Shoot in Manual Mode Pt. 1 - Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO explained

Make sure to watch Pt. 2 next - • Shoot in Manual Mode P... and check out my portfolio at www.615studios.com. This is an explanation of the 3 main components of exposure that need to be understood in order to shoot successfully in Manual mode.

[@tomscott4438]

The hallmark of someone who knows what they are talking about is the ability to explain complex subjects simply and clearly. Kudos on that front. My only peeve, actual images vs. just a description of scenarios would have been much more helpful. After all, photography is a visual medium. :-)

[@djkoolemdee]

I agree.

[@MarianSylla]

***** AGREED! This was very helpful.

[@wayneleinen7030]

Absolutely agree. Great explanation. But where are the photographic examples?!

[@tabletopphotography]

Watch Pt. 2 for some visual examples. Link in video description

[@StevenTorrey]

A great explanation. I do find it helpful to look back at the details of my photo to see what settings worked or what setting could be changed for an improved photograph. Eventually, after a short while, it all become instinctive, double nature.

[@Bodomi]

This explained it better than any other video I've watched, thank you.

[@reyadkhan4242]

+Bodomi right. but if give us some example it will be more better for us. tnq

[@00Franky00]

Yes, I agree! High quality too.

[@andrewmuscat4991]

I second that! Thank you

[@miraclesmadebygodmmg8907]

Admitting that it wasn't easy for you to understand these things at the beginning was an encouraging statement.

[@Kenny2001UK]

Really refreshing to hear a professional photographer talk honestly about how he also found the malual photography difficult at first. Great video it struck the perfect balance between not too geeky and not overly dumbed down. Thanks

[@RockWilliams]

You teach in the most humble, simplistic and relaxed way...damn proud to have found this tutorial. Man you deserve great things in life because it's obvious you care about us beginners and took so much of your time to produce this. I'm a filmmaker and have held my secret of wanting to find my artistic expression in photography. You inspired me through such easy to understand instruction. Thank you Sir!

[@tabletopphotography]

Thank you for the kind comment!!!

[@UniqueTouch]

Finally...Clarity and Slow enuff to understand these 3 elements!!! Awesome Brother...Thank You!!!

[@nicky5987]

Last week I took classes...and the teacher sucked, I still had hard time understanding the shutter and ISOs. I am very grateful for you making this video! Thank you so much!

[@r.toddgibson1233]

The lightbulb went off for me when he talked about how the eye's iris works and comparing that to Aperture and light. I found that extremely helpful.

[@lynnbram-jones4237]

TERRIFIC!! You did a super job of explaining all this. I've never been able to understand all of this stuff. I will watch this video over and over until I understand it completely . . . . and then go on to your next videos! Thanks SO MUCH!!

[@jessicacapozzola2238]

I've watched a ton of these videos and this was by far one of the most helpful - thank you for the clear explanations!

[@Carolinedevereux1]

Just started a photography course...and nothing was making sense! This is a great explaination..Thanks a mill.

[@PeteDavies728]

Bought my camera 5 months ago now, spent a lot of money too, on different bits of gear. Been watching videos on and off for most of that time and I can honestly say that this one, has finally started to make things seem a little bit more clearer for me. At 62, my brain ain't getting any quicker lol, and I'll be honest and say that I've kinda been struggling a bit. I needed a new hobby, due to health problems that I'm trying to deal with, and I really do need to make this thing work for me. So this is a massive THANK YOU, from me to you, and I mean that sincerely. I've just subscribed so hopefully this is the start of new beginnings for me and my Nikon D5600.

[@tabletopphotography]

Thanks for your comment! I'm so glad you found it helpful. It's been over 7 years since I posted this and I continue to be honored by how many people it seems to be helping. Good luck with your new hobby and your health!

