Why I changed to full MANUAL SETTINGS after 30 years

[@NigelDanson]

I just want to reiterate that the most important thing is that you are comfortable with using your camera. Whether you use A, P, M, S or whatever ultimately doesn't matter. The key thing is that you feel confident. Thanks for watching and don't forget to hit that big thumbs up!

[@dimitrisskyhunter9827]

Once again, thanks for being such a great teacher, Nigel. You ’ll probably make me move to Nikon Z, so really hope they know what a fine ambassador you are for them. And for Kase, you were 100% right about the filters. Love my 77s with the 67 adapter for convenience. Have a good one! Looking forward to Seascapes!

[@washingtonradio]

My take on A, P, M, or S modes is to be comfortable with all them so you can switch between them as desired/needed. I tend to bracket all my shots also.

[@aloromot4110]

For me I shoot mostly M if I am not so interested in the scene and just looking for a quick snap I switch to Aperture priority.

[@bernardlesperance742]

Your point about M mode is essentially correct and is the reason the vast majority of 'pros' shoot in manual mode. It's quite a learning curve to both get it down pat and to feel completely comfortable with it but once you do, you never turn back.

[@saifaldin_]

Agreed. Whatever mode you use, the important thing is that you get control over the things you want control over. Personally, I use Aperture priority (w auto ISO min SS) for most handhelds, and Manual mode for tripod work.

[@domhaughton6809]

That first shot especially. The landscape one with the 1.3 second shutter speed. Glorious! 😍

[@conorbmcgovern]

The 1/3 second exposure gave such a painterly effect to the water - brilliant!

[@AlanRJones]

I love the first photo of the water flow. Worth going out in the rain.

[@geraldclarke8868]

Congratulations for embracing manual mode. I think much more rewarding, and makes the photographer think more about the process and outcome. Great video...

[@robdalziel7056]

So many lecture that you can only be a serious photographer if you shoot in manual. Thanks for not condescending, giving a sensible, measured explanation and letting people decide. Mark Carwadine described using Av for wildlife photography a while back and got so much abuse! He used what worked for him.

[@nickyfoulkes8476]

I went back to shooting manual when I went to the Z7ii. I agree with you. Control of settings when you understand the triangle. Thank you Nigel

[@henrykuppens9097]

A really nice flow of water in that photo Nigel, and yes you have to take some flak (rain) to get it right. A long time ago I used to shoot manual. To get familiar with my gear again in a fast way, I started with working only manual again. In my view it actually makes you more conscious of what you are doing. I do only landscape, so I don't need to be in a hurry.

[@johnchambers6272]

You have explained very well the important difference between Aperature Priority and Manual as well as coming away with an amazing image. Well done.

[@DubYahJohn]

Ah, it's great to hear someone talking about full manual. When I returned to photography after about a 30 year break, I never really got to grips with my DSLR, using it mainly on fully Auto, I later switched to a Sony a6000 Mirrorless, which suited my urban and street photography, mainly on shutter priority but I always used to say how I preferred the simplicity of my first camera, a Zenith EM and the simple + / - needle. During lockdown I started my adventure into landscape photography and thanks to you, Thomas Heaton and a few other quickly fell in love with it but the results weren't great. Learning to slow down was important and learning to use my camera on manual was an essential part of that. I now only Manual, and rely on the viewfinder with Zebra set at 100%, Yes I have the histogram but only as a guide. Keep up the great videos.

[@cuebj]

Big overlap except I haven't gone back to photography - can't afford it in addition to other hobbies. Learned in early teens, late 1960s, on old Bolex B8 cine camera - all manual, of course. Eventually got Canon AE1 for shutter priority and manual. Still got it. If I went back to photography, I'd have to get a manual capable digital SLR equivalent , spot metering, and a separate light meter. Back in my teens and twenties, I could do it all in my head instinctively or with a bit of conscious override. But no time to do [photography properly

[@tkermi]

You might also want to try manual with Auto ISO. Very helpful in fast action situations. I have EV correction set to one of the control wheels for extra control (+ of course aperture and shutter in two other wheels).

