. Will have to watch a few more times just to get it right in my head.........

[@tomaswilde5481]

Congratulations !! A very nice video. Thank you so much!!

[@glenns001]

Great video, and i agree, its worth knowing manual mode but for a lot of photography its not really required, i use it mostly in low light or night shooting otherwise im in AP, its also the best first step out of auto mode for beginners

[@AmericanPatriot447]

Always the best advice thank you for sharing!

[@robertstephens1868]

Thanks, Mads, for the logical & very clear presentation.

[@robinmartin1356]

Great information, thanks. I usually shoot in AP but have been interested in trying manual mode more.

[@AliasJimWirth]

Hey thanks. Love it. I understand the reasoning. I continue to learn.

[@QuarkCharmed]

Beautiful images Mads, I'm jealous as I'm rarely having similar conditions in my area. With exposing to the right technique, I find it there's no big difference between "Aperture Priority + compensation" and "Manual" - I have to control two dials in both cases (given the ISO setting is fixed). If the light changes, I have to re-compensate in the Aperture Priority mode and I have to re-adjust the shutter speed in Manual. But in Manual I have better understanding of the settings my camera uses (compensation may produce a random shutter speed). So I mostly shoot landscapes in Manual. For action, birds, timelapses etc. Aperture Priority is my choice.

[@erdemkuybulu9291]

As usual you made it super simple 👍

[@TLM823]

Thanks Mads! I have been working on the various priorities and my favorite has always been Aperature P. Just starting on Manual -- lots to experiment with now.

[@bradzaruba9686]

Some great information Mads. It's good to see how some easy adjustments can make our images stand-out.

[@alexgimagery]

Very well explained and extremely useful in-field tips. Thanks, Mads.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

You are very welcome 😊

[@davidiwantschak2352]

Super great tips thanks for this learnt something very useful, keep up the great videos

[@MadsPeterIversen]

I am very happy to hear that, David! 👊

[@anthonyplancherel8274]

Excellent video and beautiful images as always Mads!