[@heycarrieann]

Thank you SO much for relating how difficult it was for you to reconcile these three elements in your head and have it all make sense. I am struggling tremendously with it, and I've been doing this for years! It's always been a big hurdle for me, and I always shrink back to auto mode. Lately, I've really been beating myself up for not having this down. So, it was really helpful for me to hear that. And I WILL be going over it again and again until it makes sense. I know I have a great eye....I just don't have the technical piece understood. I liken it to being able to play music by ear, but not being able to read music. And at this stage of my life and experience, I just can't justify the ignorance anymore. I need to get this if I want to take myself as a photographer seriously. It just has to happen. There have been too many instances where not understanding this relationship and language has cost me the images I wanted.

[@JF-xs6xi]

ME too.....

[@loserscum]

really well explained. I've had my camera for like a day and Im getting more comfortable with manual shooting. big thanks

[@anjasagan392]

I wanted to thank you for breaking this down so well and so articulately. I took a course at a local camera store and was overwhelmed by the technical info. Your video really helped me to understand the interaction between the various parameters in my camera. Thank you!

[@technochocolate123]

Thank you, a million times over! I have been so frustrated with my photography, as I had learned the technical definitions of these terms, but really had no idea how to use them to make a complete image. You are a very good teacher!

[@makailahhackett]

Wow, you are such a perfect teacher! Every word that comes out of your mouth is just right for me to understand exactly. This video has totally confirmed with accuracy. every little confusion I've had. You're great! I'm excited! I'm getting the hang of this now :)

[@suraj8500000]

Exactly how I felt about this video :)

[@IMbLaKeAkAnA]

Honestly this video is very helpful for beginner photographers! Thank you!

[@aquilifergroup]

Blake Akana I agree, thank you

[@birdbrain56]

I just got my first DSLR camera a week ago and have been watching tutorials to help me understand what I need to know in order to take quality pictures and video. This is the best one I've seen so far. Thank-you for taking the time to share your knowledge. It is much appreciated.

[@Jadmainiac]

I received a new expensive camera this past Christmas, and like many others here, I searched everywhere for a simple breakdown of these features, only to view countless confusing videos, blogs, manuals, beginner's tips etc., all that assumed I knew more than I did to begin with. Trying to piece together the information with standard definitions of each term was unbearably time-consuming and ultimately did nothing other than bring on tension headaches. In contrast, your short video was amazingly informative and easy to follow from start to finish. I loved the recaps of each section and the final example putting it all together. I also loved your encouraging words of how it took you time to understand it all, and how you had to go over the information a few times before it stuck. FWIW, I'm very much a visual learner who loves lots of pictures, charts, illustrations etc., but your explanation was so easy to understand that I didn't need them at all. In fact, I spent so much time taking notes for future reference that I never even noticed the absence of visuals! I was about to give up and just use the auto mode forever, but now I'm looking forward to actually using my camera as it was intended to be used. Can't thank you enough. Definitely subscribing!

[@camillarogers9448]

Thank you so much for your lucid explanation of these 3 critical elements, Sean! It's made a load of difference! Happy shooting!

[@SDOTSLIM718]

you just helped me to understand aperture and shutter speed, now I see a what I was doing wrong. my photos look so much better!!!! thanks!!!

[@arvindtuli]

You know to be able to explain such complex concepts without using and visual aids and getting the message across so simply. Kudos and great video

[@sharonannemail]

Great tutorial! I've been watching videos, none had yet given any real-life examples like yours did. I now have a grasp on how the exposure "triangle" finally works now. Thank you.

[@Budge1970]

Very informative lesson. Thank you. Understanding the basic theory first by listening, and listening again to your tutorial was invaluable. I can only speak to my particular learning style but having images as examples would have distracted me into reaching for my camera too soon getting lost by going off topic like one does when reading hyperlinked online articles! So thanks again.

[@drivingjack]

Very concise and good verbal examples. If you continue perhaps showing examples of these?

[@johannd.schokman5743]

Thank you. You have explained the 3 elements so well that it makes sense. Most of the videos speak a lot about the connection of these 3 subjects but find it hard to explain them in simple to understand words. The way you explain it, it is easy to remember how each setting affects the other two.

[@richardlombardi4198]

Wow. Fantastic video. Finally I understand it. I’ve watched dozens of videos, but nothing compares to yours. You were not long winded. I greatly appreciate you taking your time to help others. I appreciate it more than you can know

[@thousandcleverlines2385]

you Sir, deserve all good things in Life, thank You so Much. Most people just try to sound smart or simply do not have the gift of teaching, you made it so easy to understand, forever in you debt. Much Love

[@tabletopphotography]

This is a bit late, but THANK YOU!!!