[@cliffterpher]

Thank you Nigel for your work, imagination and ideas.

[@bernardlesperance742]

I now shoot street photography more than anything else and find aperture priority (with the minimum shutter speed and maximum iso preset) to be most effective for that type of photography. Unlike many street photographers, I don't like to shoot everything with extended depth of field, often preferring to limit focus to my prime subject and have everything else gradually, or not, blur out. Shooting in M mode is excellent for less fluid situations but not for constantly changing, dynamic situations, IMHO. But ultimately it's really a question of personal preference and what works best for you.

[@CourtneyVictoria]

I like that you stated there is no wrong way, only the way that is comfortable for the photographer. I will switch between aperture priority and manual, perhaps using manual mode a little more. When I learned how to use a digital camera, I was taught by a photographer to start with shutter priority. It strangely took me longer to grasp the idea of aperture priority but going manual helped me understand all the different aspects of exposure. Beautiful location and that final print is gorgeous.

[@Bug66]

Always shot in full manual since day one. It allows me to slow down, giving me thinking time, and certainly more enjoyment.

[@davidbodine8350]

Love that one in landscape. The 1/3s is perfect.

[@charlesdavis6371]

It's been a while since I shot full on manual - TY for the reminder. :-). Good video Nigel, and beautiful scenery with great captures by you.

[@samuelcarr3209]

I learned on film with manual only, but find I use aperture and shutter quite a bit. My rule of thumb is when the camera is on a tripod it is always in manual, why shouldn't it be you are taking your time in composition and set up anyway. When not on a tripod I find A & S mode very helpful as I am deciding what is my priority and let the camera decide the exposure from there. I still always look at the data to verify what the camera is doing.

[@Suhailkhan53]

I always find manual more fascinating than aperture priority. Beautiful pictures indeed.

[@rcchronicles25]

I wasted my first 3 years of photography on Creative Settings, taking shots and ending up with blurred images or the stuff I wanted in focus, not in focus. The day I tried manual settings changed my life. Use nothing else when your learning, it teaches you what you need to know. I shoot with nothing else now, and I've learned more in my first year of manual than I learned in 3 years of everything else. Don't be scared of it, just practice with it 👍

[@rcchronicles25]

@@Jajajajanee Tell me about it. You know they weren't fully blurry, just the depth of field wants right, so I was taking landscape shots with only the subject I focus, mine of the beautiful mountains behind etc. And that was down to using the creative crap. Wasted some beautiful shots that I look at now and realise how shit they really are 🤣

[@DS-ke8pq]

Gosh, the things you learn about somebody who you think you “know” well. Never crossed my mind that you weren’t fully manual. Very nice shot, I do need to spend more time “timing” water effects, and a wise move not try to ford a burn in spate. Events in Iceland this week reinforce the risks in being “out there”. Stay safe.

[@grahamegannon9708]

My journey as a serious amateur photographer has only been three years since my retirement and I quickly graduated to taking all my photos in Aperture Priority until about three months ago I decided to give Manual a go (I have a mirrorless camera) and have I have been using manual ever since. You are right in what you said about having full control over your camera settings. Great video and photos Nigel. Glencoe is a great place, been there once and aiming to go again.

[@pabloraposo]

Great video Nigel! I completely agree with your comments on aperture priority. If you have the time to stop and prepare the image, Manual settings will make a difference

[@glencoephotography1]

Hi Nigel, Glad to see you shooting back in Glencoe. The meeting of the three waters is stunning even though we have had some bad weather over the last couple of days. Hope the camera dried out ok. Love the video.

[@RJBeacon]

Thought that photo of the water-flow and mountains in the background was one of your best photo's ever!... Great explanation of Aperture priority vs. Manual.

[@robertgrenader858]

The blur effect with the jade green water was just so unique.

