Do you have to shoot Manual?

[@IronChefShellie]

I was guilty of being told I had to shoot manual, but so glad you converted me! Not "auto" as the camera mode but a customised auto has made my life so much easier! And then using manual in the studio for product shots, a good mix of both!

[@EwenBell]

I see no benefit in doing things the hard way for the sake of doing things the hard way!

[@Kiwicruiser355]

The best advice I've listened to in many years of browsing You Tube.

[@EwenBell]

Thanks so much Arthur. You've made me smile today :)

[@emmacrameri6103]

Love the oil change in a vehicle analogy. Definitely resonated!

[@EwenBell]

:)

[@ianforber]

I agree with these points. The snobbery of some people who look down on those who use auto ISO or aperture priority never fails to amaze me. I’m not quite where you are on autofocus though. There’s a place for it just as there is a place for manual focus. For bird in flight, definitely autofocus; for landscapes shot on a tripod, I find manual focus is better. For street, it depends what style you’re looking for - shallow depth of field on 50mm or longer = auto. For deep depth of field with 35mm or less = manual set for zone focusing.

[@EwenBell]

Hello Ian. I only touched lightly on landscapes and yes I agree whenever a tripod is involved there's usually a chance to switch off the AF. I could have gone into that a little more. Anytime I'm shooting wide open though, that AF is letting me do my best work:)

[@ZakariKha]

I have definitely been told that nonsense. Much like you it is situation dependent. If things are fast moving and constantly changing, I like to allocate the technical stuff to the technology that has been designed or it and focus on delivering on the composition.

[@EwenBell]

100% :)

[@idioticidealist]

I really appreciate the way you articulate this. Very practical and helpful

[@EwenBell]

Thanks :)