[@Dawn2Dusk23]

I cant believe how utterly perfect this video is. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

[@Mytgoodies]

This is the first explanation that has made sense to me. Thank you so much for creating a video for anyone looking to increase their knowledge and ability in photography.

[@kellie9274]

After reading tons of material on manual photography and attempting to play around with my DSLR on my own I gave up and just used the auto setting for years. This simple tutorial FINALLY brought all the components together for me and makes so much sense! Thank you SO much for posting this! For the people complaining about no pics--they weren't needed at all (and I'm a visual learner) because he did an excellent job of explaining without them! Thank you, Sir! I can't wait to get out and start experimenting again :)

[@OliviasCatastrophe]

Brilliant video that made things really clear. Thanks for being so straight forward, this was definitely useful!

[@PHOTOBABETUT]

thank you so much for this. seriously i didnt even know half of these things until now. God bless

[@InfiniteBeingX]

I love this guy. he clearly explains everything and gives you an idea of the starting iso100, 2.5 aperture. then 1/100th of a second and how the image turn out dark. so how to let in more light by lowering shutter speed to 1/50th of a second to let in twice the light. but it can cause blur because too long shutter speed due to any movements of the object or the camera. and then he talks about can lower aperture for more light in but can cause certain part of your body to blur because of that due to a greater depth of field. then he offers a solution to go to higher iso instead to raise the censors sensitivity to light. therefore getting the right exposure while in all still able to get a clean sharp image. much thanks. you have been very very helpful.

[@Nevarda02]

Thank you so much for explaining it all in a way I could grasp. I watched so many other people that put me to sleep or left me confused. Great work. I have now watched this 3 times and will probably watch again to refresh my memory. I just received my first DSLR for Christmas and have taken some great shots thanks to this video. I didn't find it boring in the slightest. The teddy video really puts it all together. Thank you also for letting us watch it for free.

[@trickysmarty]

That was best 22 minutes I've ever spent!

[@purnapeddiraju68]

Nice&very helpful vidio .real good teacher who can explain things in a systematic way

[@fariusalondale]

Although I was expecting some photographs to go along with your explanations of how to apply the three elements in sample scenarios, I realize that you did the right thing by simply recommending practice to solidify the information you've given us. This is by far the best explanation of aperture, shutter speed and ISO I've viewed on YT. You present yourself and the information with admirable clarity and professionalism. I am also glad you did not feel you had to resort to painful and unnecessary comedic distractions to garner views and acceptance.

[@alphaohenriquez]

nail on the coffin with your explanation, other tutorials make it too complicated. You explain all components very well, which is a first great step in to learning.

[@anthony13007]

Thanks a lot. This tutorial means a lot to a beginner

[@chubster71]

Thank you so much for this video! I've had my Canon t3 for about 3 weeks. I accidently take good pictures sometimes. LOL .... can't wait to have a full understanding and quickly knowing what settings to choose.

[@chubster71]

I'm excited to learn how these 3 variables affect one another and be able to make automatic decision because my mind just knows. Thanks again.

[@ekwipped]

So many years I have not picked up my camera and the explanation in this video was clear and the best so far on youtube

[@badbadboy68]

This is so helpful..... I used to have a Canon AE-1 Film Camera back in the late 70's-early 80's... Then I went for decades not using it and since digital has replaced film, I realized how much I've forgotten and that I have SO MUCH to relearn, and experimentation is so important....You have to USE the camera almost on a daily or weekly basis so that what you've explained gets into your brain.... You did a great job at telling us that!!

[@patstewart4324]

Very well presented. I have one suggestion that I think would get your presentations to an A+++ rating. As you are talking about manipulating the Aperture, Shutter speed and ISO, if you would show on the screen what changes occur in a photo with the aperture one way and then what that same shot would look like when you make a change. For visual learners, that would be spot on!! Thanks for your series of tutorials. :-)

[@kapilagarg]

Wow...You made photography sound like it's a piece of cake to move from point and shoot camera to DSLR's and from amateur to a professional one( well, atleast to a good photographer :)) Thank you for making such a great tutorial...will update you on my hands on experience with capturing some decent pictures equipped with your knowledge. Keep up the good work !