[@woflgangdurst6752]

Gorgeous image Nigel. Truly enjoyed your video as always. Your are definitely one of my favourite Photographer and your way of presenting and your enthusiasm is top notch!

[@epronske]

Great video and explanation of the difference between A and M mode. I look forward to meeting you on 5 Feb!

[@amerphoto1]

You nailed it Nigel on the "why" you need to shoot in manual mode. Specifics.... A specific aperture for depth of field, a specific shutter speed for stopping or creating motion and using the histogram to adjust the sensitivity of the light by using a combination of ISO, ND filters and/or a polarizer. As a waterfall photographer, I need to shoot at specific shutter speeds to control the flow of water and control my depth of field with the aperture. Hence, manual all the time.

[@shadyninja1]

I have always used manual for everything including weddings. It's hard work but the results are rewarding.

[@christianpetersen1782]

Nigel what a lovely image and kudos for hiking out in those weather conditions. The title of your video resonated with me because I have just started using a beautiful Voightlander manual focus lens on my Fuji X-T3 . I found much to my surprise that I enjoy it more than autofocus for still subjects because it’s so much more engaging. And that of course is what you’ve found too by going fully manual. I’ll try that too so thanks for the encouragement. Here’s a tip from KZbinr Allen Blasdell for anyone wishing to use manual focus via focus peaking; change the settings to Black & White. It’s so much easier to distinguish the coloured peaking effect. The RAW images will remain in colour.

[@badger67]

I had a real mare yesterday morning. I got up extra early to take a sunrise shot down at the beach. Set everything up and took a couple of shots of fishing boats going off to do their thing. I then decided to move down the beach to where the palm trees were and use them to frame the sunrise. Set up the tripod and placed the old D3000 on top. So far so good. Turned it on and no dialogue box. Went into the menu and faffed about in there, pressed my function key and tried all sorts. Restarted the camera and the same thing. Couldn't get access to my shutter speed. I thought my camera was dying...... That's when I noticed the dial was set to Aperture Priority.......... I always use manual mode and have done since using my old Chinon SLR back in the 80's, not that I had any choice in the matter ;-) I got my sunrise shots and the world was at peace, until I got home and my computer decided to have a kernal panic.........! Great video mate and a beautiful shot.

[@Jack-se2iz]

Glorious location and photo. Perfect comp. Thank you for posting while you are traveling to Antarctica! Also, thanks for changing your music. It compliments the high level of your photography. I’ve always shot on manual mode for the control you mention, and use the histogram, as well. Have an incredible trip. Can’t wait for your images. Well done, Nigel!

[@mackie169]

Thanks Nigel. This was a good discussion video, and is encouraging for me to use Manual more often. I, like you, used to use Aperture priority almost exclusively, but have found myself getting lazy at times not paying attention to my shutter speed. Not only is being mindful around water scenes important, but people photographs with longer lenses can create problematic motion artifacts that are especially noticeable with today's high resolution sensors. Cheers!

[@bryanspark]

Great image Nigel and video as well. Glencoe is an amazing place. I mainly use manual now after years of aperture priority with a Z7 or indeed any mirrorless you see exactly what your image will look like. Thanks again

[@nickarcher1229]

been manual since buying my Nikon d5200 . learning every day love the videos keep up the great work

[@larryjohnson1451]

I've looked in on you and your videos every week or two for over a year. I appreciate your approach to assessing and fine-tuning a scene, and frequently find myself envying you for your access to fog and mist: where I live both are rare and the clarity of the atmosphere of our landscapes is acute. I find a couple of your images every month that I appreciate and like, but the shot in this video, taken nearer the water with the tripod dangerously near the edge of the bolder, is my personal favorite of any I can recall. I love it. I wish I had taken it. It is at least a portfolio shot, and if I were to put together ten to represent my photo career it would be an automatic selection, near the top. Well done.

