Camera Program Mode and Manual Mode

If you're using a dSLR, you've likely noticed a dial on the top of the camera body with, among other icons, the letters M, A (or Av), S (or TV), and P. These four symbols denote different exposure modes you can use depending on how comfortable you are with using the internal light meter of your camera. The M (as in Manual) and P (as in Program) camera modes are basically the standard and automatic transmissions, respectively, and are suitable for all situations depending on your level of skill and the convenience of your environment.

The setting most beginning photographers will likely use is the Program mode. With this setting, the camera automatically selects the best shutter and aperture settings for your photograph. Using the Program exposure mode is an excellent way to become familiar with how the light meter works and how the shutter and aperture collaborate to create the perfect exposure. Program mode is very helpful in other ways, too, such as if the direction or intensity of your light source changes frequently. The camera is much quicker at adjusting the shutter and aperture settings than you probably are, so letting it take over in situations where the light varies is a great way to keep up with the changes. It may not be the exact exposure you have in mind, but better to have taken the picture with a better-than-average exposure than to have missed the photo completely because you were fumbling with your settings.

Once you have gained some familiarity with how the shutter and aperture function together, Manual mode is the setting in which you can accelerate your photography craft. Manual mode allows the photographer complete control over both the shutter and aperture settings, leaving it up to you to determine what the best settings are based on the readings of the light meter. Of all camera modes, Manual is where creativity can flourish by allowing you to tweak the settings in order to capture the precise exposure and effects that you have in mind. Unless you have some preternatural motor skills in handling your camera, Manual mode can often seem like the exposure mode of leisure as it can take a little bit more time to find the correct setting for your photograph. However, learning how to manually manipulate your photos can exponentially improve the caliber of your pictures.