[@carlaleal636]

This was the BEST video about how to get started at photography. You probbaly don't know how usefull all this information was for me as a beginner and how well you've explained it! I hope you keep giving us more vids like this because they're totally usefull, thank you for sharing this with us Carla

[@harleyconaway3324]

THANK YOU!!! I have been taking photos for years and I have just recently started shooting photos professionally and I wanted to get into shooting in manual. You are literally the only video that has helped me understand!! So, again, THANK YOU!!

[@Soullesschump]

this was perfect. thanks for your time!

[@niketadave5700]

I have seen many videos on this topic but this is The bestest explanation ever!!!! Millions thanks for being so helpful and made our learning easier ☺ loads of love to you 😊

[@THE-TEDDY-BEAR-PODCAST]

niketa dave me too..i have only just got my first dslr camera, a nikon d3200 and i didnt have a clue what all the iso apeture jargon was about, now it make perfect sense...bit like putting a jigsaw together....knowing which piece goes where....great video ....

[@niketadave5700]

THE THRIBBLE 👍👍

[@shsredtopfan]

I've watched video after video that attempts to explain aperture, shutter speed, and ISO and this one is by far the most clear. Thanks for the real-life examples, and the descriptive explanations!

[@nikotime1892]

As a total novice this is BRILLIANT I got so much out of this, what a great service you've contributed to those that are interested. I cant thank you enough.

[@neknoop]

Finally someone that can explain it properly.

[@user-xu5eu8po7f]

Sir. its hard to keep following your words without a visual example.

[@elizabethzakopcan3987]

Thank you Sean, you are amazing teacher.I have been watched a lot of videos trying desperately to learn and understand Manual Mode. The way you explain, nobody does.I love photography very much and want to take a good pictures.You helped me a lot.

[@subroto1961]

You are a superb teacher mate. Your love for aperture control is very much evident in this clip. Good use of depth here.

[@censiblelife]

Youre my crush.ive learned muchhon your video.

[@TheOneminutetutorial]

thanks HUGH JACKMAN.. two thumbs up !!!!!!!!!!!! Great Video

[@waynenorman1]

ive just started out taking photos and trying to understand Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO and wanted to say thank you for explaining it clearly as now i get it 100% lol

[@muhammadshoaibjavaid3581]

I saw many many many videos and they all just go on and on and on and on...But this one is awesome...Straight to the point. Easy to understand not too much unnecessary detail..Thank you very very much..

[@Noney87]

I'm currently taking a beginners course to photography and yesterday we went out to practice our shooting, and i've had a lot of pictures that were either over exposed or under exposed, and some were blurry! I tried to play around with the setting and i know what the 3 elements are but i didn't know how to relate them to one another! this video made life much easier and now i completely understand what to do in these situations. i'm excited and can't wait to grab my camera and go practice! and can't wait to show you my results after this vid! THANKS A LOT

[@KellyTrayah]

This was the most helpful video I have come across. I too am trying to learn how to get out of the automatic mode and make sense of it all. This was extremely helpful. I have many notes I have taken and stopped your video, rewound it and played it again and again. I will definitely be following your other videos. Thank you for simplifying the information that is already so overwhelming.

[@ksc8756]

I just got my first DSLR and I needed a good teacher on how to take the best pictures, I've watched lots of YT vids already and by far you are the best ever... thank you so much for these amazing tutorials they are extremely helpful

[@kunalrockstr2015]

This is actually the bestest video tutorial by anyone interelating the 3 most imp elements of manual photogrophy....sincerely hats off, and thank you so so so much for doing it! :'D

[@lucialiebert1277]

I viewed many videos on this subject and none were as clear and as helpful as this one. Thank you Great Job!