[@JohnPaul-ii]

Full manual is easy enough to get used to, especially with the modern DSLR or the Mirrorless model’s. Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed once you get the hang of it. Excellent vlog again Nigel thanks. Stay safe 🇦🇺

[@MSACoachMike]

I understand where you are coming from. If doing a one off image or a panorama, rather than a sequence of images, manual is useful. When the lighting conditions at around sunrise and sunset are changing, I'd prefer to figure out the settings in manual, then switch to aperture priority and dial in the exposure compensation, especially when using an intervalometer. That way, the sequence of exposures look more uniform with regards to the lighting.

[@Windeath1969]

I shoot predominantly AP. But I'm now using a lot of vintage glass as I just love the more...crude (is that the word) look you get from a lens that's from say 1958 and it's sitting on a modern Fujifilm body. Now due to this change I have gone back to manual.

[@minus1db]

Thanks Nigel, when I started off in wildlife I always used shutter priority with auto ISO. I switched to landscape about 3 years ago bought a D500 and have only ever used manual since, love having full control, it brings out your creativity even more

[@roydewaard7393]

loving the dramatic looking shots from glencoe, nigel! makes me want to go back to schotland

[@AndyBanner]

Having someone with you to operate the video camera adds a whole new dimension to the quality of the video. I commented on this on one of your very first videos too. The follow shot is brilliant. Fantastic shot of the waterfall. I have moved a little to manual more recently, for many of the same reasons and 35 years ago with a Zenth B, I had nothing but manual with a Western light meter too, so no in-body metering at all. I have become lazy with all the tech in the cameras now and getting back to having more control is strangely liberating.

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks Andrew - yes Rick really helps

[@afsincelik]

Great shot! Thanks for sharing ideas about manual mode.

[@jhmnieuwenhuis]

Very nice shots. I use manual mode for 2 years now and I love it. I only look at the histogram when setting aperture, shutter speed and iso.

[@Adamstanawayy]

Interesting topic Nigel,good to hear your take on it! 😊

[@macsprotte1436]

Amazing Shot. The exposure is perfect!

[@grahamwickens6842]

Awesome shots Nigel!! Thanks for sharing!

[@joevondersaar5456]

Good topic!, been on manual since the early 70's Looking forward to your next book!

[@ericoconnor5416]

Nigel, your work is breathtaking!! Your ability to capture special moments or scenes in your photos is inspiring. Also, it seems like in this video your videography has stepped up another notch! Keep up the good work.

[@RM831BC4E4]

Awesome Vlog Nigel, Hope your enjoying/enjoyed Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 and the beautiful Glencoe 🏔

[@robcoates4394]

I never cease to be impressed by your dedication in all weathers! And that main photo at 8:50 is an 11 out of 10!

[@douglasritchie2836]

Super shot, Nigel, that is one of my favourite areas in Glencoe, been shooting at that point for many years and as you mentioned it takes many trips to get the perfect condtions. Yous shot printed beautifully, just waiting for a large dump of the white stuff and I will be there like a shot.

[@steveconnors3233]

Loved this video Nigel I love manual priority too I haven’t got a tripod but still find looking at the histogram and exposure metre on my X-T4 works so well and I find it’s a good way to know my camera and learn the effect of changing iso I learned some great advice here on KZbin and that is to use manual most of the time EXCEPT when the camera and photos are not your only priority eg if out without family taking pics Then AP works well !!! I love your work Nigel Thankyou SO much 😊

[@robjeeves]

Hi from Australia 🇦🇺 Superb video Nigel. Love the shot ❤️

[@LeWazZaBee]

I do insects macro / proxy photography with a reflex since 3 years now and i've taken like 10 photos in auto mode since i got it. All other shoots (~20.000) were made in full manual mode, i realy don't like those semi automatic modes but i still learn a lot from your videos, so thanks you 😀

[@willilaufmann38]

Nigel thanks I enjoyed your video and explanation manual/aperture priority.I do switch occasionally to manual but after listening to you will be more determined to stick to manual

[@PamelaMarshall]

I started shooting manual 15 years ago, I’ll take my last shot on manual mode. It’s the best way to have complete control over images, whether I’m using a point and shoot or a £3k camera. But it’s only a small part of taking a photo, the rest is atmosphere and timing. Great video!

