What mode do you use?

[donitab]

When you are taking pictures, what mode do you use and why? I've noticed recently several people use Aperature Priority -I use full Manual. Just being nosy!

[MIDA78466]

I'm a newby to the DSLR so I use auto or AP. Don't know how to use full manual yet.

[katrinak]

I use AV (aperture priority) for my everyday walking around shots because it lets me move at the speed of an almost 4 year old. If the lighting is tricky and have more time then I'll go to Manual.

[KerryMac]

ditto what Katrina said!

[LauraBean]

Aperture Priority most of the time, unless I'm using my flash, in which case I always use Manual.

[deanie]

Ditto the above.

[iUma]

I am doing whatever THEY (above) say. Usually aperture but I will go to auto in a panic with kids flying around everywhere. I hope to become more fluent with manual.

[Aino]

I have to ditto the above.
Aperture 90% of the time.

If I shoot more "artsy" photos (i.e. not my kids around the house) (i.e. flowers usually :grin - then I go Manual because I think it is a little more flexible.

[dugarner]

I use full manual most of the time, I have to tinker with it or if I use aperture priority, my shutter speed is often too slow to handhold with my telephoto. So I have to rob Peter to pay Paul and give and move around the ISO to make sure I don't get blurry shots.

[Starlite9711]

Aperture priority mostly, but I have been playing with full manual to learn more

[katrinak]

Originally Posted by dugarner

I use full manual most of the time, I have to tinker with it or if I use aperture priority, my shutter speed is often too slow to handhold with my telephoto. So I have to rob Peter to pay Paul and give and move around the ISO to make sure I don't get blurry shots.

One cool way around that is to use Shutter Priority. Set it for a fast enough shutter speed, it chooses aperture and you don't have that blur worry.

[sweetpeony]

Aperture priority, usually with ISO 100 or 200. For flowers, plants, and whatevers wants a longer exposure, a tripod. And Nikon's wireless shutter release - which is worth every nickel of the $16 price I've paid twice now

[Kathie]

Originally Posted by sweetpeony

And Nikon's wireless shutter release - which is worth every nickel of the $16 price I've paid twice now

Would that be because you lost the first one?? I am laughing--because I just lost mine!! It is soooo dang small! But I love(d?) it and am getting ready to get another. Thinking I need to attach it to one of those "clapper" key chains or something this time. ;-)

[Amy L]

I learned in manual, and no three-year-olds to chase, so that's what I use.

[geekgirl415]

I'm happy to say I've been mostly manual, sometimes aperature priority and sometimes shutter priority. The other day i was taking some photos of a washer/dryer to put on craigslist and realized I had forgotten about using auto! I ended up switching to get the basic, boring shot for the ad. (thanks ladies, for your encouragement a few months ago!).

[artmidget]

I am fairly new to dslr (just got my D-90 in April), but usually use manual or program mode. But, when I have my 50mm lens on I use aperture priority. Also, when I can I prefer manual focus because I have more control of my focus point.

[SAHMom]

I only shoot in manual... I'm a bit of a control freak... LOL And I shoot some studio too. Way back when I was learning, I just made myself only use manual, and now can't go back. There are times though when I'm getting a work out in varying lighting situations that after the fact I think, "man, I should have used aperture mode... may have made my life a little easier." but I never think of it in the moment... LOL

Sarah, does your camera have Auto ISO? Might be an option in those situations too so you can keep shooting with higher shutter speeds and your aperture where you want it, the camera will detect when you need a bump in ISO.

[dstnd2be]

I usually use Aperture Priority but I spent the day with a photographer friend of mine today and I am going to be strictly full manual from today forward!

[anke]

I was using manual all the time with my D40 and doing pretty well. Now I have the D300 and it seems so much harder to get a good shot. I must not be doing something right. Katrina suggested using Aperature mode, so I will try that

[carollee]

I am still stuck firmly on auto, so I'm hoping Katrina's class will point me in the right direction.

[hulseyfam]

Am I allowed to ask here at DD how many people are taking Katrina's class?? I'm debating on signing up, but will be gone for a good week AND have a newborn AND it's summer. However, I need a good push in the right direction!

[ajfetzer]

Jamie, I started a thread about Katrina's class here it looks like there are lots of DD Girls taking it