[@wrus9]

Fabulous video - Exactly what I need. After years of messing around with camcorders and point and shoot cameras I have finally bought myself a Sony Alpha A58 and you are so right. It is totally confusing BUT having watched your video three times already I am starting to understand that the three areas you talk about are the main issues to grasp and if I have understood you correctly then once those three areas are second nature all the other wonderful settings effects etc that are on the camera will start to fall into place. I am really very grateful to you. Thank you so much.

[@danielmoore6156]

Thanks, this was really helpful. I did photography at college 15 years ago and got top grades with my old film SLR, but have recently picked up a digital SLR after a long hiatus, and had lost a lot of the skill I had gained back then. Your video was really helpful, especially the section on aperture!

[@AnitabyDesign]

You have made my entire week. Thank you so much for this very helpful tutorial. I've been watching videos all week, trying to learn how to capture better photos for my blog. You have provided me the best, very detailed description that I can understand. I believe I can take what I've learned here and start practicing for better photos with a bit more confidence. I will watch this video over and over, along with a few others until I master these three important elements. Thank you, again, for your time and attention to the details. I love your teaching style.

[@anissguendez9205]

One of my best photography explaining channels on KZbin. Big like from Dubai. Keep it up man.

[@myyoutube5422]

Clearly explained, thank you. I've been watching videos here to learn more and avoid confusion about the combination of these 3 aspects in photography and this video of yours is one of those that are explained in detail and easy to understand.

[@fiveftfirecracker]

Thank you. So far you're the ONLY video that explains this stuff. The rest of them just say "This is for" That is for" Use the words without explaining what they mean.

[@Scooter22284]

Thanks so much for this video! I just got my first dslr for Christmas a few weeks ago and have been doing a lot of research online to avoid expensive classes. I understand all 3 modes and your video was perfect on explaining everything. Thanks so much for taking time out to make this video to help us beginners out! -Chris

[@weshalstead]

Great Video! Very nice explanation ! My wife and I are building up a Studio here for our local town, and I actually used your video to show one of our college students, so that he could get a better understanding of these 3 main components. Thanks !!

[@Savinggrace777]

"THANK YOU" so much! Finally, I found someone who explained how all of these features and dynamics "work together!" and the effects that adjusting each will have on the other. I appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge!

[@williamchoe3816]

the best video I've seen on explaining the differences between the three, and how they work together. Definitely worth the 20 minutes.

[@antritchkawol8349]

The best explanation of the use of a camera with the application of the shutter speed, aperture iso and the depth of field- How to create good manual photography. Well done. Many thanks

[@orozcoaj69]

Last night I attended my very first photography class and left feeling discouraged and overwhelmed with all the info the instructor gave. After watching this video, I am feeling hopeful!!! Thank you so much :-)

[@dagsy1940]

Thank you so much for the clearest explanation of the inter-relationship between shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, that I have come across anywhere. I admire you Sean, for your willingness to share you knowledge, and give it freely to beginners everywhere. Now to go and get stuck into manual mode with a lot less trepidation that I would have had prior to watching your video. Thanks again.

[@user-id1zl6mq2l]

I never understood these concepts before. You have given very simple and Clear explanation on Aperture , shutter speed and ISO. Thank you very much for uploading these tutorial videos. I'm gaining lot of real knowledge outta of it

[@fam4760]

Excellent explanation, it really pays to listen, listen, understand before fiddling around with your camera. Really helpful explanation as it explains the 3 musketeers (aperture, ISO, and shutter speed) very well. Worth watching again and again!

[@lisavanenkevort8457]

My husband was trying to explain aperture with some butter, plastic wrap and a thermos and my eyes started to glaze over. He took photography in school and understands depth of field and how to use the aperture but saying it slower and louder was not helping. OMG--Thank you for this fantastic video. And yes, I plan to watch this more than once. You weren't long winded at all. Thanks, Lisa V : )

[@phrexleysnipes-]

Thanks for the great explanation! Been reading and watching videos all night trying to get a grasp of these 3 elements... finally came across this video that broke it down in a way I could comprehend. Brilliant tutorial!