[@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism]

It's just not true. You can make the same exact settings changes in A while using the exposure compensation button. Why are you claiming this like he is?

[@PamelaMarshall]

No one is claiming anything. My point was about camera control.

[@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism]

@@PamelaMarshall "It’s the only way to have complete control over images" That's a claim, Pamela. It took me years to learn it's a false claim too. I use to shoot M mode, night and day. I wised up and turned that dial over to A and learned the exposure compensation button. Yes, there are still times I shoot full M mode, however now I know I should have a reason to do that, know what that reason is and then and only then, make the change to that dial. I can assure you, using A mode with the exposure compensation button, I can take the same EXACT photo you can with the same EXACT control you have in full M mode. It's not the ONLY way to reach the same objective.

[@PamelaMarshall]

@@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism it is if you shoot film. I’d love to chat but it’s a Sunday.

[@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism]

@@PamelaMarshall No talking on Sundays? That's a strict culture. Where ya from? Oh, wait. You can tell me tomorrow if you prefer.

[@mischastieger3222]

thanks - experienced the same - I am really impressed about your eye and compositions.

[@andy_an_outdoors_guy]

I bit the bullet and figured out how to set shutter, aperture and iso manually and I'm liking more of what I'm seeing in darktable when I get home now.

[@stevebrown164]

A really interesting and compelling argument for shooting in Manual. I am definitely going to give it a go now. Great image by the way.

[@ivorwindybottom77]

Hi nigel great video as a totally newbie it's great your talking in simple to understand rather then making it to complicated.. Love that shot looks amazing.

[@joestrahl6980]

When I came into photography in Febr 2020, taking a photography course, I told myself that I should use manual mode to learn the basics from the beginning. And I never have used A or S since, sometimes the so called intelligent automatic to compare what the camera thinks is best versus what I select in manual. Sure adds 2-3 seconds to the process but slows me down which is good.

[@stuartschaffner9744]

If you don't have 2-3 seconds, there are several birders or action photographers hanging out on KZbin who have excellent tutorials on how to program camera buttons to speed the adjustment process up. Everything is by feel, so you never have to take your eye off the target. It takes about a month of practice, but you get years of reward.

[@joestrahl6980]

@@stuartschaffner9744 I am sure that such possibilities exist, but since I extremely seldom am in a situation that makes or breaks a shot by a few seconds...for the moment I will continue in a way that works for me. We all have come different lengths on our photography journey and the journey takes different trajectories: it is highly individual. Also, when I am out with my camera I may not be alone and sometimes it is more rewarding for me to not grasp the camera and be a photographer but instead continue my walk with whoever I am with.

[@stuartschaffner9744]

@@joestrahl6980 , exactly. Landscape photography is seldom about 2 or 3 seconds. Some of the methods that I described for speeding up manual control take a good month or so of directed practice to master. It's very similar to the amount of directed practice required for a musician to stop looking at a guitar fretboard while playing. If they are playing from memory or never read music, perhaps they might be wasting a month of practice time. I can almost guarantee that your habit of constantly learning new skills will pay off handsomely over time.

[@joestrahl6980]

@@stuartschaffner9744 this could go on for a long time this give and take here. We all have our interests and our way forward and what works for one does not necessarily sit well with another. However, thank you, again, for your suggestion but, again, I have my own journey and my own plan for the coming year and what you seem to suggest is not part of my scenario at this moment. And by "grasp" in my previous post...I did not mean intellectually better understand but "pick up" "take out of bag" so the physical part of holding. Just to clarify a possible area for misunderstanding. I wish you success in your photography endeavors.

[@stuartschaffner9744]

@@joestrahl6980 , we seem to be in violent agreement. For you, right now, taking a whole bunch of time to learn something that won't help you makes no sense. I was trying to give some of the many others who read these comments a range of options. At the risk of sounding like a tease, I will say that most landscape photographers in northern woodlands see a lot of chickadees and nuthatches searching for seeds and bugs in trees. Names are likely different in Europe and Asia. They're awfully cute, and in deep woods are not afraid of humans at all. I can guarantee you that a chickadee that sits still for 2 seconds, let alone 3, is either asleep or dead :). Enjoy your photography!

[@markr5418]

It’s important to note that exposure compensation in aperture or shutter priority could adjust iso as well as shutter or aperture. Camera iso limit settings as well as the lens focal length can affect that decision in complicated ways. Therefore manually setting all 3 is more straightforward.

[@geofffield7805]

I enjoyed today's video, Nigel. I've seen shots of this view on other sites but the volume of water does make a great difference, as you said. I have a Manfrotto aluminium tripod which is heavy for hiking but I love using it - it allows me to slow down my thinking processes, explore all options in full manual with the full range of shutter speeds, whilst keeping the same composition. I use a D750 and if I'm not using a tripod I like to check the histogram in live view then switch to the viewfinder when I've decided on settings. BTW I do think your tripod position looks a bit precarious sometimes - usually when you're near water!

[@DirtDigglerDetecting]

My little rebel t100 Canon i set it to manual and have the ISO on Auto. Control the shutter with the wheel and one button to switch to Aperture control to set the exposure. I can see in the view hole. I don't use the back screen cause it will drain my battery. Back button set up so i can focus meter and see what it says for iso, change shutter with finger and Boom. Thanks to YOU Nigel Danson........I have learned so much. And one thing i have learned is that sense it is a hobby there is no stress to get it perfect and i can play around....So m,uch Fun. Then the photos just keep coming. I am getting more " WOW i took that" in my Camera Rolls hehehehe .. Much Love

[@dianevose9655]

Really enjoyed your photography adventure today to Glencoe, such a beautiful place. Can't get out at the moment so its fabulous to share in your adventure too ✨

[@NigelDanson]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@patsfocus]

Fantastic shot love the foreground water colour👏

[@AnomandarisPurake]

Great video. Looks like a beautiful place. I’ve been shooting in Manual for about 6 years now. Been watching a lot of landscape videos lately where they are all shooting in A mode. I was thinking about changing, but I guess now I’ll keep plugging away in Manual! Thanks for the video.

[@Stone1108]

The magic of photography, we can always change, adapt and learn even after years of shooting. Nice one Nigel, was there over Xmas during the snows. Love Glencoe too. Great image btw. 👍

[@AndyNoblePhotography]

Great video Nigel, I know exactly what you mean re Manual. Loved the images, can’t beat that area, wish I had explored it more when I visited. Shout out to Rick too, great filming 👍🏻

[@janwilson9485]

I love the image which is made by the beautiful flow of the water and your amazing processing. I totally agree with you re using manual mode, particularly for landscape shots. However, I tend to stick my camera on either apature priority or shutter priority for 'inbetween times' allowing a quick 'safe' shot of any unplanned occurances - animals, birds, people etc. Thanks for the continued motivation

[@peterknight9873]

A few years ago I was one of those photographers who complained when a comment was made that you should shoot in auto mode. I agree a photographer should shoot in a mode they feel comfortable. I always for landscape 100% manual. others genera 50/50 depending. I shoot manual because I have an image in my mind and have a good understanding with camera settings on how to get close to what I want.. Yes I do use histogram....

[@stew_redman]

I shoot in manual for landscape and astro, it makes sense to do so. For everything else, Aperture Priority suits my needs.

[@michaelgoulding4425]

Great stuff Nigel, image was amazing

[@briangilbert6241]

Great video Nigel. The images are fantastic and the print just wow. Great work Nigel

[@GiancarloBartolini]

Hi Nigel thanks for sharing, I too have been shooting at aperture priority for years, but your analysis on the possibility of switching to manual shooting is flawless and I share it.