[@solar4m329]

Thank you for this tutorial! I am a visual learner for sure but I found your verbal explanation so clear. I have watched videos that offer verbal and visuals but because there are so many components to understanding the 3 features together I have found adding visuals on top of explanation was overwhelming. I was able to make notes and will be referencing them with hands on practice! thanks!!

[@dagsy1940]

Thank you Sean for such a well explained video. As someone who has always been an auto shooter, you have given me the confidence to go out and try some manual shooting. Even I can now comprehend the inter-reactions between aperture, shutter speed and ISO. I can't thank you enough for the logical way you explained everything.

[@gympinoy]

Thank you for explaining aperture in such a way it made sense. I always thought the larger the f stop the larger the focus and your eye analogy made it perfectly clear. Subscribed to your videos and plan on viewing them all because I have just discovered the many benefits of professional photography. Thanks

[@Salonijogai]

Thank you so much. Your way of explaining the subject is amazing. I have previously taken class on photography but the theory would never stay in my brain long enough for me to actually use it practically. Now I fully understand the basics and enjoy photography as a hobby.

[@paulshirley]

Hi.. i've been into phtography now for a couple of years.. trying to understand the 3 elements has been something I give up on.. after I watched your video.. everything was as simple as a b c... thankyou every so much for explaining and taking time out to make this video... your a star.

[@talktomeormailme]

hey sean...as you said every video out there explains each of the concepts but they do not put these together. You have done this perfectly in your video and this was the best video I have seen on youtube..Thanks a bunch and good luck.

[@seethefeelings]

Crazy when you have to apologize for being long winded when sharing such incredible information! Thank you so much for making this awesome video brother, way to help people improve their skills...and perhaps even their lives!!!

[@andrewb3289]

have purchased a dslr nikon D3300 and although excited also daunting because I know nothing. But you explain things with such clarity, so glad I found your videos. Keep up the excellent work A.Brampton

[@NoahJJCoolClips]

Thanks so much for this video. I have been shooting on Aperture priority mode for years and am now taking the steps to shoot in manual mode. This video relates all elements together very well.

[@cris148cv]

Yes, finally someone talked a photography language for beginners who want to learn how to get more out of their camera. I've finally learned the basics of aperture, shutter speed and ISO. Thank you!!!

[@carlaengel5085]

I am just starting to really use manual mode for all my shooting. I took some one on one photography classes. The instructor explained , I have to use manual mode so my exposure remains the same , like during a portrait. I was using AV mode and spending Hours and hours in post processing. Honestly I was really struggling with my exposures, in different settings. Your video is excellent , explains all 3 elements very well. Best video I have seen. Thank you

[@loririggs2208]

Thank you so much! I have wanted to learn these complex settings for so many years but continue to quit because it's been so foreign to me. I will have to watch many more times but this is the video that is going to finally get through. I have a much better understanding even after one view!

[@kionbristow7268]

Totally loved this video! My first camera is due to arrive next week. Even without having it in my hands, this video has really broken down three key concepts in such an easily comprehendible manner that I feel greatly empowered.

[@julesjones007]

Fantastic explanation! Thank you! Just starting out (in manual mode) and I have searched and searched on how to start off in manual mode. Cheers!

[@bethhooker2084]

This was so wonderful! It's been 20 years since I studied photography, back in the film days, and have forgotten so much. You are an excellent teacher and I will watch out for more videos. I am shooting real estate interiors and exteriors and video if you have any suggestions. Thank you again!

[@jefferywaz8651]

"U-THE-MAN" Staying in Siem Reap, Cambodia, for the past month, my wife and I are back out to shoot Angkor-Wat at sunrise, tomorrow A.M. ( for the 3rd time ). Before bed tonight, we watched u-r video. At the moment, I can only say "MANY-MAHALO'S" !!!!!!!!!!!! I'd love to show u the progress by day's end !!!!! Keep up the great work....

[@kevinalcontin]

I just bought a new dslr and im new to photography. This tutorial easily helped me understand almost everything in photography. 👍🏼

[@rickangelone1747]

Sean.... you saved me a bunch of time on trying to figure this stuff out.... clear, concise and just awesome that you took the time! Much, much appreciated...