[@michealhall4512]

Lovely images! Manual is my preferred mode for all the reasons you stated. Aperture priority is the mode I use in situations where things are changing more rapidly while I'm shooting (e.g. field sports with dappled light). I chuckled as, when you said "There's not much light ... " and checked your wrist, my first thought was "He's got a watch with an exposure meter??" ... Personally, I think that'd be pretty neat for completely impractical reasons ...

[@Colinpowellphotography]

I shoot predominately in manual mode but use aperture mode when shooting a sunrise or set as I'm bracketing. I find using manual is another way to slow you down rather than just point and shoot. The one thing to be aware of is when using the histogram is you can't always see if you've burnt out small area's so it's also helpful to turn on the 'blinkies' on the rear display to check.

[@tw9535]

Fair enough. But why would someone who hiked and scouted locations, took time out for a framing test shot with a smartphone, and then bothered to set up a tripod be worried about getting in a hurry right at the very end because they want to be in "point and shoot" mode?

[@stuartschaffner9744]

Perhaps every serious photographer uses RAW mode now. For those who aren't, you are throwing away a lot of the dynamic range and color sensitivity of your expensive camera and lens when you have the camera convert its image into JPEG. If you are using a histogram, watch for small spikes near the right hand side. As they approach the right, they will seem to squash. This tells you that clipping is already happening.

[@benjaminhoger8343]

As always - really enjoyed it! Stay healthy!

[@GingerPhotographer]

Epic scene - Great video Nigel!

[@allandavies1187]

Well done Nigel, awful weather produces great images and prints. I have used manual exposure for about 6 years now, and it sounds onerous to do but really it is so easy to use....

[@robertwarner3769]

I am amazed. I always assume that you top drawer landscape photographers always used Manual. Love your videos! Keep them coming

[@NigelDanson]

Nope - I always used A not M and still use it a little...

[@gareth1500]

It's mad to think after all those years of photography that you have only just seen the advantages of manual mode. They should rename it to Me mode lol. Love your work and the locations you go to. Keep safe and keep well.

[@brooklynbummer]

Way back when I started in photography, I stated with a Canon Ft and used the manual settings. I learned a lot about light and depth of field and I believe made me a more creative photographer.

[@ЕвгенийПетров-м5ы]

Thanks, Nigel.

[@TheFlorent40]

This picture is really nice, the water deep blue green contrast very well with the Color’s of the mountains ! Love it, not a cliché picture !

[@NigelDanson]

Thank you so much 😀

[@TheFlorent40]

@@NigelDanson thanks a lot ! I thought with all your comments and followers you will have not time to answer ! Keep this way I really enjoy your videos and if you come to Czech Republic and you are not afraid to speak with a French guy just contact me 😅

[@Styrleden]

When i started photographing i got in to macro right away, the auto modes were not made for close-up photography and combinding that with a flash was a nightmare. Thanks to the macro it made me very aware of the settings and with light, nowadays a barley shot with anything else than manual

[@KarloFio]

Hi Nigel! As a photographer and your loyal subscriber I just have to ask you this... Yes, the flow of the water is dreamy and so on but, what is it that we want to experience that way? I mean, the flow of a river/ creek/ stream is so play and joyful and this way it gets waxy, ironed over, mushy... I have always been thinking about it and decided to capture the moment in its entire uniqueness, like with human beings or animals... there is something unrepeatable in every recognized moment... Oscar Wilde once said: Life is a collection of signs, like the clouds sailing in front of our eyes, recognized or not they are traveling anyway ( something like that 😂❤😊 )... Keep up the good work and I am curious about your answer ❤😊

[@kjb_tennessee]

I usually shoot wildlife with auto iso, but try to stay aware of what the camera is doing. Great video as usual Nigel. I’ve been traveling for years and have used NordVPN, an excellent choice and glad they are sponsoring you!

[@CostaMesaPhotography]

I like that you put out two truisms right up front...there is no wrong way (mostly true), but more importantly, the objective is to get to the settings you want/need for your image. Clearly cameras wouldn't have different exposure priorities and metering methods if there was only one right way to get there. I would say that if you're shooting in full manual mode as you advocate here, a prerequisite is that you have plenty of time to think, evaluate, and dial in your settings. Sure you can get fast doing this, but not AS fast. Just as you can argue that manual focus is better than using your cameras automatic focusing capabilities...more controls, yes, faster, no. Automatic modes get you in the ballpark fast...and if you have the luxury of time, then use it to get each setting to it's optimal value based on your objectives. At the end of the day, you must be a thinking photographer when it comes to settings...to what extent are you interested in managing motion (shutter speed), depth of field (aperture) and what modes will help get you there. And by the way, I especially like that you didn't let the obsession on modes detract from the critically important topic of composition...which comes before anything else. Another great video!

[@andyjking1957]

Another great video. The photo with the flowing water is amazing. I like shooting in manual. It was good to hear how you do it and apply some of the techniques next time. Thanks

[@vitorazinheira2195]

I did all my photos with manual settings for the pass 28 years . Good Video

[@Flaggermusmannen]

You found just the same spot as Simon Saxter went to a few years ago (4 minutes in). This is one of the reasons I almost stopped doing landscapes. Its hard to find thos good unshoot spots. But then again, different photographers create different photos of the same things. Love your videos, btw.

[@bartjes2509]

Thanks for sharing Nigel. Using Manual will also help to slow you down and make more conscious decisions while out in the field. I guess it is indeed the better option when movement is to be captured or shooting a panorama or someting like that. I tend to experiment with my shutterspeed on movign water, take many photos to select the exposure I like the best later. Cheers, Bart !

[@millymucci]

love both images; the full water level and the lower level. personally when i have tried A or S mode, i've found it limited somehow, whereas when in M - the mode i prefer, i feel am engaging more with the camera and sort of co- creating, with it, which feels a more fulfilling, expansive experience. even with trial and error and learning curves.

[@kaiworleyphotography]

Apart from if i needed to take a shot quickly, I don't see the advantage of using A priority over Manual for landscape photography, especially if using a triopod. I'll be using the histogram to judge exposure and setting A first, and the shutter speed will be dependent on either how much motion I want to show, and/or how much wind there is etc. Then I'll use ISO to get the exposure right. Maybe on older cameras it was different, but this is how I've done it from day one :)

[@meijboomm]

Yes same here, I use A prio for street photos and Manual for landscape, trying manual in street takes a bit more practise but I will get there some day :)

[@PeterWigenBjarnoe]

Whether you run manual or aperture priority shutter priority or for that matter program mode, you will in most cases end up with the same result, i.e. the same aperture / shutter speed. After all, there is always the exposure compensation option. In program mode, you can actually control aperture and shutter speed at the same time with a single rotary knob. So you can say that it does not matter what type of automation you use or if you use manual. It's just a matter of finding what you find most comfortable. Personally, I pretty much always use aperture prioritized. And then I just want to thank you for some interesting and inspiring videos.

[@Molybdan42]

100 % agree

[@whafrog]

It was important as a beginner to shoot in manual mode so you understand how all the pieces work together. Luckily, my beginner camera was a Pentax K-1000, so I didn't have the option 😄 But now I still shoot in manual mode because I want more control more quickly.

[@karlburchill2704]

I've been doing photography for 21 years and changed to full manual 3 years ago best thing I ever did you can set it exactly as you want it........but I always use ISO manually to control my exposure.

[@jimwlouavl]

I like full manual too for landscape work. I’ve toyed with Auto ISO but I find that I like to go into a scene with my ideal triangle of settings, look at the histogram, and make any required adjustments.